by Lynne Snierson, publicity director, Rockingham Park

Salem, NH — Daniel Caradeo and Jillian Turner, two Salem High School seniors, were each awarded a $2,500 college scholarship by the Western New England Harness Horsemen’s Association in a private ceremony at the school on Wednesday evening, May 23.

The winners of the Al Thomas Scholarships, named for the well-known horseman who ran the WNEHHA before the 1980 fire which devastated Rockingham Park, were determined by the principal of the high school.

Harness racing returned to Rockingham Park in 2003 after a 23-year absence.

This is the first year that the Al Thomas scholarships were awarded to local students. The scholarships were funded through purse subsidies given to the horsemen by the racetrack.