Kylie Yancey, a fourth-year veterinary student at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, received thefirst-everFuturity Award from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP).Established in 2025,the Futurity Awardrecognizes an AAEP student member whois makingimportant contributions to the association or their peers through engagement within the AAEP, provision of service to peers or the association, and/or demonstration offuture leadership potential. Kylie received her award Dec. 9 during the Presidents Luncheon at the AAEPs 71st Annual Convention in Denver, Colorado.As president of her AAEP student chapter inthe20242025academic year, Yanceyprioritizedmentorship, leadershipdevelopmentand professional growth opportunities.During her term, Yanceyco-foundedGiddyup, an equine mentorship program that pairsundergraduates withveterinary students for skill-building in horsemanship to strengthen veterinary school applications;oversaw more than 20club-hosted events, including organization ofa29-student wet lab at anequine referral center;andledclient communication and undergraduate participation in the annual castration clinicfor the local equine community.As the clubs lecturecoordinatorthe previous year, Yancey organized at least two lecturespermonthon clinical and wellbeing topicswhile integratingadditionallectures onleadership.Beyond her AAEP student chapter contributions, Yancey spearheaded development of a new foal exam lab for theveterinary teaching hospitalsfoal care team, increasing volunteer engagement and enhancing care of hospitalizedfoals.Yanceyhasorganized veterinary student participation in a pair ofEquitarianInitiative trips to serve the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota,andshealso serves as veterinary care liaison to Vista Verde Ranch, educatingemployees, providingannual wellnesscareand advisingon biosecurity protocols.Embracing professional advocacy, Yanceyhashelped shape policy discussionsaround the emerging midlevel practitioner role in Coloradobyattending legislative panels,drafting recommendations to legislators,andadvocating for species-specific constraints and supervision guidelines.Keep an eye on Kylieshe will make a lasting impact on our profession, not only as a dedicated practitioner in her community but also as a driven leader and active contributor to our professional organizations, said Cara Wright, DVM.