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Jul 31, 2024

Announcing the Inaugural NFAA Pro Scholarship Winners

The National Field Archery Association (NFAA) is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 NFAA Professional Division Scholarship. This prestigious award, funded by the NFAA Professional Division, is an annual scholarship presented to one male and one female archer aged between 15 and 18. Each recipient receives $1000 towards their secondary education.

The National Field Archery Association (NFAA) is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2024 NFAA Professional Division Scholarship. This prestigious award, funded by the NFAA Professional Division, is an annual scholarship presented to one male and one female archer aged between 15 and 18. Each recipient receives $1000 towards their secondary education.

In its first year, the scholarship saw an impressive number of applicants, with 24 student archers from across the country vying for the award. The selection process was highly competitive, reflecting the high caliber of young archers dedicated to both their sport and academic pursuits.

The NFAA is pleased to congratulate the following student archers as this year’s winners:

• Female Recipient: Rendyn Brooks, Grade 11, Grandview, TX;
  Rendyn Brooks, from Grandview, TX, began her archery journey at the age of nine, initially viewing it as a fun activity with her dad. Over the past eight years, this casual hobby has evolved into a deep passion and a successful career in national competitive archery. Rendyn has excelled in numerous tournaments, earning accolades such as the 2023 ASA Shooter of the Year in the Women’s K-40 division and setting multiple state and national records. Her dedication to the sport is matched by her commitment to her community, where she actively volunteers, coaches young archers, and serves as an officer in her school's National Honor Society and FFA chapter. Balancing her rigorous training with academic and extracurricular responsibilities, Rendyn is determined to continue her archery journey through college at Texas A&M University, where she plans to study mechanical engineering with the dream of designing archery equipment.

• Male Recipient: Wyatt Ridgeway, Grade 12, Castle Rock, CO;
  Wyatt Ridgeway is an 18-year-old archer from Colorado who has been passionately competing in archery since the age of 9. Diagnosed with Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome, Wyatt turned to archery as a non-contact sport, finding not just a hobby but a lifelong passion. He has competed in over 30 NFAA tournaments, as well as USA Archery and local events, where he has honed his skills and made lasting friendships.
  As Wyatt prepares to attend Montana State University to pursue a business degree, he plans to continue his archery journey, even though the university doesn't have an archery program. Beyond his accomplishments in archery, Wyatt is actively involved in community service through 4-H, FFA, and NHS, where he demonstrates leadership and a commitment to making a positive impact.
  

We extend our congratulations to all applicants for their hard work and dedication. We wish you the best of luck in your future academic and archery-related endeavors.

"We’re thrilled to congratulate the winners of the first-ever 2024 NFAA Professional Division Scholarship! These talented young archers have not only shown incredible skill and dedication to archery but have also made a real impact in their communities," said NFAA Pro Chairman Chance Beaubouef. "Their work in promoting archery and staying engaged locally is truly impressive. We’re so proud of all the applicants and winners for their hard work and passion, and we can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve next, both in school and in archery. Congratulations and best of luck!"

Scholarship Details

The NFAA Pro Scholarship is designed to support high school sophomores, juniors, or seniors who are actively engaged in competitive archery. Applications were accepted from January 1st to April 30th, with winners being notified on July 30th. Scholarship funds will be released directly to the institution of higher education once the individual is enrolled.

Required Submission Materials

• Personal statement.
• Shooter résumé detailing archery involvement at the local and/or state level.
• Letter outlining community involvement and/or job experience.
• At least one letter of recommendation.
• Most recent high school transcript.
• Current photograph.

Selection Process

Applications are vetted by the NFAA Executive Secretary for completeness. Those in good standing are reviewed by a committee including the NFAA President, NFAA Pro Chairman, and three professional archers selected by the NFAA Pro Chairman.

The NFAA Pro Scholarship is an invaluable opportunity for young archers to further their education while continuing to excel in their sport. We are proud to support the next generation of archery talent.

For more information about the NFAA Pro Scholarship and other NFAA programs, please visit our Scholarship Opportunities page.

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