Jessica Nystrom, a freshman at Hartland High School, set a female world record at the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) championship held May 8-9 in Louisville, Ky.

Nystrom, one of 138 Michigan students in the competition that drew nearly 5,000 students from across the U.S., hit 28 of 30 bull's-eyes, and two nines, from 10 and 15 meters, to capture the national championship in the female High School Division with a score of 298 (out of a possible 300).

She collected more than $40,000 in prizes, including a two-year scholarship to Hocking College in Ohio.

Hartland archery coach Robert Jellison first taught Jessica archery during 7th grade science class two years ago when he introduced the Archery in the Schools program.

"Her success means a lot to me and all of those that helped her get to where she is as far as a NASP archer goes," Jellison said. "I hope Jessica's success helps put Hartland High School on the map for a new sport. My goal now is to get it to where all of my archers can earn their varsity letter in archery."

Overall, the Hartland teams finished in 25th place in the Elementary Division, 36th in the Middle School Division and 71st in the High School Division.

Other Michigan schools and students did well, too. The St. Mary Cathedral High School team from Gaylord finished in 15th place overall, with top archer Nicole Blanzy finishing in 16th place in the female High School Division.

Nathan Zielinski from the Northwoods Home School Association in Gaylord placed 15th and Austin Lawnichak from St. Mary Cathedral High School finished 26th in the male High School Division.

The Department of Natural Resources began the NASP in 12 public schools in 2004. Five years later, 335 schools statewide participate.

"We are very pleased with the program's exceptional growth in such a short time and the fact that it's still growing," said DNR Director Rebecca Humphries. "We have many dedicated coaches and educators statewide reaping the rewards of the archery program, in terms of improved educational performance and personal growth among their students. However, Jessica's achievements have validated the program's success on a competitive level."

For a complete list of tournament winners and scores, visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnrarchery. For more information on Michigan's Archery in the Schools Program, contact Mary Emmons, NASP coordinator, at (517) 241-9477 or e-mail her at emmonsm@michigan.gov.