Eighteen-year-old Johnathan Dorsten of Bryan, Ohio, is the 2022 Dr. Carolyn Hines Memorial Scholarship recipient.
The Dr. Carolyn Hines Memorial Scholarship is part of the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s annual scholarship line-up. Each year, top marksmanship student-athletes exhibiting excellence in academics, extra-curricular activities and community service receive $1,000 scholarships.
Standout candidates displaying extraordinary credentials are also selected by CMP to receive additional money toward their future endeavors. Those chosen receive $3,000 scholarships, while one $5,000 Carolyn Hines Memorial Scholarship is awarded to the top overall recipient.
“I am honored to receive the overall CMP Scholarship,” Dorsten said. “I knew I worked hard and represented myself well in my application, but I was surprised to learn I received it—there were many other strong applicants.”
Dorsten’s passion for marksmanship began in third grade as a member of his local 4-H, when he participated in archery in 2011. He stuck with the group for the next decade—adding smallbore pistol, rifle, crossbow and shotgun to his repertoire. He also served as president of the club for four years.
“Being involved in 4-H has played a fundamental role in my shooting career,” he said. “It gave me my foundation in shooting and introduced me to air pistol. 4-H has also taught me many life lessons and helped me excel as a person. I have learned teamwork, leadership and responsibility, all through 4-H.”
Over his career, Dorsten has been a gold medalist in the Ohio Junior Olympic state qualifying matches in men’s air pistol and has placed second and third, respectively, at the CMP Camp Perry Open and the USA Shooting Winter Air Gun Match.
His leap into air pistol competition began in 2018 when he represented his team, the Buckeye Bullet Busters, in the event at the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships in Grand Island, Nebraska. He had never touched an air pistol before being asked to participate in the match, so it was a tall task to fulfill.
“It was a challenge and something new, shooting related,” he said of the opportunity. “One of my close friends also went in air pistol, so we figured, either way, we will just go and have a fun time.”
He quickly acquired a low-end competition pistol and made the 90-mile trek to Camp Perry to give the sport a try. While there, CMP staff members took Dorsten and his teammate under their wings and showed them the basics of international air pistol. The two took easily to the sport and soon invested in some more advanced equipment and regular trips to Camp Perry to practice.
“I love Camp Perry for several reasons,” he explained. “First, it was the first range I ever shot at. I practiced there quite often and learned to get used to the range. It is a state-of-the-art facility and the nicest I have shot at so far. The people at the range are also some of the nicest around. They have helped and supported me from day one.”
After many hours of dry-firing and diligent practice, Dorsten competed in the 4-H Nationals and reached second place overall out of a nearly 50-competitor field—trailing the top finisher by less than a point.
“Coming so close to first was more than a dream come true,” he said. “It was unbelievable at first. I was very young compared to the other shooters, and I could not believe what I had just accomplished.”
He has since become a member of the USA Shooting National Junior Team, even competing internationally at the 2021 El Salvador Junior Grand Prix, where he finished ninth overall—missing the final by only three points.
“I enjoy marksmanship because I’m able to practice and excel,” he said. “I have never been a star athlete in high school sports, but with shooting, I can achieve my full potential. I also enjoy the many friends and mentors I have met through shooting. It really is my second family.”
Outside of marksmanship, Dorsten served as co-captain of his soccer team and participated in tennis. He has also been active within his church—volunteering in several service projects over the years. A graduate of Bryan High School with a 3.95 GPA and 30 ACT score, he also made the honor roll all four years and was a member of the National Honor Society. He keeps busy with a local engineering internship and as a member of the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation All-Scholastic Team from 2019 to 2021.
Looking ahead, Dorsten has committed to Ohio State University, majoring in agricultural mechanical engineering and earning a spot on the air pistol team.
“I look forward to the family atmosphere and coaching the team provides,” he said of Ohio State. “I am also excited to take the specific classes related to my career and meet many new friends.”
For the near future, Dorsten plans to continue shooting, with the goal of competing in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. After that, who knows—but no matter what it is, he will certainly be on the firing line—one way or another.
“Marksmanship has played a large teaching role in my life,” Dorsten has said in the past. “I’m thankful for these lessons—they will not only help me at shooting but will help me succeed in life as well.”
