Youth of the Year Award

About

The Youth of the Year Award recognizes youth who demonstrate dedication through volunteer work for a worthy cause. This 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. The recipient will receive a $7,500 scholarship from the Susan Scott Memorial Fund. In addition to the scholarship, a $500 donation is made to a charity of choice in the winner’s name.  The NSBA Foundation will also present up to four National Finalists will receive a $2,000 stipend. Finalists will be featured in a spotlight in The Way To Go magazine and recognized at the annual NSBA Honors Banquet in Tulsa, Oklahoma.



Do you know an extraordinary youth who has gone above and beyond for a cause they are passionate about? Applications will become available each spring and are due June 1.

Susan Scott Memorial Fund

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.

Rye Gil

Since 2019, Rye has supported Humane Ohio with a fundraiser of his own creation. He makes homemade dog and horse treats that he sells at horse shows and other events. Every dollar he earns goes directly toward the Humane Ohio mission of ending pet homelessness. To date, Rye has raised more than $4,000 for Humane Ohio, with more than $2,000 in the past year alone. His initiative has raised critical awareness about the importance of affordable spay and neuter services and responsible pet care, as well as made a real financial impact.

Rye did not create his fundraiser as part of a school project or assignment; it was strictly his own idea. He independently sources his materials, manages his sales and does it all with an excellent grade point average and recent academic awards in history and science. He balances his fundraising with involvement in choir, band, soccer and basketball at State Line Christian School. He is also a courteous, respectful and hard-working NSBA and AQHA Youth exhibitor. In his quest to become a veterinarian and return to Humane Ohio fulltime one day, he is volunteering alongside its medical team this summer to gain hands-on experience in the clinic.

The finalists for this year’s award also receive scholarships. They included Olivia Clough, Bobby Culwell and Kenidee Thomas.