Lexington, KY (September 25, 2012) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Catherine Chamberlain of Chandler, AZ, has been selected as the recipient of the 2012 USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award. This prestigious award honors one outstanding youth volunteer who has contributed on a national and local basis to USDF and dressage.
         As the recipient of this award, Catherine's name will be engraved on a perpetual trophy, housed in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame.  This trophy was donated by the Akin family of Warwick, NY, in honor of Lendon Gray. Catherine will also receive a $500 scholarship provided from funds raised through the Youth Silent Auction, held annually at the Adequan/USDF Annual Convention.
            At only seventeen years of age, Catherine serves as the Chair of the Arizona Dressage Association's (ADA) Junior/Young Rider Committee and as a Director of their Board.  In addition to contributing articles to the club newsletter, Catherine attends every board meeting, providing her invaluable youth perspective, volunteers in numerous positions at every ADA recognized competition, and spearheaded a fund to be used to assist the youth of ADA in pursuing education activities to further their riding knowledge and experience.  To help further USDF's mission, Catherine meets with the youth of the organization on a regular bases to discuss issues they may be having with their equine partners and sharing their training experiences and problem solving solutions.
            Cynthia Ganem of the ADA stated, in Catherine's nomination, "Catherine is never asked to volunteer; she willingly, cheerfully, and consistently steps forward to do any job she can.  She is our most involved youth member and is the hub of all the other youth in our association.  Not only does she excite the youth to volunteer their time, but she leads them by example."
           The USDF Youth Programs Committee selected Catherin for the willingness and dedication she demonstrates in her volunteer efforts. The committee wholeheartedly commends Catherine for her dedication to dressage and ability to be a positive role model for other youth through exceptional volunteerism.
            For more information about the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award or the USDF Youth Silent Auction, please visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org, or contact the USDF office at [email protected].         

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email [email protected], or call (859) 971-2277.