The Tyrone Area FFA Chapter just wrapped up its biggest fundraiser of the year on Sunday, October 13 when the group hosted its 12th annual Clay Shoot.
The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of 107 participants ready to aim, shoot, and have a great time. The excitement unfolded on a stunning 50-target course at Warriors Mark Wingshooting Lodge and Kennels in Ginter, PA.
The winners in each division were as follows: The Class A winner with the highest score and longest run was Justin Sparklin, the Class B winner was Regis Briggs, the Class C winner was Mark Snyder, the Class D winner was Seth Cramer, the Class E winner was Jacik Hess, and the Highest Scoring Junior was Brady Brown, for the fourth year in a row.
All class winners received $25 gift cards. Winners of the $200 team prize were Jim Briggs, Rachel Rutter, Tanner Briggs, and Brady Brown.
Tyrone Area FFA members helped as guides around the course. Sophomore FFA member Josie Dicken enjoyed the day.
“The clay shoot will help students prepare for the workplace by getting to know new people and learning how to do multiple things at once. It is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s not every day that you get to control these machines, for these people who love to shoot clay pigeons,” Dicken said.
All participants also received lunch and a t-shirt.
The student committee began to plan the event back in July and set a goal of $3,000.
With generous support from the public, the chapter raised slightly more than its goal.
More importantly, they were able to engage with alumni, supporters, and community members.
Junior FFA member Sarah Weakland’s favorite part of clay shoot is meeting new people.
“The clay shoot is an amazing experience for both workers and participants. It allows you to meet new people and help them enjoy themselves. You get to learn a few things about the people you are taking out on the course and you get to have a fun time as well,” Weakland said.
The group has already set the date for next year.
The 2025 FFA Fun Clay Shoot will be held on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025.
The following groups were sponsors for the event:
Clay Shoot Supreme Level Sponsors:
Blair Excavating
Conrad Family Farms, LLC.
D.W. Peterson Excavation & Demolition
DBA Renovations by Spencer
Dixon Precast
Evergreen Farms, Inc.
Fleck Family Farm
Fulton Financial Advisors
GNP Turning Point Woodworking
J. Briggs Transport, Inc.
Jason Day & Family
Kenny & Kirsten Snyder & Family
Keystone Clearwater Solutions, Inc.
Lytle’s Transfer & Storage, Inc.
Premier Pest Control
Shoe Fly Work Zone
Thistle Creek Farms
Twin Meadows Farm
Tyrone American Legion, Post 281
UPMC Police
Warriors Mark Wingshooting & Kennels
Warriors Mark Fencing
Windy Lane Jerseys
Gold Level Sponsors:
Cabinet Fashions LLC
Mountain Road Farm
Knights of Columbus St. Gregory Council #1218
Silver Sponsors
Bake Shop Bakes
DelGrosso Family & Companies
Bronze Level Sponsors
Blazing Arrow Hook & Ladder Fire Company
Djday’s Stained Glass & Custom Apparel
Tyrone Milling, Inc.
Warrior Mark Volunteer Fire Company
Tyrone Area FFA members who volunteered to run the event:
Nora Hoy (co-chair)
Paige Hoy (co-chair)
Josie Dicken
Aubrey Biter (committee member)
Frances Weaver
Carlie Nowlin
Reilly Rawlings
Caite Sklenar
Alex Sklenar (committee member)
Sarah Weakland
Janice Gilliland (committee member)
Riley Harpster
Logan Harpster
Cassiday Fleck (committee member)
Gracie Graham
Emmanuel Luebbert
Camden Behrer
John Eaken (committee member)
Wyatt Walls (committee member)
