Dominion Ridge Academy Archers Shine on World Stage

Six student archers from Dominion Ridge Academy (DRA) in Front Royal took aim at the world’s best during the 2025 NASP® World Championship, held earlier this year. Competing in both the Bullseye and IBO 3D events, the DRA team brought home more than just high scores—they demonstrated hard work, perseverance, and poise under pressure.

Held annually, the NASP® World Championship brings together top youth archers from around the globe. For the students of Dominion Ridge Academy, just earning a spot was a major achievement. Months of focused training and discipline led up to the competition, where archers must stay calm, focused, and accurate under the scrutiny of an international audience.

Dominion Ridge Academy archers.

Among the team’s standout performances was rising 8th grader Avery Philpot. In the Bullseye competition, Avery placed 21st out of 216 competitors—already an impressive feat. But she truly made her mark in the IBO 3D challenge, finishing 6th out of 163 participants. Her performance placed her among the top young archers in the world.

Evan Hill, a rising senior, also reached a personal best, scoring 264 in the IBO 3D flight. It was his highest score to date and a clear sign of his continued growth in the sport. For Hill and his teammates, the event marked a moment of both personal and collective success.

“Our archers worked incredibly hard to qualify for this level of competition,” said Carrie Hill, Principal of Dominion Ridge Academy. “We’re proud of their performance, sportsmanship, and faith-driven commitment. To see them succeed on the world stage is a rewarding experience for the entire school community.”

DRA, a private Christian school located in the Shenandoah Valley, has become known not only for its academics but also for its well-rounded approach to education. The school integrates faith, character-building, and extracurricular activities—including an increasingly competitive archery program.

The World Championship was more than a test of skill; it was a test of dedication. In both Bullseye and 3D archery, competitors face intense pressure as they aim to hit small targets from specific distances. The 3D event, in particular, challenges archers to shoot at life-size animal models at varying distances, simulating a real-world setting and requiring both precision and judgment.

For the DRA archers, the journey began long before the competition. It included hours of after-school practice, coaching, and support from teachers, families, and teammates. The results on the global stage are a reflection of that investment.

Dominion Ridge Academy continues to foster academic and extracurricular excellence. Enrollment is now open for the 2025–2026 school year, and the school invites families seeking a nurturing and rigorous Christian education to learn more. Additional information is available at www.dominionridgeacademy.com.

As for the archers, their success in this year’s World Championship has already set the tone for next season—and inspired others in the school community to take their best shot.

(from Press Release)