CMP Names $20,000 Scholarship Recipients for 2024-2025
May 29, 2024
By Ashley Dugan, CMP Writer
Since 2005, the CMP has annually offered $1,000, one-year scholarships to current high school seniors based on academic merit, humanitarian efforts, extracurricular activities and marksmanship participation. Continuing this tradition, the CMP presents four, $5,000 annual scholarships ($20,000 over four years) to the top four applicants, as determined by members of the CMP Scholarship Committee. The scholarships commemorate the retirement of longtime CMP Board members Judith Legerski, Jon Bengston and Harry Sieben, who were devoted to sustaining youth activities, along with the memory of Dr. Carolyn Hines, who was instrumental in building the scholarship program. Here, learn more about the Top 4 chosen athletes.
Claudia Muzik
Harry Sieben Scholarship
Claudia Muzik is from Green Springs, Ohio. She attended Clyde High School and spent much of her time regularly training in marksmanship at the nearby Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center at Camp Perry through 4-H and American Legion Post 295. Claudia is also a member of Team Winning Solutions, led by rifle Olympian Lucas Kozeniesky. She has competed both nationally and internationally and is set to join the University of Mississippi rifle team as an incoming freshman. Someday, she hopes to become a college rifle coach.
Danjela Jordan de Jesus
Carolyn Hines Memorial Scholarship
Danjela Jordan de Jesus is from Woodbine, Ga. During her high school days, she was the captain of the Camden County High School Marksmanship Team and was her Navy JROTC Battalion Commander. She earned success as an individual by claiming the Junior Olympic Georgia State Title in both precision air rifle and smallbore and is a two-time JROTC National Precision Champion.
Meredith Stuart
Judith Legerski Scholarship
Meredith Stuart is from Comfort, Texas. She’s been a member of the Texas Hill Country Rifle Shooters and has seven years of marksmanship experience. She has attended several Texas State rife championships as well as national-level events and has earned her Junior Distinguished Badge. She credits her time in rifle for teaching her commitment, goal setting, balance in life and performance under pressure. This fall, she’ll continue her journey in marksmanship by joining the Texas Christian University rifle team. In her career, Meredith plans on becoming a medical physician.
Natalie Bean
Jon Bengston Scholarship
Natalie Bean is from Sour Lake, Texas. She earned success in marksmanship as a member of the Top Shots 4-H Club, reaching multiple top-three finishes in both smallbore and precision air rifle. Natalie’s home was flooded by Hurricane Harvey in 2017, and although she calls the tragedy one of the hardest experiences she’s endured in her life, she believes her time in marksmanship provided her with perseverance that has helped her continue on when difficulties arise. This fall, she’ll be attending Lamar University where she’ll pursue a career in the medical field.
Congratulations also to those receiving the one-time, $5,000 scholarships! Good luck to all individuals in their future endeavors!
About the CMP Scholarship Program:
CMP Scholarships are available to graduating high school JROTC, 4-H and other junior shooting club members. Scholarship applications are only accepted if they are received completed and if the applicant is a U.S. citizen, shows good moral character, is a contributing member to society and is a scholar marksman.
The CMP is dedicated to youth programs and furthering the education of the successful young adults involved within them and is proud to provide support to junior marksmen in their continuing education – helping to shape their fulfilling futures. Through these scholarships, the CMP is able to uphold its goal of awarding those who present exceptional talent, determination and citizenship within the field of marksmanship. Learn more at https://thecmp.org/youth/cmp-scholarship-program/.
Donate a Scholarship of Your Own! Alongside these annual scholarships, the CMP is also accepting donations to expand our Scholarship Program. If you would like to donate, please contact Greg Raines [email protected] or Shannon Hand [email protected] for more details. Thank you for your support of youth marksmanship!