LAS VEGAS, Nevada, - Kenyon Simpson, shooting's consummate teacher, has won the 2011 Crosman Friend of Youth Shooting Award. By dedicating more than 30 years of his life to teaching the value of shooting as a lifetime sport, his commitment to young people's learning and safety has established him as the model for shooting's teacher and coach. The Award was presented last night at the 2011 Crosman Corporation SHOT Show International Reception in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The annual Award recognizes:
"An individual or organization whose commitment to excellence in youth shooter education and dedication to a lifetime of safe shooting has enhanced the future of the sport."
According to Ken D'Arcy, Crosman's president and CEO, Kenyon Simpson embodies the lifetime commitment to shooting celebrated by the award. "There are thousands of dedicated people who give of themselves to encourage the younger generation to embrace shooting as a lifetime activity. Kenyon Simpson has been working alongside youth, both in the classroom and in the field since he was a child at his father's side. His distinctive style in passing on shooting's message to young people is what makes him such a special contributor to our sport," he said.
"The key to growing our sport and maintaining it as a vital element in recreation, is engaging new enthusiasts," said D'Arcy. "We must always remember that in shooting, young people are our future. By fostering resources to encourage and retain our younger generation, Kenyon Simpson is more than an inspiration, he's one of a kind," he said.
Kenyon Simpson is a lifetime teacher, though he's worked as a riverboat pilot, in agriculture, food service and papermaking as well. His father's love of the outdoors and his hands-on teaching style were Simpson's motivation. He began his 30-year elementary school teaching career in Vermont and ended it in New York State, mostly teaching first and second grade.
In his spare time, he introduced his own children and then, countless members of the 4H Clubs of America to the shooting lifestyle. He taught shooting and hunter education classes to students and teachers alike. Wherever his name appeared on a teaching roster, his hunter education classes were full and constantly in demand. Over the years, he has served in a variety of capacities for the 4H Clubs, most notably as a member of the National 4H Shooting Sports Committee, both in Vermont and New York State.
In retirement, Simpson continues his work with the 4H Clubs, doing what he loves best, youth development. Ever the teacher, he has left lasting impressions on many of the more than 14,000 4H youngsters currently participating in a broad range of New York State shooting programs. He remains one of shooting's most committed advocates, with no end in sight.
As a dedicated husband and father, he credits much of his success to the love, support and patience of Patti, his wife of 28 years.
Says D'Arcy, "Kenyon Simpson is a genuine Friend of Youth Shooting. We need many more like him, infused with the same enthusiasm and skill that make him such a valuable contributor. We congratulate Kenyon on winning the Award and on his lifetime of giving back to shooting and the outdoors."
For additional information on the annual Crosman Friend of Youth Shooting Award or on any Crosman, Benjamin, CenterPoint Hunting and Outdoors Precision Optics and Archery, or Game Face Airsoft products, visit the company's Web sites at www.crosman.com, www.centerpointhunting.com, www.gamefaceairsoft.com, or write to marketing coordinator, Laura Evans, at Crosman Corporation, 7629 Routes 5 & 20, Bloomfield, NY 14469, email her at levans@crosman.com, or call her at (800) 7 - AIRGUN (724-7486).
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