NRA's Youth Programs is proud to introduce the 2015 Brownells/NRA National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors. The Ambassadors come to us from our co-op partners Boy Scouts of America, BSA's Venturing, National High School Rodeo Association, Royal Rangers, USA Shooting and one youth representing NRA. The Ambassadors are chosen by their respective organization and have been through a rigorous application process, taking into account not only their involvement in the shooting sports but their school standings, leadership and commitment to their community.
Boy Scouts of America: Mason Lane, 17-year-old Eagle Scout from Allenstown, N.H. Mason has been involved with the shooting sports since he was in Cub Scouts, having earned 35 Merit Badges-including the rifle and shotgun shooting badge-by the time he was 14. Mason is also involved in competitive shooting outside of Scouting, and has competed in several pistol selection and IDPA matches.
Boy Scouts of America, "Venturing": Emily Goelzer is 16 years old and is from Buckeye, Ariz. Emily is a freshman at Oral Roberts University, where she is working on two majors, International Relations and Government. Her love for the shooting sports started when she first attended a Boy Scout camp. She has since expanded her shooting to include being a member of the Scholastic Clay Target program, where she competes in shotgun.
National High School Rodeo Association: 18-year-old Colt Karges grew up on a ranch where hunting is part of ranch life. Colt has harvested a variety of wildlife, including pheasants, deer, doves, hog, elk and antelope. After moving to Texas in 201,2 Colt took a job at the local Trap range and fell in love with the game. Shortly after that he joined the High School Rodeo association, where he competes at the national level.
Royal Rangers: James Bennett of Winterville, Ga., was born on the family farm 18 years ago. James has been a Ranger most of his life and has earned all the shooting badges required to achieve the coveted Gold Medal, which is equal to BSA's Eagle Scout. Having had his first shooting experience at the Rangers Field Day, he now volunteers to give the younger kids the same great experience he had. James competes in blackpowder competitions and attends mountain man camps.
USA Shooting: Hank Garvey, 16, is a member of the USA Shooting Junior International Double Trap Team. Hank is from Newburyport, Mass., and has been competing in the shotgun since he was eight years old. One day Hank hopes to make the US National Doubles Trap Team and win a medal at the Olympics.
NRA: Jenna Fees, an 18-year-old freshman at Liberty University, from Nokesville, Va., is the winner of the 2014 Brownells/NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award. An avid hunter, Jenna enjoys getting out in the field with her dad and taking part in her families traditions. Jenna is also a competitive shooter who has won over 100 medal and awards in air rifle, smallbore, traditional muzzleloader and shotgun. She has competed for her 4-H team at 4-H state, national and NRA sanctioned matches. Additionally, she competed in the Junior Olympics.
The Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors will be attending the 2015 SHOT Show as the only Juniors permitted within the spectacular industry event, and will be featured at the 2015 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits as part of next year's Youth Day. Don't miss the updates from these rising stars in the shooting world!
