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Game Changers

The mission of the Game Changer program is to enable AjPHA national directors to participate on an APHA advisory committee and learn more about their roles in APHA. Committee leaders and members are asked to include participating Youth in all committee business, including conference calls, face-to-face meetings, polls and other items. This program was developed by the 2019 Youth Leadership Conference attendees and approved by the APHA Board of Directors.

Interested AjPHA National Directors need to complete an online application for the APHA committee(s) that interest them. Applications are then reviewed by a panel including the APHA Director of Youth activities, APHA President and the applicable committee chair/vice-chair. This program’s liaison is the APHA Director of Youth Activities.

Applications for the 2023-2024 Game Changers has been extended to April 15th, 2023.

Congratulations to the following 2022-2023 Game Changers Placements:

HAILEY HALLET
Committee: Amateur Advisory Committee
Hailey is in 10th grade at Olympia High School and is a current AjPHA National Director. She has one registered paint horse named Matchbox Johnny aka Ringo. Hailey’s favorite part of AjPHA is how friendly everyone is and making new friendships. While being a Game Changer, Hailey would like to see the youth program grow and learn more about the behind the scenes work of APHA. Outside of horses, she participates in DECA, a business event allowing her to further her education in the business field. This year she qualified for state with her DECA chapter. She also participates in Student Leadership at Church.

HANNAH JANSSEN
Committee: Breed Integrity Advisory Committee
Hannah attends Delisle Composite School and is in 11th grade. She is a current AjPHA National Director and AjPHA Executive Committee Member. Hannah was the president of the Alberta Paint Horse Club from 2019-2021. Hannah’s registered paint horse partner is Gotta Big Crush aka Biggs. Hannah’s favorite part about participating in AjPHA is meeting all the people involved. As a Game Changer, she hopes to get more youth members involved. Outside of horses, she loves writing and playing volleyball.

ISAK CARTER
Committee: Breed Integrity Advisory Committee
Isak attends Vanden High School and is a current AjPHA National Director. Isak has two APHA horses named They Skipped My Zip and Hicks Need Diamonds. His favorite thing to do with his horses is work cattle. Isak enjoys the sense of community and family AjPHA provides. As a Game Changer, Isak would like to see APHA continue to grow, impact, and give others wonderful opportunities. Outside of APHA, he participates in his High School’s AFJROTC program where he volunteers his time for fundraisers and events to help others.

AWBREY ALVARADO
Committee: Regional Clubs Advisory Committee
Awbrey is in 9th grade at Waller High School and is a current AjPHA National Director. She has two registered paint horses named She Wore It Best and Dont Skip The Cash. Awbrey’s favorite part about participating in AjPHA is working her 6-year-old mare and watching their growth. By being a Game Changer, she wants to learn more about APHA while contributing her ideas. Outside of APHA, Awbrey plays basketball and volleyball for Waller High School. She is also first chair in the high school Symphonic Band where she plays the oboe. Awbrey also is a member and participant in District 9 4H where she is a County Ambassador in promotion, recruitment, and community service. She also participates in regional and national horse judging contests for 4H.

KENDALL LANDS
Committee: Show & Contest Advisory Committee
Kendall is a current AjPHA Director. Her registered paint horse is named I’m The Royal One Aka PrimRose. Kendall’s favorite thing about participating in AjPHA is shaping the future of APHA. In being a Game Changer, she would like to accomplish greater consideration for the youth perspective and enhance planning and decision making. Outside of APHA, Kendall plays field hockey and participates in track and field.

PEYTON STAAT
Committee: Show & Contest Advisory Committee
Peyton is in 11th grade at Bakersfield Christian High School and is an AjPHA National Director. Sirtain Kinda Dream is her registered paint horse. Peyton’s favorite APHA classes with Sirtain Kinda Dream are showmanship, equitation, and horsemanship. She enjoys the camaraderie and encouragement between youth members. By being a Game Changer, she hopes to inspire and empower youth to be involved as much as they can on any level. Outside of APHA, she likes to focus on her studies, spend time boating with family and helping with the FFA club.

AVA MARIOTI
Committee: Show & Contest Advisory Committee
Ava is in 9th grade at The Bolles School. She is an AjPHA National Director and a part of the Florida Junior Paint Horse Club. She has two registered paint horses named Im Gonna Rock You aka Roland and Pretty Classic Dream aka Pilgrim. She enjoys doing trail with Roland and riding Pilgrim bareback. Ava’s favorite thing about AjPHA is the different opportunities it has given her. As a Game Changer, she wants to branch out and meet new people within AjPHA and share their stories. She would like to make the APHA community more accessible to spread the love of paint horses. Outside of APHA, Ava loves to read, backpack and paint.

EMMA GOFFARD
Committee: World Show Advisory Committee
Emma is a Junior at Notre Dame Academy de la Baie and is a current AjPHA National Director. Candy Confidential aka Finn is Emma’s registered paint horse. Emma’s favorite APHA event is the World Show and enjoys the family feeling AjPHA provides by everyone supporting one another. By being a Game Changer, she is hoping to participate more in committees and provide the youth with more opportunities. Outside of APHA, she is actively involved in High Honors and National Honor Society. She is a member of the Chess club, Spanish club, French club, Environmental club, and ASTRA club. She also volunteers her time at the St. Thomas More, Social Justice Work and Tender Hearts Assisted Living.

TAYLOR ELLER
Committee: World Show Advisory Committee
Taylor is an AjPHA National Director. Her registered paint horse is named Made Best Bet Yet aka Grayson. Taylor’s favorite thing to do is ride Grayson bareback at the end of shows. Taylor enjoys meeting new people from out of state. By being a Game Changer, she hopes to help in the welcoming of new members and further her understanding of the ins and outs of the association. Outside of APHA, she participates in athletics and FFA through her school.

LILY MINAHAN
Committee: Youth Advisory Committee
Lily is in 10th grade at Lakewood Ranch High and is an AjPHA National Director. She has one registered paint horse named Kokomo Dream aka Koko. Lily’s favorite APHA class with Koko is trail and pleasure. Lily enjoys everything that can be learned from AjPHA and the fun that can be had. By being a Game Changer, she wants to learn to be a leader and push people to be better. Outside of APHA, Lily is a squad leader in JROTC.

MADISON BROWN
Committee: Youth Advisory Committee
Madison is in 10th grade at Kimball Area High School. Hot Reservation aka Deacon is her registered paint horse. Madison’s favorite part about participating in AjPHA is showing and the lifelong friends you make. By being a Game Changer, she wants to gain a better understanding of what goes on within APHA. Outside of APHA, she plays volleyball, participates in FFA and 4-H, and is the MNSPHC youth club historian.

QUESTIONS? Please contact APHA’s Director of Youth Activities at sjirkovsky@apha.com.

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