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Congratulations Gemma: 3rd Place in the
PA State Sporting Clays Championship
on June 18, 2016. |
If you listened carefully at the National Sporting Clays Championship, you'd hear a soft voice call "Pull" followed by a deafening (
Bang!) ... (Bang!)
You'd see a quickly-moving disk burst into a terra cotta cloud of gray quickly followed by another burst of gray. You may recognize that gentle voice as Gemma Gatto, senior Health Assistant student, who was eligible to travel to the national competition in central Ohio to compete in the female varsity division after placing third in the 2016 Pennsylvania State Sporting Clay Championships.
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| "Pull!" |
In Gemma's competition, she shoots sporting clays. There are seventeen stations laid out along the course; at each station, there are several different scenarios of clay birds being thrown in the air and on the ground. Her target goal? Accuracy.
When asked her favorite aspect of the sport, she replied, "The sport is 90% mental, so I need to study the target before I even get to shoot." She enjoys the complexity of critical thinking when deciding how, when, and where to shoot.
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Ryan Wehman & Gemma Gatto
Lawrence County Young Guns |
An outstanding shot, Gemma shoots sporting clays for the Lawrence County Young Guns, a member of the
Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation. The aim of this organization is to teach "life lessons and skills that emphasize positive character traits and citizenship values." SSSF welcomes well over 12,000 members, is active in over 42 states, and awards over $52K in scholarships each year!
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During a break in events at
Nationals, Gemma assists a fellow
shooter in the 11 year-old division.
This is leadership
in action! |
How did she get her start? "It's my dad's fault," laughs Gemma. When he took on a leadership role with their local gun club, he involved Mia, Gemma's older sister. After two years of badgering, According to Gemma, "I finally gave in and tried shooting, too. I've loved it ever since." She's at Young Guns practice twice a week, but, as a testament to her dedication to the sport, you'll hear backyard blasts from her shotgun about four times a week. Now, shooting for the past two years, she competes with the Lawrence County Young Guns Club affiliated with the Lawrence County Sportsman's Association. Mia also competed at the state level and brought home a silver medal to add to the family's collection.
But her involvement in LCYG isn't just a family affair; our very own Ryan Wehman, senior Electrical Occupations student, also enjoys shooting, as well. Shooting with your friends -- even making new friends -- is part of the benefits. The opportunity to network is abundant in competitive shooting.
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Gemma takes her shot at Nationals landing her 17th of
the 75 young women in her division! |
What do these students learn within this organization? Lawrence County Young Guns learn how to safely handle and care for their firearms. They learn to skillfully shoot with precision. They learn the "characteristics of honesty, good fellowship, self discipline, team play, and self-reliance." Above all, they learn patriotism.
A lifetime sport, Gemma loves not only the travel; she also loves that this sport is a great sport for all ages. "I will probably shoot until the day I die!"
If you'd like to see Gemma in action, click on the video below:
