Yonkers, NY – President of the SOA of NY Joe Faraldo and Scholarship Chairperson Sandra Kaufman would like to thank the 14 applicants for applying to the 2025 John R. Brennan scholarship, the most applications received in recent years.
The scholarship award is named after a longtime, good friend of Yonkers Raceway, horse trainer and SOA of NY field representative John Brennan.
The three recipients of the 2025 John R. Brennan scholarship awards are Ryley Fusco (1st place – $10,000), Cassidy Maglio (2nd place – $5,000) and Kyle Switzer (3rd place – $3,000).
Ryley Fusco is attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte pursuing a degree in biology. Her father, Paul has been a driver and trainer since 1991 and has 330 driving wins and 909 training wins.
Cassidy Maglio will be attending Pace University in New York City pursing a doctorate degree in pediatric medicine. Her mother, Diana is a caretaker, was trainer from 1997-2023 and has owned horses since 1994.
Kyle Switzer will be attending Rowan University in New Jersey pursing a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. His father, Paul is an owner since 2024 and has owned 14 horses.
The annual SOA of NY / Yonkers Raceway John R. Brennan scholarships are awarded to SOA members in good standing, members of their immediate families and immediate family members of a caretaker for studies beyond the high school level. The recipient is chosen based on merit and financial need. The applicants were judged first by an independent third party, who narrowed it down to five candidates.
Then the Scholarship Committee selected the three winners from the five finalists. Personal information from all the candidates was redacted when presented to the independent party and the Scholarship Committee to assure a blind judging process.