In the Spring of 2018, former USPSA President Mike Voigt passed away, leaving a legacy in USPSA, the firearms industry, professional training and those who had the pleasure of shooting, working and traveling with Mike on his journey. After Mike’s passing, his wife Maggie Reese Voigt worked with USPSA President Mike Foley to ensure funds received in Voigt’s name would be used specifically for the benefit of junior members of USPSA.
In February 2019, the Michael Voigt Presidential Education Program was launched. Contributions made to this program via charitable, tax-deductible donations, will fund post-secondary education assistance for USPSA juniors each calendar year.
It is with great pride that USPSA announces the second recipient of the Michael Voigt Presidential Education Program Award, Bridget Cunningham from Longview, Texas.
Bridget Cunningham first started competing in Steel Challenge competition in 2017. Bridget is the current Ladies World Champion in several Steel Challenge divisions, and holds five current match world records for performance. She embodies excellence and sportsmanship, and conducts herself as a true champion and ambassador on and off the range.
Bridget was one of the youngest USPSA members to complete the National Range Officer Institute’s Range Officer certification program in 2019, with an additional endorsement in Steel Challenge. She exhibits professionalism and courtesy while enforcing the rules of the game, and safely assists other competitors through dynamic situations on the field of play. Bridget helps produce three different local matches per month in her home state of Texas.
Additionally, Bridget is passionate about Steel Challenge and other shooting sports, and guides junior shooters and adults on their journey to safe, fun and fair practical shooting. Her knowledge and understanding, coupled with her professional and polite demeanor, make her a great representative for her sponsors and our sport. She will no doubt do the same as she pursues her academic career as a pre-med student at Texas Tech University, majoring in Psychology with minors in Biology and Russian Studies.
To dedicate the time and effort to be a world champion, while giving back to the sport as a range officer and volunteer, maintaining a positive and professional image are impressive as singular accomplishments, but Bridget has done all of these, while also pursuing her education and personal growth in other areas. She has maintained a 4.0 grade point average, while completing 39 college credit hours prior to her high school graduation.
Bridget’s interactions with her family, friends, sponsors, mentors, competitors and strangers are indicative of her exceptional character. Her passion for the shooting sports is evident at each encounter. Congratulations to Bridget as we wish her the absolute best in college, as well as continued success in competition.
Article from the September/October 2021 issue of USPSA’s magazine.
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