Giving archery a shot: R-1 honored as 600th school in Missouri National Archery in Schools Program

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- The New Madrid County Central Middle School archers stood across from their targets, letting arrow after arrow fly, all hitting the target. Many hitting the bullseye.

What stood out about the young athletes was not just their enthusiasm and their skill but also their differences. Some were short, some were tall, some were boys, some were girls. One was in a wheelchair.

The ability to draw a bow and accurately hit their target, united them all.

On Friday, the students demonstrated their skills as New Madrid County Central Middle School was honored as the 600th school to become a part of the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program. Thanks to funding from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri National Heritage Foundation, archery is now a part of the after-school curriculum for students at the Middle School and the High School.

Middle School Principal Thomas Drummond Sr. admitted to being a bit surprised when school officials announced the addition of archery to the after-school program. But any concerns, he said, were quickly put aside as the program began.

"I think it is a great program for our kids," Drummond said. "It gives them another outlet, something to do."

He went on to praise instructors Jenny Sexton and Melanie Crow, who have coached the students in the sport. Because of their efforts, he said the students are enjoying archery and more want to try the sport.

"I think it is a great program and it builds their self-esteem. There's the life lesson factors ... that they can do whatever they put their minds to do," he said.

Neither Crow or Sexton had shot a bow until taking a class with DeeDee Dockins with the Missouri Conservation Department last October.

Crowe said archery was totally out of her comfort zone.

"Yet it is one of the most rewarding things I have ever taught," she said. "To see the look on their faces when they hit the target-- anywhere on the target -- is amazing."

There are 26 sixth, seventh and eighth graders who have turned out for the program, which includes one hour of shooting and an hour dedicated to homework. Crow and Sexton have divided the group, with 10 to 12 shooting each Tuesday and the remainder on Thursday.

The program began with two days in the classroom, going over safety procedures, regulations and steps in shooting. Then the students were allowed to pick up the bow.

Crow said as the students mastered the bow and arrow, they gained confidence. The sport also teaches discipline as the participants must keep quiet while the other groups are shooting and pay strict attention to the rules, she said.

"What I love seeing is some of these kids are not athletic, some of them are. It does not matter your athletic ability, it does not matter how smart you are. Anybody can shoot a bow and arrow," Crow said.

Hannah Farries, 14, announced she isn't athletic and has even surprised her family (which includes bow hunters) with how well she shoots.

"I like that it is a sport that if anybody tries hard enough, they can do it," Hannah said. " If you work on what you are doing, you can do it."

She credits it with helping her concentration.

"When you are up there it is just you and your bow and the target. That is all you are focused on. It has helped me learn to focus on what I'm doing," Hannah explained.

Olivia Nelson, 12, said she wasn't sure she would ever hit the target. Once she tried, she said she got the hang of how to aim her arrows.

Her family is surprised by her skill.

"They were like, 'What? When do you start doing that?' Then they were surprised when I told them that I hit the bullseye - and they were like 'Wow,'" she recalled.

Ethan Moore, 12, already had a bow before he began the class and said he considered himself good at the sport. However, he continued, his skill has definitely improved and eventually he plans to use his bow to hunt.

Twelve-year-old Matt Riley has gone bow hunting but said the archery program has improved his technique, such as just using three fingers to draw the string.

Both boys said having the chance to do archery has also helped with their school work. Ethan said he is keeping his grades up so he can shoot and Matt said having the time set aside for school work ensures he is prepared for the next day's classes.

Rachael Ross, 14, said because she is in a wheelchair, archery required concentration and for her to improve her balance. But the best part, she said with a smile, is it is fun.

"I will continue shooting," Rachael continued. "Whenever I have my own family, I want to teach them."

The students comments don't come as any surprise to Eric Edwards with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Edwards said one of the best things about having an archery program as part of school is the fun students have in the program, but MoNASP teaches more than archery shooting techniques. It teaches students to slow down and concentrate on the process.

"This ability they find in archery to concentrate and link the steps together carries over into the classroom and their school work," Edwards said. "They must self-analyze what was good and what could have been better with each individual shot, which translates into their school work in that they must self-evaluate how they did on homework, quizzes and tests and decide what they could have done differently to provide a better result."

Dr. Sam Duncan, R-1 superintendent, said eventually archery will also be offered as part of the district's physical education program.

"It is a great thing when you unlock the potential of collaboration among school and local, county, and state resources," Duncan said. "We look forward to further collaboration as we develop this program to its fullest capacity over the weeks and years to come."