March 8, 2016
The National Archery in the Schools Program Launches On Target for Life Awards and Recognition Program.
On the heels of the release of the NASP® Academic Archer program, NASP® launches the On Target for Life Awards Program. The OTFLA program is intended to recognize and celebrate the many instances where in-school archery, and the people involved with it, are positively impacting the lives of 2.23 million NASP® student archers each year.
Since its inception in 2002, NASP® has continued to hear powerful examples of how in-school archery has positively impacted the lives of students and adults. The OTFLA program is intended to capture examples of the “best” of what NASP® is doing in 47 states and 11 jurisdictions with both team and individual awards.
In November of 2015, National NASP® leadership and a group of NASP® educators/coaches and students met to discuss ways to further enhance the 15 year old program. A system of recognitions and awards to capture the many “positives” that go on behind the scenes of NASP® was recommended. As a result, the following awards and recognitions will be recognized at the 2016 National NASP® tournament:
The Community Service Award is a team award that will go to a NASP® team that makes a substantial positive impact to its community. Evidence should be provided to clearly illustrate where NASP® students and coaches decided, as a team, to voluntarily make an outstanding positive difference for those around them. Community members that can confirm the community impact should be involved in the nomination, and the school administration should also be included.
The Bullseye Award is an individual award for a NASP® Student that has made notable positive strides in academic performance and behavior through their involvement with the program. As the name implies, this student is an example of the positive turnaround impact that survey data continues to imply for NASP® participants. This student, through their positive attributes and participation in NASP®, is now recognized as an ambassador for the NASP® program and their school community. Nomination should include the school principal.
The Superhero Award is an individual award intended to recognize an unpaid volunteer that makes an outstanding positive impact on their NASP® program or team. This award, recommended by the NASP® advisory students, is a way to capture the immeasurable positive impact of the many NASP® volunteers that support students in the program. Evidence should include examples of how the “Superhero” goes above and beyond in their support of their NASP® students.
The Courage Award is an individual award for a NASP® student that has overcome a major life event or disability, yet continues to inspire others through their participation in NASP®. They are an ambassador for NASP® and for what participation in it, represents for them. This is a student that continues to lead, inspire and provide hope to others as a NASP® student.
The Outstanding Alumni Award is an individual award for a former NASP® graduate that experienced the positives of NASP®, and now continues to give back to their former school or team. They provide obvious service, support and/or a positive role model for current NASP® students to emulate. Clear evidence should be provided to explain how this individual is obviously supporting their previous NASP® program by “paying it forward.” Examples of how this individual has supported the program are pivotal in the decision making for this award.
Coach of the Year Award is an individual award for a NASP® educator/coach. The educator/coach must be nominated by at least the majority of the NASP® students of his/her team or class. The award must have the support and co-nomination of the school administration. This award is not dependent on success or even participation in current NASP® tournament structure. The nominee must have a proven history of making an overwhelming positive difference in the lives of participating NASP® students. This is a student-nominated award specifically recognizing attributes of the coach beyond just their ability to teach the fundamentals of archery. Specific examples of how the coach has gone above and beyond in the lives of their NASP® students is pivotal in the decision making for this award.
NASP® On Target for Life Award Nomination instructions
To nominate an individual or a team for a particular OTFLA, go to http://app.naspschools.org/ontarget/
NASP® will select three finalist in each category and announce the names prior to the NASP® National Tournament. Please note, NASP® will need written permission from each finalist to share his or her story via media outlets. For additional information, please contact Tommy Floyd at: tommy.floyd@naspschools.org
ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY
APRIL 8, 2016