Deadline Extended to May 1 For AjPHA Youth Executive Committee, Great Paint Brush-Off, Youth Member of the Year, and Youth Club of the Year

PHJ press release by: Rachel Florman and Jessica Hein

APHA.com

Calling all National Directors—AjPHA wants YOU to help lead the front lines of Paint-loving Youth. Think you’re ready to take the reins?

Applications are currently open for the AjPHA Executive Committee, and the submission deadline has been extended until May 1. Candidates must be current national directors, at least 12 years old and submit an officer biography form.

Available positions include:

– President-elect (must be 15 or older)

– Vice President

– Treasurer

– Secretary

– Zone Representative (for each Zone 1–14)

Submit your application today to become a leading member of AjPHA. Applicants may apply for one or all of the available positions.

Christine Henry, APHA’s director of Youth and Amateur activities, says she is excited to grow AjPHA on the national level, and to help National Directors reach their full potential as leaders.

“An AjPHA Executive Committee position is more than just a title on your college application—it provides an excellent way to grow and improve your leadership skills,” she said. “And what’s better than becoming the best version of yourself possible while talking about Paints?”

Submissions close on May 1. For questions regarding the AjPHA Executive Committee or AjPHA leadership, contact Christine Henry at (817) 222-6436.

AjPHA hosts tons of great contests throughout the year that are perfect for youth of all ages, whether or not you own a Paint Horse or not. Entries fro three premier contests—the Great Paint Brush-Off art contest, Youth Member of the Year and Youth Club of the Year—are due May 1.

If you haven’t yet entered, there’s still time to create a winning entry.

Great Paint Brush-Off

If you’re a budding artist, the Great Paint Brush-Off is the contest for you! Use your love of Paint Horses to inspire a work of art, and compete for great prizes AND the opportunity to have your artwork displayed at the 2015 AjPHA Youth World Championship Show and APHA’s international headquarters.

“The Great Paint Brush-Off contest is an excellent opportunity for our Youth to show off their talents—and it doesn’t require you to own a Paint Horse. All you need is an artistic passion for them,” Youth Director Christine Henry said.

Age Divisions: 9 & Under, 10-14 and 15-18

Prizes (awarded in all divisions): 1st – $100, 2nd – $75, 3rd- $50

Acceptable mediums: Pen & ink, pencil, crayon, acrylic, watercolor, oil, color pencil, pastels or charcoal (mediums that are prone to smudge should be submitted with a protective cover). Must be an original work of art created by the Youth and incorporate Paint Horses in some way.

Eligibility: One entry per youth; must be an APHA/AjPHA member

AjPHA Member of the Year

This special annual award recognizes an AjPHA member who is a great example of community involvement, volunteer work, scholarship and leadership. This award is not given for excellence in the show pen, but the nominee may be an active competitor. Youth must be nominated by their APHA or AjPHA regional club.

“The AjPHA Member of the Year contest provides an avenue for that individual who contributes to their local and national Paint community to be recognized on the world stage,” Christine said.

Eligibility: Applicant must be a current AjPHA member and be 18 years old or younger as of January 1. The Youth may not currently be on the AjPHA Executive Committee.

Endorsement: Youth must be nominated by a regional club by securing a signature of the club’s president on the application and providing letters of recommendations from club representatives. There is no limit of number of applicants from each club.

Application: In addition to competing the application, nominees must provide letters of recommendation, a 500-word essay on your educational plans/goals, transcript and SAT/ACT scores (if applicable). See form for details.

Prizes: The winner receives a custom-designed belt buckle and a $1,000 scholarship, presented during the AjPHA Youth World Show.

AjPHA Club of the Year

Is your Youth club the best one around? Apply for the AjPHA Club of the Year award, presented at the Youth World Show.

Applying is easy: submit a scrapbook or collection of materials that show the scope of your club’s activities—educational, volunteer and social—from May 2014 to May 2015, and show us how you’re making a difference. See the form for complete listing of judging components. The Top Three clubs are recognized at the Youth World Show, and the winning club takes home $1,000.

“AjPHA regional clubs are the backbone of our association. The Club of the Year award rewards clubs that are promoting Youth excellence in a variety of ways to its members and the local Paint Horse community,” Christine said. “From social gatherings to educational programs, AjPHA clubs play an important part in helping shape their Youth members.”

Who can apply: Representatives of any AjPHA regional club

Criteria: Applications are judged on the basis of: presentation and neatness, club information, communication, social/non-show activities; promotion; fund-raising; APHA activities; community service; education and presidential service project participation. See form for details.

Prizes: $1,000 for the winning club

Materials and applications for any of these contests should be submitted to the director of Youth activities by May 1 (postmark date). Email chenry@apha.com or mail materials to:

Christine Henry

C/O [Put applicable contest name here]

PO Box 961023

Fort Worth, TX 76161

Questions? Check out the ajpha.com website, or call (817) 222-6436.