Volunteer Recognition

Pony Club depends on our volunteers. The best way to let your volunteers know how valued they are is to say, “Thank you.” USPC offers different options for volunteers to be acknowledged. Opportunities range from certificates and pins to national acknowledgment. Clubs, centers, or regions can utilize these awards to give thanks to individuals who have made a significant contribution. At the National level, recognition is given at the USPC Convention for outstanding service and dedication to the organization.

Awards

Academy of Achievement

Example of bad variable names

Each year since its inception in 1999, The USPC Academy of Achievement recognizes Pony Club alumni for being outstanding in their chosen fields of expertise. Individuals are nominated by members, leaders, and other alumni for this exceptional award. Up to six alumni are then selected by a national committee and invited to attend the National Youth Congress at the USPC Convention. Honorees spend three days participating in small group discussions and activities with National Youth Congress delegates to share career stories, advice, and help the delegates as they focus on personal development.

Nominating Pony Club Alumni
Any USPC member can nominate alumni for the Academy of Achievement. Criteria for nomination include being articulate and comfortable in large groups as well as enjoying working with young people. Individuals can have a career in the equine industry, in the private or public sector, and may or may not still be active in Pony Club. Our alumni honorees come from diverse backgrounds and their unique experiences are helpful in their selection.

Qualifications for nomination include:

  • Outstanding achievement in their chosen profession/field of expertise.
  • A strong Pony Club background.
  • Over 25 years of age.

To nominate a deserving alumni, please complete and submit the nomination form below. Submission deadline is July 15.

Academy of Achievement Nomination Form

Founders Award

Each year the Advisory Committee selects and presents to the USPC Board of Governors a nominee(s) to receive this prestigious award. Nominees must be living and have volunteered for USPC for a period of 20 years or more with the majority of the service at the national level, such as a member of a Pony Club National Committee or on the Board of Governors. In addition, the person should also have made significant contributions at the local and/or regional level. Nomination are due July 1, and the award is presented at the Convention during the Saturday Night Banquet.

View the past Founders Recipients | Complete the Founders Award Nomination Form

Local Legend Award

Established by the Board of Governors in May 2010, the USPC 20+ Year Local Legend Award is intended to honor those who have faithfully served their local club, center, and/or region for at least 20 years. Each recipient will be recognized in an upcoming post on the Pony Club Blog and/or on social media following receipt of the completed Local Legend Award Report form below. This form must be completed by a District Commissioner (DC), Joint District Commissioner (JtDC), Center Administrator (CA), Assistant Center Administrator (ACA), Regional Supervisor (RS), or a Vice Regional Supervisor (VRS), and be submitted with a $10 payment to USPC. Payment covers the cost of a Local Legend pin, plus shipping, which will be mailed with a certificate from the National Office.

Complete the Local Legend Award Form

Volunteer Recognition Award

In 1993, this award was established by the United States Pony Clubs (USPC) Board of Governors. The USPC Volunteer Recognition Award is intended to be a special honor for the most dedicated Pony Club volunteers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. When club, center, or region representatives have identified someone they would like to honor with this award, they may complete the Volunteer Recognition Award Certificate below, which is signed by the USPC president, to present to the volunteer. Following the award presentation, the club, center, or region representative should complete and send the Volunteer Recognition Award Report form below to the National Office so that the volunteer can be recognized in a post on the Pony Club Blog and/or on social media.

Print the Volunteer Recognition Award Certificate | Submit the Volunteer Recognition Award Form