On March 21, 22, and 23, the Calvert High NJROTC qualifying Air Rifle members attended the All-Service Air Rifle Nationals in Camp Perry, Ohio, an event at which the top Air Rifle members from different units (Marine Corps, Army, Navy, and Air Force JROTC) and schools across the nation competed for the title of JROTC (All-Service) National Champion.
After competing for two days against 137 marksmen from other schools, partaking in over three hours of shooting and going up against the top eight shooters in the nation, CHS senior Emma Doyle, a decorated NJROTC cadet and Commanding Officer of the Unit, won the title of JROTC All-Service National Champion. This is the first time any Calvert High Cadet has one this award.
Under the instruction of Calvert’s Senior Naval Science Instructor Commander Jason Miller and Mr. Jerry Beardmore (a dedicated parent of a previous CHS student), Doyle has not only thrived in the sport and the unit, but she has also grown immensely as a person.
“She [Emma] has built an exceptional base of experience and talent through her four years shooting the Air Rifle at CHS. We are ecstatic at her accomplishment and could not be prouder.” said Senior Naval Science Instructor Commander Jason Miller on Doyle’s hard work and accomplishment.
Doyle, who has been shooting on the team since her freshman year, said she was one of the lucky ones who took naturally to the sport and connected with it. She also said that while it seems easy, it has a major mental aspect.
“While Air Rifle seems like a simple sport, it has a major mental aspect. You have to learn to clear your mind, relax, and not think about all the little things, and overall, it teaches you good self-control and discipline.”
Notonly has the sport taught her important skills, but it has also created the opportunity for her to create what she believes will be lasting friendships. “I have become extremely close with my team, we travel and stay together, and we all connect strongly over the sport because of our love for it. I have built friendships that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” said Doyle.
Doyle says she will be continuing to shoot Air Rifle, but not at the collegiate level, when she attends Embrey-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall.
