Talents of six young writers recognized by American Junior Paint Horse Association

FORT WORTH, TEXAS—Six young writers recently earned recognition for their writing talents by the American Junior Paint Horse Association (AjPHA) in an annual essay contest sponsored by the youth organization.

Winners were selected from two age groups—13 and Under and 14-18.

Sara Sharkey, a 16-year-old from Esko, Minn., won the 14-18 age division, as well as the Grand Prize. Sharkey received a $100 American Paint Horse Association (APHA) General Store gift certificate and a one-year subscription to the Paint Horse Journal for her essay Morning Good-bye.

“I based my story on what I am going through now,” Sharkey said. “I am looking at colleges and will have to be separated from my Paint Horse. I tried to express my feelings of what that was like.”

Sharkey’s story appeared in the January issue of the Paint Horse Journal.

In the 13-and-Under division, Jill Wagner of Colorado Springs, Colo., received top honors for her essay, titled I, Finnley: A Day in the Life of a Lowly Serf. Her essay will be published in Generation j.

Second- and third-place entries from each age division received General Store gift certificates.

“The level of talent shown by the youth who sent in entries was impressive,” said Betsy Francis, APHA director of youth activities. “The work of these young writers represents the talents held by the future leaders of APHA.”

Following is a complete list of the 2005 AjPHA Essay Contest winners:

13 and Under Age Division
First Place: I Finnley: A Day in the Life of a Lowly Serf, by Jill Wagner of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Second Place: Home Again by Sara Gushgari of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Third Place: The Horse Nobody Liked, by Christi Gordon of Evergreen, Colo.

14-18 Age Division
First Place: Morning Goodbye, by Sara Sharkey of Esko, Minn.

Second Place: More Than Magnificent, by Courtney Wiest of Cathay, N.D.

Third Place: Missing: Avery Michelle Carrow, by Kalen Miller of Coalinga, Calif.

Grand Prize winner
Morning Good-bye, by Sara Sharkey

About AjPHA
Formed in 1974, the American Junior Paint Horse Association is an organization for youth aged 18 and younger. The organization fosters leadership, citizenship and friendship. Youth become involved at various levels within the association by attending conferences and competing in several contests offered by the organization.

“AjPHA members will someday be the future of the American Paint Horse Association,” Francis said. “We continue to provide opportunities and activities for members to enhance their experiences with their American Paint Horse.”

AjPHA membership is at an all-time high, with more than 7,100 active members.

To join or learn more about AjPHA or the contests available for members, call (817) 834-2742, extension 248, or e-mail youth@ajpha.com. You may also log onto ajpha.com.