The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) is pleased to announce the winners of its Senior Athletic/Academic Achievement Award. The award was established to recognize senior USDF Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Members (IMs) who have a 3.5 or better grade point average (GPA).

The 2005 winners are James Marcotte of University of Kentucky, KY and Ashley Wolfe of Viriginia Tech, VA.

To be eligible for the Senior Athletic/Academic Achievement Award, senior IMs must have at least a 3.5 GPA and must have been a member of their IM organization (IMO) for at least one year, including their senior year. Students must submit an application form and a copy of their official transcripts. All eligible IMs who fulfill the criteria receive a certificate from USDF and recognition in USDF Connection and in the USDF annual convention awards program.

This award was developed exclusively for the USDF's Intercollegiate/Interscholastic Membership. This membership category was developed in order to provide access to USDF educational programs and to provide communication and recognition of achievement to IMOs and their student members. IM membership is available to students who attend IMO schools. Any school from middle school through college that offers an equestrian studies program or student equestrian club can become a USDF IMO school. USDF also works closely with the Intercollegiate Dressage Association to promote dressage interest, participation, and competitions among schools and students.

For further details about the USDF IMO program and awards, contact Cindy Vimont, USDF Senior Director of Member Services, at cvimont@usdf.org or call the USDF office at (859) 971-2277.

Founded in 1973, the United States Dressage Federation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to education, recognition of achievement, and promotion of dressage. For more information about USDF membership or programs, visit www.usdf.org, email usdressage@usdf.org, or call (859) 971-2277.