Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : March 01, 2007

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov
Contact: Scott Warner , Wildlife Resources Section (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

WVTHA Sponsoring South Charleston Middle School In the WV Archery in the Schools Program

The West Virginia Trophy Hunters Association (WVTHA) will be sponsoring South Charleston Middle School in providing the necessary equipment needed for their students to participate in the WV Archery in the Schools Program.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) implemented the program in 19 schools in the fall of 2004, and there has been a tremendous amount of interest from Physical Education Instructors around the state since then. In a little over two years, the WV Archery in the Schools Program has become one of the DNR’s largest and fastest growing educational programs, reaching nearly 20 thousand students from the 121 participating schools.

“The West Virginia Trophy Hunters Association has been a long-time supporter of DNR programs and has always been especially enthusiastic when it comes to getting kids involved in outdoor activities, which is demonstrated with their sponsorship of South Charleston Middle School,” said Scott Warner, who coordinates the Archery Program for DNR. “If it wasn’t for the support we have received from wildlife organizations like the WVTHA, WV Bowhunters Association and the National Wild Turkey Federation we would never have been able to get this program off the ground.” 

To participate in the program, Joni Adams and Linda Kolb, teachers from South Charleston Middle School, attended the two-day training course and received the required level 1 certification offered by DNR. “We are looking forward to getting our students involved in this archery program and introducing them to an activity that teaches a life skill,” said Joni Adams. “We have never had archery as part of our curriculum, nor, until recently, the opportunity. Even after receiving the training, we had concerns on how we were going to be able to raise the $2,000 needed for the equipment. That was until I received a call from the WVTHA. Since then, our students can't wait and we would like to thank the WVTHA and the DNR for making this happen.”

“The WVTHA has a long history of working with kids, and through programs like this we have been able to reach thousands of students each year,” said Glen Jarrell with the WV Trophy Hunters Association. “The WVTHA is very pleased to be able to assist South Charleston Middle School in giving their students the same opportunities that many other schools around the state are enjoying.”  

  Editor’s Note: for more information and a list of participating schools visit the DNR’s Web site at www.wvdnr.gov

**DNR**