Posted: March 26, 2024
Pennsylvania 4-H'ers recently earned high rankings in the National 4-H Shooting Sports Quiz Bowl. This virtual competition included nearly 400 participants.
The competition focused on the mechanics and safety of firearms, as well as specific trivia related to each of the disciplines taught in the 4-H shooting sports program — archery, rifle, pistol, shotgun, muzzle loading, hunting skills, and western heritage. Participants also drew from general 4-H and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics knowledge.
Members competed as individuals and in teams of up to four to represent Pennsylvania. Scores are based on the number of correct answers and the amount of time it took to complete the quiz.
The top 10 teams and individuals in each region and in the nation received medallions or ribbons.
In the junior division, which consists of 4-H'ers ages 8-11, the Indiana County Junior A Team placed second nationally and first in the Northeast region. Team members included Nevaeh Pearsall, Bentley Pearsall, Bella Snyder, and Leo Pumford.
As an individual, Nevaeh Pearsall earned 10th place nationally and third in the Northeast region.
4-H'ers ages 12-14 competed in the intermediate division. The MAT Squad placed fourth nationally and first in the Northeast region. This team consisted of Seth Brehm, Blake Fishel, Carson Riley, and Michael Morse, all from Huntingdon County.
The Indiana County Intermediate A Team placed fifth in the nation and second in the Northeast region. Team members included Kamrey Steele, Cooper Steele, Cole Barnhart, and Cameron States.
In the individual competition, Kamrey Steele, Blake Cousins, and Seth Brehm placed third, fourth, and fifth respectively in the Northeast region.
Senior competitors are between 15 and 18 years old. In this division, the Indiana County Senior A Team of Sadie Palfrey, John Bruner, Kaden Pisarcik, and Maggie Palfrey earned first place in the Northeast region.
The SusCo Kids A team earned second in the region. Team members included Charlotte Quick, Aaron Tomanchec, Jeremy Lewis, and Naomi Cross, all from Susquehanna County.
Earning third place in the region was Armstrong Team A, comprised of Blake Cousins, Madison Cousins, Lindsay Lundgren, and Kathryn Lundgren.
In the individual competition for the Northeast region, Sadie Palfrey took first place, John Bruner earned second place, Patricia Shively came in fourth and Charlotte Quick earned fifth place.
Like all 4-H programs, the 4-H shooting sports curriculum is focused on positive youth development and teaching life skills. With guidance, training, and supervision from adult mentors, 4-H shooting sports provide a positive experience for youth and promote the safe and ethical use of firearms and archery equipment.
Administered in Pennsylvania by Penn State Extension, 4-H is a nonformal educational youth-development program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that helps young people develop knowledge and skills to become capable, caring, and contributing citizens. To find your local program, visit the Pennsylvania 4-H website.
