Jouelle Kimura Named 2021 USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year

Lexington, KY (November 2, 2021) - The United States Dressage Federation™ (USDF) is pleased to announce that Jouelle Kimura, of Folsom, CA, has been named 2021 USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year. This prestigious award honors one outstanding youth volunteer who has contributed, both nationally and locally, to USDF and dressage. As the winner, Jouelle 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.

Photo: Jouelle Kimura ©Tamara Torti

Jouelle Kimura is driven, dedicated, and passionate. It is these attributes that she has focused into her love of the sport, and what has made her an obvious choice for this honor. In addition to training up to Fourth Level, and the volunteer hours that she accumulates, Jouelle also finds time for AP and college courses, while maintaining a 4.40 GPA. As a member of the California Dressage Society (CDS), Jouelle has dedicated countless hours volunteering for her local chapter (Foothills), even helping to establish a scholarship fund dedicated to supporting juniors and young riders. She is also responsible for the Equinesta event, with Kasey Perry-Glass, which raised over $12,000 for this fund. On top of this, Jouellse has also volunteered for CDS competitions and clinics and served as a USDF Participating Member Delegate to Board of Governors at the Adequan®/USDF Annual Convention. Everything Jouelle has done within her many volunteer roles has been to help educate people about dressage and to promote the sport.

USDF Youth Programs Committee Chair Roz Kinstler agreed, "Volunteers are so important to the future of USDF and this year’s Youth Volunteer of the Year, Jouelle Kimura, sets a great example.  For her local GMO, she has been instrumental in their work to increase inclusion of youth members.  She’s also been a great help at shows and events and is always ready to lend a hand wherever needed. What also stands out are her extra efforts to connect with all youth members and spread her enthusiasm for our sport.  She also is an excellent student and serves as a great role model.  This dedication is what sets her apart.  I’m so happy to join USDF in recognizing Jouelle for all her efforts."

For more information about the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, please visit the USDF website at www.usdf.org, or contact the USDF office at youth@usdf.org.