9 Youth receive 2025 academic scholarships from APHF
Nine AjPHA members are getting a leg up for college, thanks to 2025 academic scholarships awarded by the American Paint Horse Foundation. Congratulations to these deserving AjPHA members.
Education is one of the three pillars that define the American Paint Horse Foundation. It includes providing both academic and performance-based scholarships to AjPHA members, along with fostering appreciation and understanding for the role horses play in our history and future. Giving Youth tools they need to carry forward the legacy of the horse is a key value, along with APHF’s complementary pillars of preserving equine heritage and enhancing equine-assisted services.
“Thank you to our generous endowment-holders,” APHF Administrator Betsy Budge said. “Your commitment is more than a gift; it’s an investment in the future of our Youth. Because of you, young leaders have the resources and opportunities they need to grow, achieve, and make a lasting impact.”
Make a lasting impact of your own by donating to the American Paint Horse Foundation: apha.com/foundation
APHF’s 2025 Academic Scholarship Recipients
- Sawyer Byers, Cheney, Kansas
- Sawyer received an Arizona Paint Horse Club scholarship. She’s heading to Texas Christan University to study neuroscience, with plans to attend medical school.
- Lucy Berhorst, Zeeland, Michigan
- Lucy’s scholarship is courtesy of the Rockey Mountain Paint Horse Club Youth Development Fund Endowment. She’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in science at Grand Valley State University and plans to become a wildlife biologist.
- Ethan Jones, Marietta, Georgia
- Ethan received the Paul White Memorial scholarship. He hopes to pursue a doctorate in chiropractic at Life University.
- Makenna Noon, Sarasota, Florida
- Receiving the Lee Newsom Endowment scholarship, Makenna is attending Miami University, with hopes to become a surgeon.
- Emily Allen, Plano, Texas
- Emily’s scholarship is courtesy of the Southwest Washington Paint Horse Club. She’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science at Texas Tech University, with hopes of becoming a veterinarian.
- Hailey Smith, Caledonia, Michigan
- Hailey earned a Zone 1 scholarship; she’s pursuing a career as an attorney through studies at Grand Valley State University.
- Lila Schinker, Mendon, Michigan
- Winner of the Michigan Paint Horse Club endowment scholarship, Lila is attending Michigan State University and hopes to become an aesthetic dermatologist physician’s assistant.
- Awbrey Alvarado, Hockley, Texas
- Awbrey’s scholarship is from the Bill & Joye Bryan Endowment. She’s pursuing a business/pre-law degree at the University of Arkansas.
- Cara Christensen, Valley View, Texas
- Receiving the Gulf Coast Paint Horse Club Endowment scholarship, Cara is attending Texas A&M University to study agriculture business.
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About the American Paint Horse Foundation
The American Paint Horse Foundation is a non-profit, charitable 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission is to enhance educational programs, preserve equine heritage and expand equine-assisted services. Your support is vital to help fulfill these efforts—donate today at apha.com/foundation.