Local students compete in Elks national contest
Camillus Elks Lodge No. 2367 hosted their annual Hoop Shoot Free Throw contest Saturday, Dec. 7 at West Genesee High School in Camillus.
The program was free to all interested boys and girls ages 8 to 13 from the greater Camillus area and featured winners from West Genesee school contests.
Winners in the Girls category were Dena Hussein (8-9), Amyah Macknail (10-11) and Megan Tyler (12-13). Winners in the Boys category were Parker Vienne (8-9), Colin Straub (10-11) and Charles Lockwood (12-13).
Winners advance to the Ontario District Elks Hoop Shoot on Jan. 18 at 8:30 a.m. at CW Baker High School in Baldwinsville.
The Ontario District contest features winners from Syracuse, Oswego, Auburn, Fulton, Liverpool, and Camillus lodges and will be hosted by the Liverpool Elks Lodge No. 2348.
As students progress through a series of Hoop Shoot contests at the lodge, state, and national level, one boy and one girl in each of three categories will become national champion. The winners each receive a trophy and their names are inscribed on a plaque at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Parents accompany contestants throughout the competition. The parents of finalists at the state, regional and national levels attend the competitions as guests of the Elks. The 2020 Hoop Shoot National Finals will take place April 16 to 19, 2020 in Chicago.
Through the Hoop Shoot program, the Elks have been developing and reinforcing grit for nearly 50 years—long before researchers and experts concluded that grit is so important for our children. The program focuses on teaching basketball shooting skills, sportsmanship and spirited competition. Participation in the Hoop Shoot encourages kids to set goals and work hard—keys to developing grit.
Camillus Elks express their gratitude to West Genesee School district administrators, athletic director, and physical education teachers for their continued support in this important youth development program.
Additional information can be found at elks.org/hoopshoot/.
