Six Vermont 4-H Club members are Nebraska-bound this summer, thanks to their outstanding performances at a recent state shooting sports event.

The 4-H’ers earned a spot on teams that will compete at the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships, June 23-28, at the Heartland Public Shooting Park in Grand Island. They are among the more than 800 competitors from across the country who will take part in this event, hosted by Nebraska 4-H.

Vermont will field two teams — .22 pistol and muzzleloading. The 4-H’ers will be accompanied by their coaches and Kandy Petty of St. Johnsbury and a Green Mountain Shooting Sports leader, who will serve as the group coordinator.

Representing the state on the .22 pistol team are Misha Chirkova, Newbury; Nick McReynolds, Danville; and Julian Mercy, Hardwick.

Selected for Vermont’s muzzleloader team are Mason Carter, Granville; Robert Harris, Poultney; and Michelle Roy, St. Johnsbury. Carter and Harris are members of the Oxbow Mountain Shooting Sports 4-H Club. Roy is a Green Mountain Sharp Shooters member.

Coach Doug Petty, of St. Johnsbury, will be assisted by Frederick Mead, of Castleton, who works with the Oxbow Mountain Shooting Sports 4-H Club in Pawlet.

To qualify, interested 4-H’ers, ages 14 to 18, were required to submit an application explaining why they would like to compete at the national level on a specific team. Selection was based on various factors including recommendations from 4-H Club leaders and shooting sports instructors, performance at past Vermont 4-H Shooting Sports Jamborees and strong participation in 4-H.

Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible donation toward trip expenses may send a check to Vermont 4-H Shooting Sports, c/o Holly Ferris, University of Vermont Extension, 29 Sunset Drive, Suite 2, Morrisville, VT 05661. Checks should be made payable to Vermont 4-H Shooting Sports. A receipt will be provided upon request.

To learn more about the shooting sports program in Vermont, contact her at 802-656-7562 or [email protected].