Burlington--Six Vermont 4-H club members are Nebraska-bound this summer, thanks to their outstanding performances at state shooting sports events.

The 4-H’ers earned a spot on teams that will compete at the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships, June 23-28 at the Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island. They are among the more than 800 competitors from across the country who will take part in this event, hosted by Nebraska 4-H.

Vermont will field two teams, .22 pistol and muzzleloading. The 4-H’ers will be accompanied by their coaches and Kandy Petty of St. Johnsbury and a Green Mountain Shooting Sports leader who will serve as the group coordinator.

Representing the state on the .22 pistol team are Misha Chirkova, Newbury; Nick McReynolds, Danville; and Julian Mercy, Hardwick. Misha is a member of the Caledonia Sharp Shooters. Nick and Julian belong to the Green Mountain Sharp Shooters. They are coached by David Hale, East Hardwick.

Selected for Vermont’s muzzleloader team are Mason Carter, Granville, New York; Robert Harris, Poultney; and Michelle Roy, St. Johnsbury. Mason and Robert are members of the Oxbow Mountain Shooting Sports 4-H Club. Michelle is a Green Mountain Sharp Shooters member. Coach Doug Petty, St. Johnsbury, will be assisted by Frederick Mead, Castleton, who works with the Oxbow Mountain Shooting Sports 4-H Club in Pawlet.

To qualify, interested 4-H’ers, ages 14 to 18, were required to submit an application explaining why they would like to compete at the national level on a specific team. Selection was based on various factors including recommendations from 4-H club leaders and shooting sports instructors, performance at past Vermont 4-H Shooting Sports Jamborees and strong participation in 4-H.

Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible donation toward trip expenses may send a check to Vermont 4-H Shooting Sports, c/o Holly Ferris, University of Vermont Extension, 29 Sunset Dr., Ste. 2, Morrisville, VT 05661. Checks should be made payable to Vermont 4-H Shooting Sports. A receipt will be provided upon request.

To learn more about the shooting sports program in Vermont, contact her at (802) 656-7562 or holly.ferris@uvm.edu.