Ferris Allen Bootstraps Scholarship Awarded To Sepulveda, Torzone

Julissa Sepulveda, a freshman at the University of Kentucky, and Andrea Torzone, currently enrolled at Michigan State University, have been selected the 2024 recipients of the Ferris Allen Bootstraps Scholarship, which was launched last year.

The scholarship program is funded by Ferris Allen, the Laurel Park-based trainer who serves on the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association Board of Directors. It was designed to award one recipient $10,000 that can be used toward funding a college education, but given the depth of applicants this year, the MTHA Board of Directors voted to contribute $10,000 for a second recipient.

“These students, Julissa and Andrea, personify the intentions of the ‘bootstraps’ program,” Allen said. “Both have achieved admission to quality universities and are enjoying their first semester. Our scholarship is there for them when they need it, now or down the road, to help them tackle the financial challenge of paying for college.

“Our community is proud of the ambition that our hard-working, horse-loving members instill in our children. We look forward to continuing to encourage them to pursue their dreams.”

Sepulveda, who is majoring in Animal Science on a pre-veterinary track, has worked for more than three years as a veterinarian assistant for Maryland Veterinary Group. She has worked at Laurel, Pimlico Race Course and Delaware Park.

A resident of Wilmington, Del., Sepulveda envisioned herself becoming a hot walker on the backstretch, but her parents encouraged her to pursue an education. At the urging of the Maryland Veterinary Group, she did end up working with horses.

“(My parents) have shown me to love horses and to want to do better for them,” said Sepulveda, a first-generation Mexican-American. “The love they gave horses on a day-to-day basis is exceptional, and I would love to be given the opportunity to become a veterinarian and a greater voice for horses.

“With the help of this scholarship and my devoted dedication to my education, this dream will be accomplished. No matter what the obstacle is, whether financially or how hard coursework can get, the end goal will forever be to care for these animals who give many an income and deserve the utmost respect and love.”

Torzone, a resident of Crofton, Md., is double majoring in Animal Science and Zoology and minoring in Marine Conservation. She said her experience working on the backstretch greatly influenced her educational pursuits.

“My equine background proved invaluable when I began working at Laurel Park under Brittany Russell for two consecutive years,” Torzone said. “I fell in love not only with the sport of horse racing but, more importantly, with the horses themselves—their remarkable drive, work ethic, and passion for running. Witnessing these exceptional athletes sparked in me a profound commitment to serve them and contribute to the industry that showcases their talent. This experience solidified my desire to pursue a career as an equine and large-animal veterinarian.

“The veterinary profession, and specifically the field of equine medicine, faces a critical shortage of veterinarians. The racing industry’s high concentration of horses places a significant workload on practitioners, making the need for skilled equine veterinarians even more pressing. Receiving the Ferris Allen Bootstraps Scholarship has been a pivotal moment in my journey, both in terms of my education and personal growth. Knowing that someone who shares my passion for the racing industry believes in my potential is both humbling and motivating. Ferris Allen’s generosity has created invaluable opportunities for me to pursue my goals.”

Torzone said she is pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine along with a Ph.D. so she can have “a meaningful impact on equine health through both practice and research. My vision is to improve the lives of individual horses while also contributing to industry-wide advancements that elevate the standards of veterinary care and promote sustainability.”

Alvaro Barajas, who has worked as hot walker at Laurel Park since 2018, was the first recipient of the Ferris Allen Bootstraps Scholarship. He is enrolled in his first year at University of Maryland after spending two years at Prince George’s County Community College.

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