A New School Year

Posted On: 08-18-2025

Another year is upon your youth shooter.  For some it is one of many more and others it is the Senior year.  One thing I know is it is never too late to prepare for post baccalaureate education.  Whether trade schools, four-year institutions or two-year associate degrees being prepared helps. 

Let’s give a little thought to Missouri’s A+ program.  Wow what an opportunity for some free education.  The requirements are simple and over your last couple of years of high school or even your senior year you can accomplish these requirements.  Even if you never use them, it still makes sense to have them in your portfolio.  The A+ program is good for both public community colleges and vocational technical colleges. 

You must:

• Graduate from an A+ designated high school with an overall unweighted grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Have at least a 95% attendance record overall for grades 9-12
• Perform at least 50 hours of unpaid tutoring or mentoring, of which up to 25% may include job shadowing prior to graduation.
• High school policy may allow this criterion to be met up to 6 months beyond high school graduation in exceptional circumstances.
• Maintain a record of good citizenship and avoid the unlawful use of drugs and/or alcohol while in grades 9-12.
• Have achieved a score of proficient or advanced on the Algebra I end of course exam or a higher level DESE approved end-of-course exam in the field of mathematics.

For some looking ahead seems a little distant, but others this year will go by fast.  Collegiate opportunities to shoot are very active and opportunities exist through Missouri institutions and beyond.  MYSSA has a listing here of programs you might explore.  If you indeed want to move ahead and shoot at a higher completive level, consider this as you go through these last couple of years.

• Keep a journal of all your shooting activities
• Make sure you record all your scores and events
• Keep track of any instruction you might have received
• Consider a school visit and perhaps ask to shoot with a collegiate team in practice
• Keep track of the number of targets you shoot each week, month and season
• Use a calendar to show your efforts at practicing in the off season
• Join an adult league and shoot competitively
• Get references from your coaches

All of these items will make your case more presentable when you apply for a scholarship.  Be proactive and reach out to teams and colleges to learn more about their teams, practice routines, dedication to tournament shooting and over success.  There are of course two ways to look at this – one can your schooling be paid for and two can you have even more fun shooting at another level.  Yes, have fun!

In closing, know we support you in your endeavours past high school in whatever path you take.  Take the time to talk with your school counsellors and your parents and make a decision that fits best for you.  As formative years the decisions made now may influence you the rest of your life. 

David R. Vaught, Ph.D.

Executive Director