The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) announced that Rebekah Mingari of Crestwood, KY, has been selected as the recipient of the 2015 USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award. Rosalind "Roz" Kinstler has been named the 2015 USDF Volunteer of the Year.
This USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award honors one outstanding youth volunteer who has contributed, both nationally and locally, to USDF and dressage. As the winner, Rebekah will be presented with a perpetual trophy, donated by the Akin family of Warwick, NY, in honor of Lendon Gray, which is on permanent display in the Roemer/USDF Hall of Fame. She will also receive a “keeper” trophy and be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection.
Rebekah Mingari, 19, already has many years of service as a volunteer under her belt. She has dedicated numerous hours of volunteer service fundraising for the Region 2 Junior/Young Rider (Jr/YR) Dressage Team, making “goody bags” for all of the Jr/YR competitors during regional championships, organizing pizza parties for the Jr/YR competitors, and working diligently to keep them informed through social media. Rebekah also served on the Kentucky Dressage Association (KDA) board as their Jr/YR Representative.
“Her dedication, hard work, and determination are contagious, and KDA's Jr/YR participation has increased significantly while she has been involved. Young riders need to have fun, see others succeed, and have good role models. Rebekah does that for the young riders in our area,” stated KDA President Michelle Morehead.
The USDF Youth Programs Committee selected Rebekah based on her passion for both horses and dressage. The committee wholeheartedly commends
Rebekah for her dedication to dressage and the ability to be a positive
role model for other youth, through exceptional volunteerism.
The USDF Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a USDF member who, through consistent and cumulative volunteer activities, has demonstrated exceptional commitment towards carrying out USDF's mission. As the winner, Rosalind will be presented with a perpetual trophy, established by Lisa Gorretta, which is on permanent display in the Roemer Foundation/USDF Hall of Fame. She will also receive a “keeper” trophy and be featured in the yearbook issue of USDF Connection.
As a volunteer, Roz, of Whitmore Lake, MI, has contributed to dressage on the national, regional, and local levels. Nationally, she has served on several USDF councils and committees and, as the current chair of the Youth Programs Committee, has been instrumental in the creation of many youth programs.. Both regionally and locally, Roz has introduced dressage to countless grass roots riders, as well as volunteering innumerable hours with local dressage groups, 4-H clubs, and United States Pony Clubs.
Throughout her career Roz has fully embraced the ideals behind the USDF's mission of education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. This is evident through her dedication to the principle that dressage can improve any horse and any rider.
USDF Youth Programs Committee Advisor Alison Head, who nominated Roz, added "I think Roz exemplifies everything the USDF Volunteer of the Year Award is about. Ever since I've been involved with USDF, Roz has been there, working hard to create and promote programs near and dear to her heart. Not only is she a tireless volunteer, but she is an enthusiastic cheerleader for the sport and has encouraged so many younger riders to try and enjoy dressage."
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