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KENTUCK Y CRUSHERS ROWAN COUNTY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL SETS THE STANDARD IN APPALACHIA CONFIDENCE BOOSTERS The League's far-reaching impact gives students of all backgrounds and abilities the chance to grow. THE MORE THE MERRIER ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC SCHOOL BRINGS THE LEAGUE TO LAFAYETTE The city of Lafayette, Louisiana, was once called the happiest city in America. Located 35 miles from the Gulf Coast and just over two hours west of New Orleans, Lafayette (population 121,000) is described as the heart of Cajun and Creole country. It's also considered a sportsman's paradise, and that's why Dan Duhon, along with several parents and community members, worked to create the STM Shooting Sports Club at St. Thomas More Catholic High School. The club was founded in 2022 and is now 35 team members strong. "Given that this area is a hotbed of hunting and fishing activities and that we already had a fishing team, a shooting sports team seemed to be the next logical step," said Duhon, a lifelong hunter, fisherman, and hunter safety instructor. "With the help of several parents, many of which stepped up to become coaches and leaders, the club became a real success story." FLYING HIGH CALVARY CHAPEL HIGH SCHOOL IS BUILDING SOMETHING SPECIAL IN SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA When the Calvary Chapel High School team was first formed in 2017, there were around five to seven athletes. Since then, Kuebler has helped it grow to more than 20 and counting. "We really try to make sure that what our team does is provide a home and a family for students," head coach Melissa Kuebler said. "Our big focus is growth. We'll have athletes that come out in the fall and will shoot zeros all the way until the last week and finally hit their first clay—and we celebrate like they've hit 25." Team captain and senior Gabriel Beortegui says his only regret is not participating sooner. "The best part is that I've met and become friends with people that I probably would not have become friends with otherwise," Beortegui said. "The bond, motivation, and vibe that comes from this team is abso- lutely amazing. These factors make the whole experi- ence 10 times better and I can't wait for this season." RE A D S UMME R 2024 RE A D FA L L 2024 U SAC TL | 2024 A NN U A L IMPA C T R E P O R T | 7 A total of 25 students in grades 6-12 participate on the Rowan County Senior High School clay target team, founded in 2019. The Vikings compete at the Rowan County Sportsman's Club with several team members gaining previous experience in shooting sports through 4-H and hunting with family members. "We are a small, rural community in Eastern Kentucky and the sport of hunting has long been a part of our culture," head coach Stephanie Kidd said. "It is not unusual for a student to be using the shotgun that they have inherited from a family member who used to shoot trap. Many of our families have shot trap at the Sportsman's Club since its inception and continue today." "Our team is 6th grade to 12th grade and mentoring is an important part of our teamwork," Kidd said. "We are a small, close-knit community and families are important to the students' achievements."