7 Youth Receive 2026 Academic Scholarships from APHF

By Jordan Mueller, PHJ News:

Thanks to generous endowments from American Paint Horse Foundation supporters, seven AjPHA members were tapped to receive 2026 academic scholarships to help pursue their academic goals.

Education is one of the core APHF pillars. This includes promoting the historic role and knowledge of horses, while also acknowledging the accomplishments of our AjPHA members through academic and performance-based scholarships.

This program helps the selected AjPHA members pursue their dreams, giving them the ability to continue the legacy of the horse and deepen their connection to the organization.

To invest in the future of our Youth and make a lasting impact of your own, donate to the American Paint Horse Foundation: apha.com/foundation.

Congratulations to these deserving AjPHA members.

APHF 2026 Academic Scholarship Recipients

 

Robert Culwell

Louisville, Mississippi

Robert describes his life’s purpose as “giving back to [his] community.” He has taken on leadership roles and contributed to a variety of Youth horse activities. Robert is a dedicated supporter of equine-assisted therapy. By sharing his firsthand experiences, Robert seeks to help others and show how horses positively impacted his life.

 

 

 

Drew Dayhuff

Knightstown, Indiana

Drew’s long-term goal is to become a doctor of kinesiology and nutrition. He is specifically interested in how diet and exercise can be valuable tools for helping a variety of illnesses. Drew hopes to one day start his own business, where he can offer free information and affordable health resources.

 

 

 

 

Madeline Glaize

Volant, Pennsylvania

Madeline Glaize will attend Liberty University. She seeks to positively impact the lives of others by pursuing a degree in nursing. In the future, Madeline also hopes to travel to a wide range of communities and health-care settings to better serve patients.

 

 

 

 

 

Kayden Johnson

Dayton, Texas

Kayden is attending Sam Houston State University, where she will major in animal science with a pre-veterinary concentration before enrolling in veterinary school. She seeks to promote responsible animal stewardship and preventative health measures, especially in areas with limited access to veterinary services.

 

 

 

Daphne Ries

Salem, Oregon

Daphne seeks to become a dental hygienist. Her involvement in a wide variety of extracurriculars, from mock trial to 4-H to APHA, gave Daphne valuable skills that she can leverage to pursue her long-term academic and professional goals.

 

 

 

 

 

Brayden Siersma

Fruita, Colorado

Brayden will use his scholarship to pursue his goal of becoming an anesthesiologist. His dream is to serve patients by keeping them comfortable and safe during surgery. After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology, Brayden plans to complete medical school.

 

 

Natalie Snapp

Bellefontaine, Ohio

Natalie plans to study business management. She hopes to develop the skills necessary to thrive in the professional world and make a positive impact on additional organizations in the future.