The NRA Foundation gave a $3,635 grant to the West Oso High School Junior ROTC program in late April, partly in recognition of the squad’s performance during the Army National JROTC Marksmanship Championship in Alabama earlier that month.
The Corpus Christi, Texas, school regiment’s shooting team placed second in the state competition and was, thereafter, one of two teams send to the nationals, where more than 2,400 squads vied for top honors.
The grant will be used for ammunition and other equipment that the cadets use for practice and competition throughout the year. West Oso High says the school’s annual cost per shooter is about $1,500.
The cadets use sporter air rifles, sanctioned by the Civilian Marksmanship Program, during the shooting contests.
Shooters on the team must meet academic standards, so the extracurricular activity encourages success on multiple fronts.
“The cadets love it and (it) really boosts their confidence and morale,” West Oso ROTC Instructor Kirk Parker told the Corpus Christi Caller Times. “The students gain so much confidence in themselves and learn to succeed with others.”
