Most Selfless Person of the Year Award:
Presentation of award to Catherine Conte

We are all here tonight because of a woman who works day in and day out to make this beautiful environment. Before we all knew her she was taking care of her sick mother full time while attending law school and continued her care throughout her career. While she has never brought and children to this world, Ms Catherine Conte has built relationships with many people that has given her the title of “Barn Mom”. At Sea Pony Farm, students, volunteers, parents and workers all would like to present Ms Catie with the Most Selfless Person in the World Award. We all have experienced the true compassion and wisdom that Catie offers and wish to show her that everything she does is truly appreciated.

Many of us have been with Catie for years and others are new friends. No matter how long we’ve been with her we all can describe a time where Catie went out of her way to help. She may have stayed late at the barn or worked extra hard during a lesson just to provide the best experience or advice possible. Whether an issue comes up such as school drama, boyfriend troubles, family disagreements or personal happenings, Catie is always willing to listen, keep secrets and guide us toward a better future. A powerful way Catie helps people is by explaining how she worked through all of her personal battles. By listening to our needs she can open the conversation and create an environment that pulls walls down and leaves us with a new look at the situation and no feeling of being judged. Look around at this palace that she has created to share with everyone and how she transformed this land into a safe place for all of us to come to. She never asks for help or takes a sick day; Catie keeps this farm running because she genuinely loves sharing her animals and knowledge.

Catie built this farm with patience and care. The land needed changes to support the demands of a therapy facility and patience waiting for the final picture. And these horses, she has trained them off of pure trust and because of that her animals want to support us just as much their mom. I believe I can speak for all here tonight saying that Catie has been available to listen or advise any time of day no matter the topic. Some of us have been put into difficult situations in school, at home or with friends and anytime we were lost and needed solid advice, she was there. In tears, fear, confusion, excitement, or just to catch up I know wherever I am she will always be just a phone call away. We are a very unique group here at Sea Pony, and Catie encourages each person’s individuality. She even has horses that fit every personality, the rebel, warrior, the powerful reserved type, caring quiet soul and the bubbly spirit. When Catie is away her boys are always there to continue her therapeutic presents.

We have all seen the tragedies in tabloids of children’s role models displaying less than satisfactory actions. Catie has been a consistent role model of mine from the first summer we met and I am assured I am not alone. We idolize the life she has lead because it was not a perfect life but the battles she endured she took those experiences and grew from them. She is willing to tell of her personal stories to show someone they are not the only one to have been jaded, this is powerful because she puts herself on your level and guides you over mountains. Yeah, Catie has her bad days but you’ll never hear her yell or get flustered she will keep chugging on.

Ms Catie will always be a mom or influential figure to us here tonight and those who have yet to been graced by her. Never before have I met a person who consistently cares and displays such a full life of helping others. Catie is always at the farm playing with the animals, hanging out with students and volunteers, home being a loving girlfriend, or away tending to her father. She never stops helping. Not every person is blessed to have a Catie in their life to confide in and love her as a mom. This woman is a true workhorse and we are all grateful to have been able to have her in our life. The daily “thank you” to Catie does not seem fitting enough for all she does for us. So please take this award and know that you are loved by us all and we truly appreciate everything you have done for each one of us.