Editor’s Note: Reporter Newspapers is pleased to highlight students who go above and beyond at their school and in their community. If you know a secondary school student who meets these criteria, please send in a nomination via e-mail to editorial@reporternewspapers.net.

Student Profile:

Ashley Newman, 17

The Westminster Schools, junior

Ashley Newman, daughter of Anne Marie and Myron Newman has been riding horses since she was 4. As a seventh-grader, Newman volunteered for and donated her horse Dixie to the Chastain Therapeutic Riding program, which benefits disabled and at-risk children by providing opportunities to participate in therapeutic horseback riding to build muscle coordination, confidence and self-esteem.

“Volunteering with the Chastain Therapeutic Riding program has had a tremendous impact on my life,” she said.

It has had such a profound impact that in 2005 with help from the Atlanta Track Club, Newman founded the Chastain Chase, an annual fundraiser run dedicated to supporting scholarships for the riding program.

Now in its fourth year, the Chastain Chase, has raised more than $15,000.

“It’s a great way to incorporate my love for horses and as well as my love for community service and running,” Newman said.

This year’s event, scheduled on Saturday, February 23 at 8:00 a.m., will feature three races: a 5k, a one-mile fun run and a Tot Trot for children 10 years old or younger. Pre-registration costs for the 5K and one-mile races are $20, registration at the event is $25 and the Tot Trot is free.

The 5K and one-mile races will start in the parking lot by the club house and will thread through the roads surrounding Chastain Park.

Tax deductible donations may be sent to the Chastain Horse Park, courtesy of Chastain Chase, 4371 Powers Ferry Road, Atlanta, GA 30327. Bracelets will be on sale for $5 during the race as well.

What’s Next:

Newman is hopeful to keep growing the event and expand community involvement in the fundraising effort as a way of increasing community awareness of the Chastain Therapeutic Riding program at Chastain Park.

“There are so many things the community could be doing and helping with and being a part of with the program,” Newman said. “The Therapeutic Riding Program is a true volunteer passion I would like to share with the Sandy Springs and Buckhead communities.”

For further information about the race or to register visit www.chastainhorsepark.org or download the form at www.reporternewspapers.net.