A $950 donation from the Morgan County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Foundation has put Priceville High School over the top in a drive to raise enough money to start a competitive archery team. | Clif Knight

A $950 donation from the Morgan County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Foundation has put Priceville High School over the top in a drive to raise enough money to start a competitive archery team.

The donation was presented by Scott Brandon, chapter president and NWTF board member, at school pep rally Friday. Principal Mark Mason and teacher Denise Nails, who will serve as team coach, accepted the award.

“We’re excited about having a local high school adopt an archery program,” said Brandon. “It fits perfectly with NWTF’s desire to see more young people get involved in archery and help us reach out goal to ‘Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt.’”

“It’s a win-win for our school and community,” Principal Mark Mason pointed out. “It will give students that don’t play other sports the opportunity to get involved in an extra-curricular activity. At the same time, they will develop a skill that they can use as a hunter for a lifetime.”

He said the school received a $2,000 grant to get the program started but it wasn’t enough to purchase needed equipment.

“When we reached out for help, the local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Foundation was there with the money we needed,” Mason said. “We deeply appreciate their support.”

“We’re opening membership to seventh through 12th grade students,” said Nails. “Tryouts will be held and selection of team members will follow. “We plan to be ready to compete against teams from other schools and participate in a regional tournament next spring,” she added.