by Carol Hodes for SBOANJ

East Rutherford, NJ — Caitlin McDermott of Allentown, NJ, daughter of Kevin and Sheri McDermott; Leah Mazer-Posner of Jackson, NJ, daughter of Colleen and Mike Posner, and Stephanie Lauer of Hightstown, NJ, daughter of Bruce and Marie Lauer received their $2,500 scholarships from the Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey in winner’s circle ceremonies on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at the Meadowlands.

Presenting the awards were SBOANJ President Tom Luchento, Second Vice President Al Ochsner and Board Member Jacqueline Ingrassia.

McDermott expects to graduate from Florida Southern College in May of 2016 with a degree in biological sciences and athletic training. She was the recipient of an SBOANJ scholarship in 2012 and was a past Standardbred Equestrian of the Year.

Posner plants to pursue a career involving horses, with a goal to be an equine surgeon. She is enrolled in Ocean County Community College.

Lauer spent her freshman year at Radford University and transferred to the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, in 2014. She is majoring in special education with plans to use standardbreds to teach riding to mentally and physically challenged people, and work with wounded soldiers.