Youth of the Year Award

The Youth of the Year Award recognizes youth who demonstrate dedication through volunteer work for a worthy cause. The award is presented annually by the NSBA Foundation to a deserving youth who has gone above and beyond to exhibit exemplary character in helping others through community service. The purpose is to promote and celebrate service work in our youth.

Anyone can fill out the application and the award is open for any youth member of NSBA. The winner will receive recognition at the NSBA Honors Banquet, a night that celebrates the Hall of Fame and Special Award winners and a spotlight in The Way To Go magazine. As well, the NSBA Foundation will make a donation in the winner's name to a charity of their choosing. The NSBA Youth of the Year will be presented with a $4,000 scholarship from the Susan Scott Memorial Fund. In addition to the scholarship, a $500 donation is made to the charity of choice in the winner’s name. Four national finalists will also be awarded scholarships. 

This year's finalists will be been selected by the review committee with the winner to be announced during the Annual NSBA Honors Awards banquet held Sunday, August 13th at 6:30 PM on stage in the Ford Truck Arena at Expo Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

• Alexis Potts, Fountain Inn, South Carolina, Stirrup Your Spirits, helping youth overcome obstacles and bullying; 
• Amber Nusser, Longmont, Colorado, Boulder County Fair Queen, educating people about agriculture; 
• Calen Braden, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, volunteer with Partners for Progress, therapeutic riding center; 
• Emma De Jong, Bargersville, Indiana, fundraiser and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Habitat’s Women Build; 
• Grant Mastin, Jackson, Ohio, created Tackles for Tots to support Jackson, Ohio Area Events Joyful Christmas shoe drive; 
• Ian McFarlin, Tallahassee, Florida, volunteer with Hands and Hearts for Horses equine assisted-therapy program; 
• and Taylor Smith, Salado, Texas, volunteer with Foster Performance Horses helping therapeutic and horseless riders.

“Each of the applicants are to be commended for their outstanding service to their projects. They truly represent the motto of the NSBA Youth, Doing Good in the Neighborhood,” noted Stephanie Lynn, NSBA executive director. “The work of these outstanding youth is a tremendous testament to their servant heart and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.” 

The Susan Scott Memorial fund was established to honor Susan’s memory and foster the lifelong skills learned as a youth involved with horses and horse showing. Rewarding young horsemen who give selflessly perpetuates the characteristics most often found in successful individuals, regardless of their career paths. The fund was made possible through the generous contributions garnered from the auction of Susan’s custom-made Harris saddle and memorial contributions made to the NSBA Foundation in Susan’s name. The saddle was donated by Susan’s daughter, Nancy Ditty, along with her husband Seth and son Luke.