These 2014–2015 AjPHA national directors from Zones 1, 4, 6 and 7 are excited to take the reins and help lead the masses of Paint-crazy Youth. Do you have what it takes to represent Paint-loving Youth at the national level? Learn more about the AjPHA national leadership programs here.

Zone 1 
Blayne Bell—Shelton, Washington

I am a sophomore at Tumwater High School. My schoolwork and community are both important to me; I am enrolled in many honors classes, and I have volunteered more than 70 hours of my time to help my community. I show Paints through APHA Zone 1, 4-H and PtHA. In my free time I enjoy riding, hanging out with friends, reading and going hiking.

Zone 4
Lauren Gralla—Norman, Oklahoma

I am 11 years old, and I have been showing Paints since I was 4 years old. I compete with RL Sudden Style and The Only Alibi, and I love showing in trail. I love going to shows and seeing my friends from across the country, but I also enjoy just trail riding.

As a national director, I would like to help get more young riders in Oklahoma to become members of our club and let other states know what we are doing to encourage growth. I also want other members of Oklahoma Paint Horse Club to participate with us in the Youth Team Tournament during the AjPHA Youth World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas, this summer—it’s so much fun! I hope to stay involved with AjPHA leadership as I grow older.

Alyssa Sappington—Mustang, Oklahoma

I am a 15-year-old sophomore at Mustang High School in Mustang, Oklahoma, where I am a member of National Honor Society. I started riding and showing when I was 4 years old and began my career showing Paints at age 5 in the Walk-Trot division. I have shown four Paint Horses in my career: Simply Too Hot, Paint N My Corvette, Bright White Toy and Shouldvebeenacowboy. My favorite show of the year is the AjPHA Youth World Championship Show. I have shown at the Youth World Show for seven years, and I have also enjoyed competing in the Youth Team Tournament since 2012. I have been an active member of the Oklahoma Paint Horse Club since 2005.  I am also a member of the Pinto Horse Association of America and the Texas Paint Horse Club.

Carter Rees—Mustang, Oklahoma

I am a 15-year-old freshman at Mustang High School. I play football, basketball, and baseball and run track for my high school; I also participate with other competitive sports teams during the year. I started riding and showing Paints when I was 5 years old in the Walk-Trot division. I have been an active member of the Oklahoma Paint Horse Club since 2005, and I hope to be able to compete in the Youth Team Tournament at the Youth World Show this summer. As a director for the AjPHA, I want to become more involved in growing our membership in Oklahoma.

Madison Vance—Pawnee, Oklahoma

I am a 14-year-old eighth grade student at Pawnee Middle School. In addition to showing horses, I am actively involved in FFA at my school and compete in public speaking events. I am also an active member of the Oklahoma Honor Society, Pinto Horse Association of America, Pawnee County 4-H and my school government. Because my mom is a trainer, I started riding and showing Paints in Walk-Trot when I was 5 years old. I showed Miss Classicscotch to the 2010 APHA Novice Youth Rookie of the Year title; I’m now working with a new Paint for the 2014 season.

As a national director, I want to encourage other kids from Oklahoma to get involved with Paint Horses and the AjPHA, as they provide a great opportunity for learning and leadership.

Grace Thionnet—Edmond, Oklahoma

I attend Heritage Hall High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where I play basketball and volleyball. I attend Quail Springs Baptist Church and serve on the leadership team. I have been an active member of the Oklahoma Paint Horse Club since 2006, when I got my first horse. I currently own Watch Tuf Shine.

I want to become more involved in the Paint Horse industry and help grow Oklahoma’s Youth program. Leadership is important to me and to be involved with this program will help me reach my future goals.

Caitlin Reed—Diana, Texas

I am a sophomore at New Diana High School. We have owned Paints my entire life. I started my show career in 2006 with my first horse, Fawagos Tuff Dixie. Since then I have shown several other Paints and currently ride Partially A Aprentice and my new show prospect, She Likes To Move it.  My favorite classes are showmanship and trail, but I also like competing in English events. I am a member of the Texas Paint Horse Club, 4-H, Student Council and FFA. I also enjoy competing in horse judging, showing market swine and public speaking. My life goal is to become a veterinarian and micro geneticist.

Carlee Allyson Purcell—Bellville, Texas

 I am a 14-year-old eighth grade student at Bellville Junior High School. I have been involved with Paint Horses for 10 years, and I currently serve regional Youth as the president of the Gulf Coast Paint Horse Club and the vice president of the Texas Paint Horse Club. I hope to use my time as a national director to encourage more Youth to attend the AjPHA Youth Leadership Summit at the APHA Convention—it’s so much fun! In addition to my AjPHA activities, I play volleyball and volunteer at a local daycare. I am also involved with my local church group.

Zone 6
Anna Claire Tucker—Dubberly, Louisiana

I am a 15-year-old freshman at Minden High School.  I am pretty busy with a wide range of activities both at my school and in my church.  I am involved in leadership positions with my student government, student council, 4-H and Junior Leaders, Principals’ Council and Louisi-annes. At church, I am actively involved in my youth group and I will be traveling to Alaska this summer to participate in a mission project in Anchorage.

My first love has been and always will be horses, and I hope to always be involved with the horse industry. I hope to attend the University of Kentucky and major in equine management. It is my plan to always find a way to incorporate my love for horses and my faith in a way that can reach as many people in a positive way that I can! It is truly an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as AjPHA national director.

Zone 7
Anna Lia Sullivan—Southampton, New Jersey

I own two Paints: Will Ya Button Me Up and Special This Time. I enjoy showing them both at APHA shows. In addition to AjPHA, I am very involved in 4-H and my regional APHA club. I also play the violin and enjoy volunteering at animal shelters and therapeutic riding facilities.

For more information visit www.apha.com