The Race for Education (RFE) announced its newly elected officers and board appointments, as well as plans for 2025 scholarship distributions. During its December board meeting, Kevin O'Keeffe was elected as board chairman, and Bill Casner was elected as vice-chairman. O'Keeffe, a Thoroughbred owner, breeder, and attorney based in Baltimore, has been a dedicated member of the RFE board since 2012. The board also includes original members Gay Bredin and David Ingordo. Joining the board this year is Pete Aiello, one of RFE's first scholarship recipients and the current track announcer at Gulfstream Park.
"It is an honor to serve as chair of The Race for Education, which has awarded over $7.5 million in scholarships and educational programs since its inception in 2000," said O'Keeffe. "Recipients have pursued careers across the racing industry, including roles as trainers, veterinarians, bloodstock agents, and racetrack managers. Supporting students as they achieve their dreams while shaping the future of the horse racing industry is truly special. The board is committed to reinvigorating fundraising efforts and expanding scholarship opportunities for the next generation."
In 2017, the RFE board and staff decided to wind down operations after years of significant success, citing a perceived decline in industry interest. Scholarships were subsequently managed by the KEEP Foundation, and the plan was to distribute remaining funds until depletion. However, the organization has since been revitalized by unexpected generosity from donors. Notably, a bequest of $500,000 from the estate of Robert Reeves in 2024 provided significant support for future initiatives. At the same time, there has been a marked increase in high-quality scholarship applications from young people aspiring to careers in the equine industry.
To meet this growing interest, RFE co-founder and former president Elisabeth Jensen will lead new fundraising efforts, while communications coordinator Brittany Bell will oversee the scholarship application and award process.
In 2025, The Race for Education will award $85,000 in scholarships and grants, including two new opportunities: the Bob Reeves Memorial Scholarship, open to an Ohio student pursuing studies in equine, animal science, or agriculture, or whose families work in the equine industry, and the Dual-Credit Scholarship for high school students enrolled in dual-credit equine programs. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available soon, with deadlines to be announced shortly.
The Race for Education remains dedicated to supporting students in their educational journeys and helping cultivate the next generation of leaders in the horse racing industry.
