Michigan's Chief Archery Coordinator Honored By Governor

Mary Emmons, Michigan's chief archery coordinator, was recently honored for her efforts to coordinate and grow the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). The award also ultimately recognizes the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' collaborative efforts to grow archery.

From left to right, Michigan DNR Director Rebecca Humphries, Mary Emmons and Michigan NRC Commissioner Keith Charters.

"Your work for the state of Michigan is an inspiration to us all," wrote Governor Jennifer Granholm in a letter recognizing Emmons. "Thank you so much for all the big and little decisions you make every day in service to the citizens of the great state of Michigan."

The governor also noted that NASP in Michigan has grown to involve more than 60,000 students from more than 300 schools in 56 counties, and that it continues to grow. In fact, NASP has grown so much that Emmons is in the process of hiring 10 regional coordinators. The ATA recently contributed $30,000 to the Michigan DNR to help fund these part-time positions. Before this investment, the ATA invested $250,000 to fund Emmons' position, filled in 2006, bringing its total contribution to date for staff funding to $280,000.

"The deeper we grow archery across the state, the more important it becomes to provide staff support," said Rebecca Humphries, MDNR director. "Mary is a dedicated, enthusiastic leader, but she can only train so many people herself to teach archery. These regional coordinators aren't full-time positions, but they'll help Mary carry out her work."

The governor's award was created to recognize employees who embody values of inclusion, excellence, integrity and teamwork. Emmons was honored in June.

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