The Physical Education Department at Troy Elementary School was recently awarded a grant by the Troy City Schools Education Foundation (TCSEF) for the purchase of Rinehart 3-D animal targets. The TCSEF provides supplemental funding to promote educational endeavors within the Troy City Schools system.

“We have added Hunter Education to our physical education curriculum for our 6th graders at Troy Elementary and I feel it will enhance the lives of our students because they will have a greater understanding and appreciation of one of our most precious resources….wildlife.” stated Forrest Lee. Students are taught the importance of protecting and managing our wildlife, hunting responsibly, ethics, survival skills, wildlife identification and other topics as it relates to hunter education.

“Archery was added to our program three years ago and the interest in archery has exploded. Our kids love it and the addition of 3-D targets will further the interests of students in the sport of archery and bow-hunting” stated Lee. Students in grades 3-6 are offered archery.

“In addition, the 3-D targets will be utilized by our archery teams from TES, CHMS and CHHS. A 3-D tournament is offered at the State and National Championships and these targets will benefit these students” states Lee. The teams will compete at the regionals in Ozark on March 14 and in they qualify will compete at the Alabama State Championships on April 7.

The roots for archery in Troy City Schools began at Charles Henderson Middle School. In 2003, the State Department of Education and Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries selected 16 schools to begin the pilot program “On Target for Life.” This program is designed to introduce Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD) style archery programs as part of the school curriculum to improve educational performance and participation. The program is titled the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP).