Indiana Legion hosts 24th Annual Junior Shooting Sports Scholarship Competition

​SEYMOUR, Ind., – More than 70 teenagers competed in 24th Annual The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Scholarship Competition held at Seymour Post 89, Saturday, March 18.
 
First place finisher, Isaiah Cole from Bellmont High School in Decatur, Ind., will receive the first ever, $1,000 Ida May Jewell JSSP Championship Scholarship to be presented at the Indiana Legion Spring Conference in Indianapolis on April 8.
 
The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program is a gun safety education and marksmanship program that encompasses the basic elements of safety, education, enjoyment and competition. Shooters use the .177 caliber air rifle.
 
This unique program gives students across Indiana, ages 12 – 18, the opportunity to learn marksmanship from National Rifle Association trained coaches.
 
Both males and females can participate, through Legion sponsorship; disabled youth are encouraged to join, as competitive shooting is a sport that creates an equal playing field for all competitors.

Isaiah Cole of Bellmont High School in Decatur, Ind., finishes in first place in the overall and earns the $1,000 Ida May Jewell JSSP Scholarship at the 2017 Junior Shooting Sports Scholarship Competition held at Seymour, Ind., Post 89 on Saturday, March 18.

Marion High School Junior Taylor Sorah competes in the 2017 American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Scholarship Competition held at Seymour, Ind., Post 89 on Saturday, March 18. Sorah finished third in overall competition.

​“It’s really a fun competition,” said Taylor Sorah, 2016 Indiana JSSP Champion. “It’s competitive but we’re all here together with our friends and family.” Sorah finished in third place overall and plans to compete again next year during her senior year of high school. “I would recommend it to anyone that wants to learn more about marksmanship.”
 
Junior Shooting Sports is a three-part program that combines the Basic Marksmanship Course, Qualification Awards and Air Rifle Competition into a well-rounded activity.
 
Contestants are judged by accuracy through a three-position tournament consisting of standing, kneeling and prone, of which the highest combined score determines the overall tournament winners.
 
Additionally, the Indiana Rifle and Pistol Association presented competitors with trophies in marksmanship, sharpshooter, distinguished shooter and championship categories.
 
“We’ve got a really great group of volunteers and we just enjoy mentoring these kids,” said Ida May Jewell, Chairwoman of the Indiana Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program. “They really give you hope for the future.”
 
Students and parents interested in participating in next year’s program are encouraged to contact their local American Legion post. Learn more about JSSP at: www.indianalegion.org/junior-shooting-sports.