SOA of NY/Yonkers Raceway John R. Brennan Scholarship recipients have been revealed
Four students were presented with 2026 John R. Brennan Scholarship awards
Yonkers, NY - On Tuesday night, August 18th, the SOA of NY was proud to present the 2026 John R. Brennan Scholarship awards to this year’s four recipients, Max Keppler (1st place – $11,000), Joshua Holland (2nd place – $6,000), Addison Gingras (3rd place – $4,000) and Jaiden Gingras (4th place – $2,000). The scholarship award is named after a longtime good friend of Yonkers Raceway, horse trainer and SOA of NY field representative, John Brennan.
Max Keppler is attending Syracuse University pursuing a degree in Accounting and Business Analytics. His father, Scott, has been an amateur driver since 1983, with 103 wins, and has owned racehorses since 1985.
Joshua Holland is attending Southern Methodist University pursuing a degree in Finance. His father, Brent, is a driver with 6,612 wins and $86.7 million in career earnings.
Addison Gingras will be attending Sacred Heart University and will be pursuing a degree in Business Marketing. Her father, Yannick, is a driver with 9,650 wins and $263 million in career earnings.
Jaiden Gingras is attending Rider University pursuing a degree in Business Administration-Finance. His father, Yannick, is a driver with 9,650 wins and $263 million in career earnings.
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.
Applicants were judged first by an independent third party, who narrowed it down to five candidates. Then the Scholarship Committee selected the four 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.
(Photos Endri Prenga)
