The 2023 Florida National Archery in Schools Program (NASP) State Tournament was held on February 24-25, 2023, at Lake City Middle School in Lake City, Florida.
- Thirty-one schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools, took part in the competition, with several schools showcasing impressive performances.
One school that stood out from the pack was Liza Jackson Preparatory School in Fort Walton Beach. The school’s middle school archery team won the state championship, finishing with a score of 3143 and 100 tens, the highest number of bullseyes scored.
- The team’s excellent performance secured them the top spot out of eight participating teams. Liza Jackson’s elementary team also made an impact by placing 3rd in the state.
Brooklyn Watson, a 7th-grade student at Liza Jackson Preparatory School, displayed an impressive performance. Her score of 276 and 15 tens helped her to secure 1st place among the 7th grade girls and the 3rd place overall among 105 middle school girls.
Callie Campbell, another Liza Jackson student, also performed exceptionally well, ranking 5th among the 7th-grade girls and 15th overall among middle school girls.
Ben Cansdale was the highest-ranking male archer from Liza Jackson Preparatory School, finishing 6th among middle school boys and 17th overall among 211 male archers.
Kinley Friley, a 5th-grade student from Liza Jackson’s elementary team, secured the top spot among 81 elementary girls, 1st place among 5th-grade girls, and 27th overall among 246 girls.
Okaloosa schools represent at State
Liza Jackson wasn’t the only Okaloosa school showing up at State. Destin Middle School placed 2nd, followed by Meigs Middle School in 3rd place.
Destin Middle School’s Edward Benaglio, Gavin Bonneau, and Lennon Christie also put in some commendable performances.
- Edward Benaglio secured the 2nd spot among the 8th-grade boys and 3rd overall among 92 middle school boys, while Gavin Bonneau’s score of 269 and 11 tens helped him secure the 1st spot among 7th-grade boys and the 19th spot overall among 211 male archers.
- Lennon Christie finished 8th among middle school girls, securing the 3rd place among 8th-grade girls and the 23rd place overall among 246 girls.
Meigs Middle School also put in a noteworthy performance, with Jayce Nelson, Nolen Henderson, and Carson Scott showcasing their archery skills.
- Jayce Nelson’s score of 275 and 13 tens secured him the 1st spot among 6th-grade boys and the 2nd overall spot among 92 middle school boys.
- Nolen Henderson finished 7th among middle school boys and 18th overall among 211 male archers, while Carson Scott’s score of 264 and 10 tens secured him the 5th spot among 6th-grade boys and the 31st overall spot among 211 male archers.
Choctaw High School places 2nd in State
In addition to Liza Jackson Preparatory School’s victory, Choctawhatchee High School also made a significant impact at the 2023 Florida NASP State Tournament.
- The school finished with an impressive score of 3302 and 159 tens, securing the 2nd spot out of five participating teams.
Ashton Laberge was a standout performer from Choctawhatchee High School, finishing 2nd among high school boys and 2nd overall among 211 male archers. His score of 287 and 19 tens helped him secure the top spot among 9th-grade boys.
Madison Mall was also a noteworthy performer, securing the 2nd spot among high school girls and 2nd overall among 246 female archers. Her score of 286 and 18 tens helped her secure the top spot among 12th-grade girls.
Erik Gonzalez, a junior from Choctawhatchee High School, also displayed impressive archery skills, finishing 4th among high school boys and 4th overall among 211 male archers. His score of 285 and 18 tens helped him secure the top spot among 11th-grade boys.
Ava Pierce secured the 3rd spot among high school girls and 3rd overall among 246 female archers, with her score of 283 and 14 tens.
Shalimar Elementary wins State for elementary division
Shalimar Elementary also had a standout performance at the 2023 Florida NASP State Tournament. The school’s elementary team finished with an impressive score of 2997 and 74 tens, securing the top spot out of six participating teams.
Riley Boswell was a top performer from Shalimar Elementary, securing the 3rd spot among elementary girls and 47th overall among 246 female archers. Her score of 260 and 9 tens helped her secure the 3rd spot among 5th-grade girls.
Linkoln Updike was also a noteworthy performer, finishing 3rd among elementary boys and 46th overall among 211 male archers. His score of 257 and 12 tens helped him secure the 2nd spot among 5th-grade boys.
Lucy Ferguson secured the 4th spot among elementary girls and 61st overall among 246 female archers, with her score of 255 and 7 tens.
Other Okaloosa Schools:
- Pryor Middle School placed 5th middle school division.
- Elliot Point Elementary placed 3rd in elementary division.
- Fort Walton Beach High School placed 4th in high school division.
- Saint Mary Catholic School had individual archers.
Destin Elementary had two individual archers compete:
- Fourth-grader, Ryan Gregg, scored 265 with 9 tens to help him secure the number 1 spot for not only 4th grade boys, but first for the Elementary Boys division.
- Merric Lacour, also fourth grade, scored 249 with 5 tens.
3 Responses
Where’s the Saint Mary’s kids and FWBHS kids who went to nationals. Where Ava Jaskolski 6th, Christopher Silva 6th, and Alyria Devera 5th. They got into nationals with a 270,268, and a 254. Isabelle Castillo made it in from FWBHS with a 272, and Aurora Braxton made it in with a 280. Please add those:)
Where is the picture of Shalimar Elementary winning state?
Little lacking on all the information. Wonder who actually wrote it. We’re super proud of Saint Mary, 10 went to state first time ever and now 3 going to nationals. I’d say they are doing great! Kudos to all the winners and those who went.