Georgia and North Carolina teens named Youth Leaders of the Year
By Joyce Jocham USBC Communications
Anthony Ryan Casebolt, Kenly, N.C., and Carol Erica Pitts, Union City, Ga., both 18, have been named the Male and Female Youth Leaders of the Year, respectively, by the United States Bowling Congress Youth Committee. The honor recognizes the teens' outstanding skills in organizing, administering and promoting youth bowling activities at the local and/or state levels.
Casebolt, who will graduate from Hunt High School in Wilson, N.C., in June, has been representing youth bowlers from the eastern part of his state for three years as a North Carolina Youth Leaders director. Throughout that time he has chaired the group's tournament and fund-raising committees and encouraged other youth bowlers to participate in Youth Leader projects.
"To receive an award like this feels great," Casebolt said. "I would like to thank my father and coach, Ken Casebolt, for being my biggest inspiration in bowling. Other special thanks to Michael and Linda Huffman for being excellent proprietors to the ever-growing youth bowlers in our state."
Pitts, who will graduate from Tri-Cities High School in East Point, Ga., next week, has served as Greater Atlanta USBC Youth Leaders president and Georgia State USBC Youth Leaders secretary. This August she will begin her first term as a Georgia State USBC Youth association director.
"I never thought I could get this award," Pitts said. "It's interesting and exciting. My emotions are all over the place."
USBC's national Youth Leader of the Year honor includes a $1,500 scholarship for each recipient. Both will be presented with their awards July 14 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., at the closing ceremonies of the USBC Junior Gold Championships, the premier national scratch tournament for high-average youth bowlers. They also will be interviewed by the USBC Youth Committee and may be asked to serve a two-year term as one of its youth member representatives.
For more information about the USBC Youth program's Youth Leaders groups, or to start a Youth Leaders group at the local or state USBC association level, contact USBC's Association Relations department via e-mail or phone (800) 514-BOWL, ext. 3158.