06/27/2016
Here are our final standing at the World competition. It's really pretty amazing that a school with 325 kids could even begin to compete with schools from all over the world, schools with thousands of students to choose from, schools that practice year round for this event, and schools that have had this program going for years. To qualify for this event in only our 3rd year in the NASP program is so humbling.
Their coaches Kelsie P Jolly and Andrew Strong are awesome, and I can't say enough about the kids. During this trip and at nationals in Kentucky, I never heard a single cross word, complaint, gripe, or rude comment from any of them. They celebrated each other's successes and included each other in their activities. They represented the town of Jena very well as young ladies and gentlemen and archers.
I love this sport because it doesn't take physical strength or athletic ability. Our handicapped kids can compete with non-handicapped, because it's hand/eye coordination. (And, LA NASP gives college scholarships that can be earned yearly from 3rd - 12th grades.)
The kids and their parents have worked so hard to raise money for these trips, and the parents that could attend took care of all of our kids as they did their own. They hauled equipment, adopted kids, gave time and money, and not once did they complain. Everything didn't go as planned with shuttles, accommodations, flights, missing luggage etc., but they adjusted and rolled with it.
And, most of all our town and surrounding towns stepped up to get us there. The expenses are staggering, but business, individuals, family members, and strangers gave their money to help send us. It reminds me that we're blessed to be small town folks where people love and care for each other. So, THANK YOU ALL for your outpouring of love, encouragement, prayers, and for your generosity. All of us involved with the JJHS archery team will remember these things always. Keep shooting kids!
PS. JHS, GPMS, and LJHS are starting the program next year, so our kids can continue shooting. I'm LaSalle Parish School Proud!
