“It is the ultimate luxury to combine passion and contribution. It’s also a very clear path to happiness.” Sheryl Sandberg. When you see young people participate in a sport they love, it is amazing to watch. Teamwork, self discipline, drive, focus… these are all positive attributes brought out by competitive sports and supported by the Scholastic Clay Target Program. When you see today’s youth develop such a passion for that sport they choose to utilize that passion as a pathway to give something back, it becomes inspiring. On a cold Saturday in December, SCTP athlete Erin Callahan of Broomfield, Colorado, combined her passion for Sporting Clays and her desire to give back to those in need by organizing the Merry Miracles Fun Shoot and Toy Drive benefiting the Children’s Hospital. The shoot was a huge success drawing 187 shooters, including a number of SCTP athletes and coaches, and raising over 4,200 dollars in donations as well as over 600 toys to be delivered to hospitalized children this Christmas. Her inspiration stems from watching her cousin Lucy battle illness from birth and more recently her best friend Megan was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer. Through both of these unpleasant incidences, Erin saw how putting a smile on a child’s face can make a positive impact. Erin, a junior at Legacy High School, has been shooting Sporting Clays for many years with her parents Dan and Peggy. Two years ago she was invited to join an SCTP team, Rocky Mountain Clay Busters. Being a very shy and quite young lady, Erin's parents were pleased to see her not only accept the invitation but do so with considerable excitement. Erin's coaches have watched her confidence grow, and more of her personality come to the surface with each practice. Erin's passion for shooting combined with the team atmosphere and competitions has helped Erin mature into a stronger, more confident and outgoing young lady. This was quite evident on December 5th as she took charge and coordinated all aspects of this large day-long event – which included stepping in front of the large crowd to call out the winners of the over 50 prizes she solicited from friends and local businesses. The motto of the Scholastic Clay Target Program is, “Preparing today’s youth to become leaders of tomorrow.” Erin had already begun learning positive life skills, leadership, the joy of contributing to a shared team goal and the commitment that goes along with it, and the passion to help others. SCTP provided a platform to grow, nurture and bring those skills to the surface. In the end isn't that what all of us as parents and coaches strive for everyday? The young people of today are like seedlings in need of a little encouragement, coaching, and support. Then we have earned the honor of stepping back and watching them impact the world in ways only they could have dreamed. It has been a pleasure to watch Erin accomplish her Merry Miracle this Christmas.
The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to providing shooting-sports education and opportunities to school-age youths around the United States to encourage young athlete personal growth and development. Tax-ID number 20-8484121.
“It is the ultimate luxury to combine passion and contribution. It’s also a very clear path to happiness.” Sheryl Sandberg. When you see young people participate in a sport they love, it is amazing to watch. Teamwork, self discipline, drive, focus… these are all positive attributes brought out by competitive sports and supported by the Scholastic Clay Target Program. When you see today’s youth develop such a passion for that sport they choose to utilize that passion as a pathway to give something back, it becomes inspiring. On a cold Saturday in December, SCTP athlete Erin Callahan of Broomfield, Colorado, combined her passion for Sporting Clays and her desire to give back to those in need by organizing the Merry Miracles Fun Shoot and Toy Drive benefiting the Children’s Hospital. The shoot was a huge success drawing 187 shooters, including a number of SCTP athletes and coaches, and raising over 4,200 dollars in donations as well as over 600 toys to be delivered to hospitalized children this Christmas. Her inspiration stems from watching her cousin Lucy battle illness from birth and more recently her best friend Megan was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer. Through both of these unpleasant incidences, Erin saw how putting a smile on a child’s face can make a positive impact. 
Erin, a junior at Legacy High School, has been shooting Sporting Clays for many years with her parents Dan and Peggy. Two years ago she was invited to join an SCTP team, Rocky Mountain Clay Busters. Being a very shy and quite young lady, Erin's parents were pleased to see her not only accept the invitation but do so with considerable excitement. Erin's coaches have watched her confidence grow, and more of her personality come to the surface with each practice. Erin's passion for shooting combined with the team atmosphere and competitions has helped Erin mature into a stronger, more confident and outgoing young lady. This was quite evident on December 5th as she took charge and coordinated all aspects of this large day-long event – which included stepping in front of the large crowd to call out the winners of the over 50 prizes she solicited from friends and local businesses. 
The motto of the Scholastic Clay Target Program is, “Preparing today’s youth to become leaders of tomorrow.” Erin had already begun learning positive life skills, leadership, the joy of contributing to a shared team goal and the commitment that goes along with it, and the passion to help others. SCTP provided a platform to grow, nurture and bring those skills to the surface. In the end isn't that what all of us as parents and coaches strive for everyday? The young people of today are like seedlings in need of a little encouragement, coaching, and support. Then we have earned the honor of stepping back and watching them impact the world in ways only they could have dreamed. It has been a pleasure to watch Erin accomplish her Merry Miracle this Christmas. 