LDWF's Chad Moore, who oversees the Archery in Louisiana Schools program, with the 2019 Youth Conservation Organization award.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Archery in Louisiana Schools Program (ALAS) has been named the 2019 Louisiana Youth Conservation Organization award winner in the 56th annual state Conservation Achievement Awards, presented by the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation.

LDWF’s ALAS program, part of the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP), introduces students in grades 4-12 to international target style archery and is generally taught as part of in-school curriculum. The program, founded in May of 2012, now serves more than 200 Louisiana schools and about 23,000 students.

Hundreds of ALAS archers have competed in the national and open NASP tournament. The ALAS program awarded about $20,500 in scholarships in 2019 and promoted academic achievement.

“I’m so proud of the job our ALAS team has done with this outstanding program,’’ LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet said. “We appreciate the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation recognizing ALAS with the Youth Conservation Organization award. This program is a gateway for students in our state to discover the great sport of hunting. We’re excited about the future for ALAS and the impact it will continue to make.’’

“One of the nice things about ALAS is that you don’t have to be the strongest or the fastest athlete to take part and it’s designed so that all students can learn about archery and participate,’’ said Chad Moore, who oversees the ALAS program for LDWF. “But it’s more than just participating. It’s about learning something most know nothing about then becoming proficient at it. The focus and discipline used to develop this proficiency then crosses over to other aspects of the students life including academically.’’

“It’s exciting to see archery programs in Louisiana schools because it is an inclusive sport and the ALAS program is promoting scholastic achievement as well,’’ said Rebecca Triche, executive director of Louisiana Wildlife Federation. “We are pleased to commend the commitment of LDWF and the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation for fostering the program and encouraging the growth in student participation.”

The selection for the award was made by a panel of independent judges with expertise in a wide range of conservation fields.

For more information on the ALAS program, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/alas or contact Chad Moore at cmoore@wlf.la.gov. ALAS is hosted in conjunction with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation. For more information, go to www.lawff.org.

Sponsors of the 2019 Conservation Achievement Awards Program include Cenac Marine Services, LLC; Clifford and Allyn Dukes; Rapides Wildlife Association; Barney Callahan; Bob and Norma Stewart; and Clint and Virginia Mouser.

Louisiana Wildlife Federation is a statewide nonprofit organization representing a broad constituency of conservationists including hunters, anglers, campers, birders, boaters, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. For more information, go to www.lawildlifefed.org.