THE AIR crackles with a mix of nervous anticipation and focused determination as a line of fifth graders stand at the ready, bows drawn, arrows notched. Each release unleashes a glimmer of anticipation, followed by the satisfying thunk of an arrow meeting its mark. On Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at College Street Elementary School, a unique archery program aids students in developing one bull’s-eye at a time.
Coach Lora Selvog, a former college athlete and current gym teacher, is no stranger to the thrill of sports. Andrea Schwer, an art teacher with a passion for nurturing creativity, found something unexpectedly therapeutic in the precision of archery. Together, they lit arrows of ambition within the school’s archery program, creating a haven for students to develop skills and confidence.
Each archery session is an expedition into discipline, patience, precision, respect, and teamwork. Selvog and Schwer, though from different realms of academia, have seamlessly blended their expertise to shape an inclusive environment. With bows in hand, students learn the art of hitting a target and the importance of skills that extend beyond the archery range.
“The academic part of archery also helps the students improve their maths skills.”
The elementary school’s archery program creates an environment of camaraderie and accomplishment that radiates from the students. As Selvog guides them through the 11 steps of archery, students find a rhythm that transcends the sport itself. Schwer adds her artistic touch to the program, drawing parallels between the patience required in art and archery.
Beyond the tangible skills of archery, the program imparts valuable life skills. The discipline required to draw a bow mirrors the concentration needed for academic success.
“You’ve got to have patience in archery. I see them being patient with themselves and others around them, making sure to pay attention to what’s happening around them. I have standards for safely using art tools in class and archery. They have to be mindful of what their bows and arrows are knocked and how to use them properly.”
The National Archery in the Schools Program and the Manchester community help the team persevere through financial challenges fueled by their belief in the power of the program.
Local businesses, parents, and community members rally behind the archers, ensuring that financial constraints never hinder a student’s journey toward self-discovery.
Salvog shared, “We’ve had businesses reach out to us, asking if we needed any sponsors for our shirts that we wear to the tournament, if they could provide arrows to a student, or if we needed bows worked on or replaced. They’re more than willing to go to the local archery shop and take care of that bill. We overcome those financial burdens because of our community support.”
The College Street Elementary School’s archery program is a compilation of skills and life lessons. As the students notch their arrows and take aim, they are hitting targets and milestones in their personal growth.
The unique blend of Selvog’s athletic prowess and Schwer’s artistic sensibility has crafted an environment where every student has a place, every skill is valued, and every shot fired is a step toward empowerment.
The archery range mimics life itself. There are moments of triumph as arrows find their mark, moments of setback when a shot goes astray, and moments of teamwork when students encourage each other. Selvog and Schwer reassure the students that success is about learning from misses and embracing improvement.
The determination, patience, and success found in this program permeate the community. Parents beam with pride at their offspring’s laser-focused efforts, clapping loudly with each bull’s-eye. High-fives kindle a spark in the archers’ eyes, the energy fueling their next shot. In every clatter of a fallen arrow, a community resounds, applauding victory and the journey that led them there.
“ We get a lot of compliments when we go to tournaments because of how our students work together as a team. They’re polite, and they’re very respectful,” Schwer said.
College Street Elementary School gives its students an inclusive environment to engage in a transformative experience that shapes their character, hones their skills, and instills a lifelong love for learning.
If you notice your child drawn to archery or any other activity, consider nurturing that spark. The program welcomes students of all skill levels and provides a safe, supportive environment to explore their potential. GN
