Norwood Elementary becomes 500th MoNASP school

WRIGHT COUNTY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) congratulates Norwood Elementary on becoming the 500th school to join the Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program (MoNASP). Norwood Elementary began teaching MoNASP in January and completed its certification in May.

"We are honored to be the 500th school to join such a great program," Norwood Elementary Principal Jared Terry said. "MoNASP is a wonderful program for students to learn responsibility, teamwork, and other life skills. Our students are excited and ready to start their new journey in archery, as a part of MoNASP."

MoNASP is coordinated through MDC in partnership with numerous schools and supporting organizations throughout the state. MoNASP is an affiliate of the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP). Since NASP's beginnings in 2002 in Kentucky, more than 10 million students have participated in the program through 10,000 schools in 47 states and 10 countries. Missouri adopted the program in 2007, starting with just 20 pilot schools. More than 135,000 Missouri students from 500 schools now participate in MoNASP.

"We keep growing and it's amazing," said MDC MoNASP Coordinator Eric Edwards. "Missouri is one of the top 10 states with the most schools in NASP."

MoNASP promotes education, self-esteem, and physical activity for students in grades 4-12 through participation in the sport of archery. Edwards encourages all schools to join MoNASP.

"Missouri is a great place to hunt and fish, and great place for shooting sports such as archery too," said Edwards. "MoNASP not only teaches students the lifetime skills that come from archery, but it also helps them excel in the classroom."

To sign up or to learn more about MoNASP visit the Conservation Department's website at mdc.mo.gov/education/monasp/about-monasp.