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 son Luke.
Olivia Clough
Olivia has been involved in service throughout her entire life, from volunteering with her local AQHA Affiliate, to serving with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program giving back has always been important to her. In the last year she has taken her community service and leadership to the next level, by co-founding her own non profit. The Pathways To Opportunity foundation, in Olivia's own words, "hopes to make global steps in improving educational accessibility worldwide". She goes on to describe their work, "As a new non-profit organization, my co-founder and I have worked to develop our own social media platforms, create a financial progression plan, and develop relationships with schools worldwide.
Currently, we have secured a 2026-2027 partnership with a school in Nigeria, the home country of my co-founder. We plan to have our organization in full swing come the 2026-2027 school year, as our collected research and data have helped us determine that the beginning of school years is when families are most in need". The NSBA Foundation, along with 4Star Trailers, would like to thank Olivia for her commitment to service, and congratulate her on being the 2026 Youth of the Year. The other finalists for this year's award were Kenidee Thomas and June Drinkall.
