TINTON FALLS – Ranney senior Adele McKenna of Rumson, signed papers to matriculate at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas starting in the fall of 2015 as part of its Division I Equestrian program.
Texas A&M’s riding program is currently ranked 5th in the nation and competes in the Southeastern Conference. McKenna has received an early decision acceptance and a partial scholarship to the university.
“Texas A&M is building its team and bringing in many great riders for the years ahead,” McKenna said. “I know several people there and fell in love with the school when I visited over the summer.”
McKenna began riding horses when she was 4 years old and started to enter competitions at age 8. Today, she competes as a Hunter Jumper with her horse, Kocu Z, and trains with Max Amaya of Stonehenge Stables and Stacia Madden of Beacon Hill Show Stables, both located in Colts Neck.
“I couldn’t be more proud of Adele’s accomplishments since she began riding at Stonehenge Stables,” Amaya said. “I am thrilled for her to have joined the Texas A&M riding team. We wish her and the team the best of luck.”
McKenna has been a member of Ranney School’s Equestrian Club since it began in October 2012. As part of the club, she has been volunteering at Sunnyside Equestrian Center’s Special People United to Ride program once a week for the past two years. She also participates in Ranney’s Environmental Students Taking Action Club.
