Youth Member of the Year

Enter by December 1

Overview

Purpose: The AjPHA Youth Member of the Year contest recognizes an outstanding individual whose leadership, service, and character positively impacts AjPHA and their community

The Youth Member of the Year must embody the spirit of community involvement, volunteer work, scholarship and leadership as a well-rounded individual. This award does not require excellence in show ring competition, although the nominee can still be an active competitor.

Eligibility

To be eligible:

Current AjPHA member, 18 years or younger as of January 1 of the current year
May not be a current AjPHA officer (president, president-elect, vice president, secretary or treasurer)
A nominee may be presented for consideration until the nominee wins or exceeds the age limit

Contest Details

Nomination applications are due by December 1. The following information must be provided on the application:

APHA and AjPHA involvement
Other equine involvement
Community service/volunteer work
Academic information including a transcript
500-word essay on your education plans and goals
3 letters of recommendation

Apply for AjPHA Youth Member of the Year!

Celebrate your leadership, community spirit, and dedication to making a difference. This award honors well-rounded Youth who inspire others—whether in the arena, the classroom, or their community.

Apply Now

Awards

The AjPHA Youth Member of the Year receives a custom-designed belt buckle and $1,000 scholarship.

2025 Recipient: Emily Allen

An 18-year-old freshman at Texas Tech University, Emily is active in regional APHA shows, earning multiple year-end high-point and all-around titles with the Cross Timbers Paint Horse Club and Paint Alternative Competition program. She was reserve champion at the 2025 horseIQ Youth Showdown and a member of the champion team at the 2025 horseIQ World Championship Horse Judging contest. Emily actively promotes Paint Horses by recruiting new Youth exhibitors and educating others about APHA programs, genetics and online opportunities.

Beyond APHA, Emily served as president of Lone Star 4-H, where she worked on reviving membership and hosting virtual shows. She also competed in FFA horse events and on a varsity drill team. Emily participated in the Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society Training Challenge, where she coached her yearling to reserve champion honors. Currently, Emily volunteers at Texas Tech’s Therapeutic Riding Center in Lubbock. She’s pursuing a future in equine veterinary medicine.