LaGRANGE —A team of local 4H shooters scored high marks in recent competitions.

On April 8, a team of six students from Troup County 4H competed in the state shooting match at Rock Eagle 4H center and placed 39 out of 109 teams. They had an overall team score of 2,137.

On March 12, the team participated in the district qualifying shooting match in Gordon County. The participants placed fourth overall and qualified for state with a team score of 2,189.

Shooters must reach a score of 310 or better as an individual or 1,550 or better as a team to qualify for state.

Students are eligible to participate in 4H BB teams until age 14. Individually or on teams, students compete first in a district qualifying match and, based on scores, are eligible to participate in the state competition. Shooters are given a safety test and then shoot 10 shots from four different positions.

Shooting teams are led by certified coaches. Certified coaches are adults who have been through the 4H volunteer background screening process and risk management training as well as additional training specific to their shooting discipline.

The competitions are part of SAFE, which stands for shooting awareness and fun. The goals of project SAFE are to help development of self-concept, character and personal growth through safe, educational and socially acceptable involvement in shooting activities, teach life skills through safe and responsible use of firearms including sound decision-making, self-discipline and concentration and promote the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship and ethical behavior.