The Newton County 4-H shooting team and other 4-H participants have had a remarkable summer, achieving significant milestones and bringing pride to their community.
Shooting Team Achievements:
The shooting team recently returned from a national competition in Nebraska, where they excelled in various disciplines. The team placed fourth overall, with standout performances from individual members.
National and State Highlights:
Reese Eldridge: Placed 6th in the nation in .22 Pistol Individual and was part of the .22 Pistol team that finished 4th overall. Reese also secured 1st place in the state competition held in Pearl at the state law enforcement training academy, qualifying for nationals in air pistol.
Elizabeth Dees: Achieved 16th place nationally in .22 Pistol Individual and was part of the 4th place team. Elizabeth placed 3rd in the state competition, also qualifying for nationals in air pistol.
Nicholas Coker: His .22 Small Bore Rifle team ended up 7th in the nation and captured a 4th place team finish in the CMP round. Nicholas placed 36th out of 79 competitors.
Daniel Bryant: Part of the Mississippi Shotgun team, which finished 6th in the nation, Daniel placed 44th out of 129 competitors.
Future Aspirations:
Reese Eldridge and Elizabeth Dees will travel back to Grand Island, Nebraska, in June 2025 to compete nationally in air pistol. Their recent performances have set high expectations for their future endeavors.
4-H SPIKE Robotics Team:
The 4-H SPIKE robotics team, consisting of Thomas Smith, Dylan Coleman, Ian Mosley, Darcy Mosley, and Declan Mosley, also made notable achievements. They placed at the 4-H Steam Day competition, showcasing their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Community and Support:
The Newton County 4-H program continues to thrive due to the unwavering support of the community and the dedication of volunteers. The Board of Supervisors has granted access to facilities, such as the show barn, which has been instrumental for practice sessions.
4-H Program Benefits:
The 4-H program offers a comprehensive youth development platform, encompassing a wide range of activities from livestock and robotics to shooting sports. The program aims to expose children to new experiences, helping them discover their interests and develop essential life skills.
Joining 4-H:
Interested families can contact their county extension office for enrollment information. The program is free to join, providing accessible opportunities for youth to participate in various activities and competitions.
The Newton County 4-H participants have demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, achieving outstanding results on both state and national stages. Their successes reflect the strong community support and the effectiveness of the 4-H program in fostering youth development.
For more details and photos from the competitions, please visit the Newton County 4-H Facebook page or contact the local extension office.
