Introducing the 2017 NRA National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors Presented by Brownells

The National Rifle Association’s Youth Programs Division is proud to introduce the 2017 NRA National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors presented by Brownells. Youth Ambassadors are selected to represent the NRA and its National Shooting Sports Youth Cooperative Organizations including Boy Scouts of America, BSA Venturing, National High School Rodeo Association, Royal Rangers, and USA Shooting.

The Ambassadors are nominated by their respective organizations following a rigorous application process, taking into account not only their involvement in the shooting sports but their academic performance, leadership skills and commitment to their communities.

During their term, Ambassadors provide perspective and serve as advisers on youth shooting sports topics. Not only does the Youth Ambassador program encourage growth of the shooting sports, but it also encourages increased industry support of youth shooting.

The 2017 NRA National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors, presented by Brownells are:

Representing Boy Scouts of America: Keaton James Sharp of Magnolia, TX. Keaton, 18, is a high school senior, Eagle Scout and competitive shotgun shooter, participating mostly in International Trap.

Representing BSA Venturing: Jamie Marie Lear of Perryton, TX. Jamie, 18, has earned numerous venturing awards, including the Silver and Gold Awards. Jamie is experienced in shooting and archery, and favors shotgun shooting. A freshman at Oklahoma State University, Jamie is active in the university’s Shotgun Club.

Representing the National High School Rodeo Association: Taylor Rain Holland of Bee Branch, AR. Taylor, 17, is both a crack-shot with her shotgun and all-round rodeo athlete, competing in American Trap at the National High School Rodeo Finals, as well as in International Trap.

Representing the Royal Rangers: Mason Haynes of Oklahoma City, OK. At 17, Mason is this year’s youngest Ambassador. Mason enjoys rifle sports and competes at the state and regional levels in muzzleloader, rifle, pistol and shotgun. He is truly passionate about teaching others about the shooting sports and participates in various Royal Rangers and other shooting in his community. 

Representing USA Shooting: Lydia Paterson of Kansas City, KS. Lydia, 19, is the most experienced of this year’s Ambassadors, having recently competed in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, competing in Air Pistol. Lydia is a sophomore at the University of St. Mary, where she is working toward a degree in Biology.

Representing the NRA: Trevor Goin of Prospect, VA. Trevor, 19, is an all-around shooter whose first love is shotgun shooting. He has competed in Virginia 4-H shooting since age 11.  Trevor is the 2016 recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Youth Award, which honors outstanding youth participation in the shooting sports.

For more information about the NRA National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassador Program, visit youthambassadors.nra.org, or email ambassadors@nrahq.org.