"The Youth are our future" both summarized and justified the Board's recent discussion to more effectively engage the Youth of The Pyramid Society on a year-round basis. And their first convincing step to validate that commitment was the approval of a $25 annual Student Membership, effective immediately! A $150 credit will be applied for full-time students under 28 years of age who join as Supporting members, with valid Student ID. Students may find this updated Membership Application on our website (CLICK HERE).

The second part of the equation is to also engage the youth whose families are actively involved with The Pyramid Society by planning year-round activities for them. Enter Jillian Whitlow of Timberlake, North Carolina, our new Youth Chair. Jillian has been involved with Arabians since she was three years old and proudly claims "Growing up owning Arabians and showing them has just been a part of my life". She began her involvement in the local Region 16 Youth Association at the age of six and participated throughout her formative years, later holding the titles of Vice President and President of the Empire State Arabian Horse Youth Association. Marrying in 2007, she and her husband bought their first Egyptian mare and began their small breeding business under the Empire Egyptians umbrella. Jillian, now a mother herself, teaches kids riding lessons as well as runs summer camps where she teaches youth the importance of horses. With that background, Jillian quickly states, "I am so excited at the opportunity to be able to 'pump' up the Youth division and have so many ideas and can't wait to get started. I want the Youth to be as excited as I am and have been through the 25 years of my involvement. Well, Jillian, we can't wait for you to get started either!

The overarching goal is to have age-appropriate, educational and 'fun' year-round activities for all interested youth. These activities will take place via the web, possibly other horse shows, and at the Egyptian Event. However, in order to effectively achieve this, the first step is to obtain some basic statistical information about our Youth. We are requesting Moms, Dads, Aunts and Uncles to share these exciting new developments with the Youth in your lives. And secondly, strongly encourage them to help us get started in planning 2013 Youth activities by completing a brief questionnaire (CLICK HERE) and returning to Jillian via regular mail or e-mail by the end of February. As Jillian so succinctly concludes, "I truly believe that the Youth are our future of the Egyptian breeders, exhibitors, and judges, and the ones who will be running the future companies and The Pyramid Society. If we get them involved at an early age they are more likely to stay within the group and participate as adults."

Special thanks to Keri Wright, Education Chair, Lisa Cifrese, Membership Chair, and to Jillian Whitlow, Youth Chair, for your efforts in implementing these important new developments. And equally as important; thanks to our adult supporters for encouraging this next generation to become more involved; whether it be through youth activities or through their own Student Membership within The Pyramid Society. Indeed, "The Youth are our Future." Let's plan accordingly. 

•   April 15, 2013: for GUARANTEED INCLUSION in the 2013 Egyptian Event SHOW PROGRAM and ONLINE STALLION LISTINGS

• May 15, 2013: for GUARANTEED INCLUSION in the EBC BOOTH at the 2013 Egyptian Event