14th Annual Youth Nationals

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Ahoy Mates, Climb Aboard the AHYA Ship

By Kirsten Kimbler

	Youth Convention… What is that? Well, Convention is when Arabian youth from all over the nation come to Youth Nationals and vote for the AHYA Executive Board (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer). Youth Convention is held on the Saturday before Youth Nationals.
We would like to welcome our new pirate crew (AKA Executive Board). Our new captain is Jennifer Stice, first mate (aka VP) Kirsten Kimpler, 2nd mate (aka Secretary) Nikki Capps, and Treasure Locator (aka Treasurer) Brittany Butterworth.
Treasurer Monica Christian	AHA EVP Gary Zimmerman

Besides voting at Convention, the youth got to participate in fun icebreaker games, had a chance to win Ariat bags and model horses and listen to speakers, including Youth of the Year Monica Christian and Executive Vice President Gary Zimmerman. An especially exciting keynote speaker was Scott Trees, noted equine photographer, who showed us some amazing horse pictures as well as some humbling pictures. He spoke on "Privilege" and how all the luxuries we have today: a car, house, well-paying job, are things sought after in the majority of the world. To close out Youth Convention, Kristen Mckee gave her farewell speech and encouraged youth to find their passion in life.

If you are interested in attending the AHYA Convention, contact your regional Director.

Thanks to AHYA sponsors: Dealer Direct, Sundowner, Equine Sports Medicine and Hesten Park and the Hoffman Family.