The Legacy Foundation is a Lexington-based, nonprofit organization that encompasses the Legacy Equine Academy and the Legacy Ball. The academy identifies promising African-American youth and other students of color in an effort to educate them regarding opportunities in the horse industry. Proceeds from the Legacy Ball help fund scholarships and community-based alliances that foster diversity, inclusion and growth in the industry.
Created in 2016 by Mack, the Legacy Equine Foundation aligns with local Universities and Corporate Partners to sponsor the Legacy Equine Academy.
“Students with an interest in equine-related studies are intentionally recruited and tagged as legacy leaders starting in middle school,” Mack said. “With this scholarship ceremony, we are accomplishing our goal of bridging the historical contributions of African-American trailblazers in horse racing history to the modern traditions and future opportunities in the equine industry.”
The Legacy Ball was held for the first time in 2017 and will be an annual event. According to Mack, the Legacy Ball benefits Lexington and the surrounding community through an equine scholarship outreach program targeting rising African-American high school seniors interested in pursuing the equine industry as a career. The program was developed to promote and improve self-esteem by empowering local youth with knowledge of their heritage, which is key in developing leadership in the community.
Dion Compton was the first Legacy Scholarship recipient in 2017. Dion is a wonderful representative of what we hope for in our students in the Equine and Agriculture Programs; his enthusiasm and his passion will take him far, both at UK and as a part of the equine industry. The Legacy Equine Scholarship reflects the rich history of horse racing.
Congratulations to the 2023 Legacy Equine Academy Scholarship Award Winners: Hillary Thompson, Dylan Simms & Bria O’Neil. Please view their videos below. We are so proud of these amazing students!
Bria O’Neil
Dylan Simms
Hillary Thompson
Joe Hirsch Legacy Equine Academy Scholarship Awarded to UK’s Charles Churchill…Read Full Article
