Burlington—Vermont will send two teams to the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championship, June 25-30 in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Seven 4-H’ers qualified for the competition. They will be among the 800 youths from across the country who will participate in the 2023 event.

Representing Vermont on the rifle team are Andrew McReynolds and Abigail McReynolds, both from Danville; Julian Mercy, Barre; and Isaac Osinchuk, Springfield. Andrew, Abigail and Julian are all members of the Green Mountain Shooting Sports 4-H Club in Lyndonville. Isaac belongs to the Green Mountain 4-H Club in Springfield. They will be accompanied by their coach, Shawn Tetreault of Groton and a volunteer with the Green Mountain Shooting Sports 4-H Club.

Competing on the shotgun team are Colby Butler, Dorset; Robert Harris, Poultney; and Gabriel St. Martin, Wells. Accompanying the team are their coaches Christopher Pritchard, Wells, and Patrick Wilson, West Rupert. The 4-H’ers and their coaches are all part of the Oxbow Mountain Shooting Sports 4-H Club in Pawlet.

Kandy Petty of St. Johnsbury, a Green Mountain Shooting Sports 4-H Club leader, will travel with the team as the Vermont coordinator. In addition, Josh Smith of Concord, a leader of the Caledonia Sharp Shooters of St. Johnsbury and a 4-H archery Level 1 instructor, has been invited to assist with the national competition as part of its archery crew.

To be considered for the national competition, interested 4-H’ers were required to submit an application specifying a team and the reasons why they would like to compete at the national level on that team. Selection was based on a number of factors including recommendations from 4-H club leaders, scores from past Vermont 4-H Shooting Sports Jamborees and strong participation in 4-H. Applicants also need to be 14 or older and a member in good standing within their club.

Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible donation toward trip expenses may send a check to Vermont 4-H Shooting Sports, c/o Kassity Marckres, 90 Mastin Rd., Craftsbury, VT 05826. Checks should be made payable to Vermont 4-H Shooting Sports. A receipt will be provided upon request.

To learn more, contact contact Holly Ferris, University of Vermont Extension 4-H Shooting Sports coordinator, at holly.ferris@uvm.edu or (802) 656-7562