Talented youth honored by the
American Junior Paint Horse Association

FORT WORTH, TEXAS—The American Junior Paint Horse Association (AjPHA) recently honored six young writers for their talents displayed in the 2006 AjPHA Short Story Contest.

This year’s winners were selected from a field of over 20 entries from all over the United States. Winners were selected from two age groups—13 and Under and 14-18— along with a grand prize winner. The top entries were rewarded with American Paint Horse Association General Store gift certificates.

For the second year in a row, Sara Sharkey, a 17-year-old from Esko, Minn., was awarded the Grand Prize. Sharkey repeated last year’s win with her story, The Little Paint. The story will be published in the Paint Horse Journal.

13 and Under Age Division
Alison Jo Gordon of Evergreen, Colo., was awarded first place in the division with her story King of the Desert.

Second place honors went to Kailey Hooks of Magnolia, Texas. Kailey’s award-winning story is called Finding Your Spots.

S. Jessica Tillman of Moores Hill, Ind., and her story, Adventures of Cow Horses, received third place in the competition.

14-18 Age Division
First place in the division was awarded to Sara Sharkey of Esko, Minn., for her story The Little Paint. She was also awarded the grand prize for the second year in a row for her efforts.

This year, Joni Spurgeon received second place in the competition. The St. James, Missouri teen titled her award-winning story A Ride Through Laugh’s Country.

Courtney Wiest of Cathay, N.D., wrote Finding Splash for third place in the division.

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,” said Betsy Francis, AjPHA director. “We continue to provide opportunities and activities for members to enhance their experiences with their American Paint Horse.”