Lexington, KY (September 15, 2011) - The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce that Drew Carlin of Columbia, SC, has been selected as the recipient of the 2011 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, Drew'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. Drew 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 sixteen years of age, Drew's volunteer efforts and innovative projects have left an inspiring mark on dressage. For the past five years, Drew has been a vital junior representative for the South Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association (SCDCTA). In order to provide an educational opportunity to fellow youth, Drew took it upon herself to organize an annual junior dressage clinic at no cost to the riders. Through her determined efforts, Drew works to gather donations to run the clinics for free each year. Each rider walks away with a video of their rides and a gift basket with donations from local tack shops and businesses. In addition to Drew's efforts creating educational opportunities, she also began her own manure composting business called Drew's Poo, in which 100% of the proceeds go toward youth activities for her local GMO, SCDCTA.
            Jill Allard of Region 3 stated, in Drew's nomination, "I feel Drew's contributions are unique because she is a self-starter. Not only has she put in countless hours planning, finding quality clinicians, fundraising and organizing, but the entire project has been initiated by her for the purpose of helping other junior riders."
          The USDF Youth Programs Committee selected Drew for her innovativeness and ability to think outside the box in volunteer efforts. The committee wholeheartedly commends Drew 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.