The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is proud to announce that $33,000 in scholarships were awarded to student archers during the Archery in Mississippi Schools (AIMS) Program finals, held Friday, April 11, 2025. The scholarships were awarded from the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, Parks, Marine Foundation (MWFPM Foundation) and Callaway High School Class of 1971. 

Conner Ross, named the top male archer, received a $5,000 scholarship from the MWFPM Foundation, along with a one-time $1,500 scholarship presented in memory of Jimmy Armstrong by the Callaway High School Class of 1971. Other top male archers that received scholarships were Caleb Pettigo, Johnston Harwood, Ethan King, and Talmage Alexander. 

Caitlyn Jackson-Poydras earned the title of top female archer and was also awarded a $5,000 scholarship from the MWFPM Foundation, in addition to a $1,500 memorial scholarship from the Callaway High School Class of 1971 in honor of Barbara Bush Gatlin. Other top female archers that received scholarships were Lillien White, Avary Peterson, Madison Elder, and Amelia Clayton. 

Family members of the honorees joined in celebrating these accomplishments. Jimmy Armstrong’s wife, Fran, and daughter, Kimberly, were pictured with Conner Ross and MDWFP and Callaway High School Class of 1971 representative, Cary Spence. Barbara Gatlin’s husband, Clayton, along with her children Brad and Kathryn, joined Caitlyn Jackson-Poydras and Cary Spence for a commemorative photo.

MDWFP commends all participating students for their dedication and sportsmanship and extend sincere gratitude to the Callaway High School Class of 1971 and the MWFPM Foundation for their continued support of Mississippi’s youth. 

For more information regarding Archery in Mississippi Schools, visit our website at www.mdwfp.com or call us at (601) 432-2400. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mdwfp or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mdwfponline/.

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