Gerald Nielsen, Jr., second from right (Adam Coglianese)
The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. presented the 2013 NYTB Gerald A. Nielsen, Sr. Scholarship to Allison Tuchrello in the Saratoga winner’s circle after the seventh race on Thursday, which was the New York Racing Association’s fifth annual College Day.
Valedictorian of her class at Livonia High School in Livingston County, Tuchrello will be a junior at SUNY Geneseo this fall, where she is pursuing a double major in Biology and the Pre-Veterinary Medicine professional program. She aspires to become an equine vet, with a special interest in internal medicine, and hopes to attend the Veterinary School at Cornell.
Tuchrello, whose first horse Zeus was an OTTB from Finger Lakes, has been a 4-H member since 2004, and President of her 4-H Club since 2009. She has also volunteered as a leader and side-walker at Rainbow Ridge Therapeutic Riding Center. At Geneseo she belongs to both the Biology Club and Pre-Vet Club.
Tuchrello, after being awarded the $5,000 scholarship, said, “It’s a great honor to be awarded this scholarship. I cannot wait to give back to the racing industry with the help of the NYTB scholarship as I finish up my undergraduate degree and start to prepare my applications for vet school. It means so very much to my family and I that NYTB chose me to receive the scholarship for 2013. Thank you so much!”
Making the presentation were Mr. Gerald Nielsen, Jr., son of the late Gerald A. Nielsen, a former president of NYTB who established the scholarship, NYTB Executive Director Jeffrey Cannizzo, NYTB Vice President Thomas Gallo, and NYTB Secretary/Treasurer Vivien Malloy.
Mr. Nielsen said, “It’s an honor to be here. We miss my father. He’s been gone for nine years now and his memory just lives on.” Mr. Nielsen added, “We miss him a lot and we are really proud of what he accomplished with the New York Breeders and in setting up this scholarship. We have a wonderful recipient this year.”
