By Natalie Covher
The pictures of 17 Nepali girls were hung on the walls of the Natchitoches Shooting Range while about 80 people held a shooting tournament to benefit them. Sponsored by the First United Methodist Men (FUMM), the benefit raised over $10,000 for a safe learning space and recovery center for the Janasaewa School in the Everest region of Nepal. One of the 19 teams competing was comprised of five members of the Bernard family.
“It is wonderful to get together with my family for a good cause,” said young William Bernard. “I think I did well.”
William enjoyed spending his Saturday of Father’s Day weekend with his grandfather, father, uncle and brother. One of his favorite activities, William shoots competitively for 4-H.
After a full morning of shouting “pull,”everyone gathered back at the pavilion for a lunch of “Pastalaya” cooked by Layne Miler of the FUMM.
“You just helped some kids have a future and an education,” said Patrice Moulton.
Moulton recently returned from Nepal where she volunteered with the Empower Nepali Girls Foundation. She brought back traditional Gurkha knives to present as awards.
“I bought these out of a mud hut from 15 and 16-year-oldboys who were making these knives inside,” said Moulton. “Almost every home in Nepal has one of these in it. I was a little concerned coming through customs carrying a suitcase full of these knives, but they made it through.”
Mike Moulton announced the winners:
Top Team was Sunstream 1 comprised of Jim Talmadge, Brian Brewton, Billy Fair and Sammy Clifton with a score of 88.75.
Top National Sporting Clay Association Shooter was Jim Talmadge with a score of 95.
Top Adult Shooter was Tray Whiddon with a score of 93.
Top Youth Shooter was Andrew Ewing with a score of 91.
Top Female Shooter was Amber Shiley.
Top Duo Shooters were John and Bill Fair with a score of 71.5.