Sumter's Next Generation, presented by TheLINK: SHS' AFJROTC Archery Club talks hitting the mark, building a legacy

Greatness knows no age. Mozart composed his first symphony at age 8. Malala Yousafzai became the youngest Nobel Prize winner at 17. Phillis Wheatley became the first African-American woman to be recognized as a published poet at 20.

And Sumter High's Emberly West, 15, Lola Phelps, 15, and Zillyon Glover, 14, are three freshmen who founded the school's Air Force JROTC Archery Club.

When enrolling in Sumter High, they didn't expect to be laying the groundwork for something bigger than themselves. Yet, as founders of the first AFJROTC Archery Club, their passion for the sport and their belief in its inclusivity shows the next generation can inspire change.

This trio of best friends are no strangers to a bow and arrow. Since their middle school days in private school, they acquired the skills, knowledge and discipline it takes to become qualified archers. When the opportunity to bring their beloved sport to their new stomping grounds arose, they decided to give it a shot.

The club has already made strides, participating in a virtual tournament where the members scored impressively. Though awaiting final rankings, they estimate earning a combined 600-800 points. For those unfamiliar with the sport, archery is a mix of skill and mindset, from target scoring to different formats like IBO, which mimics hunting with 3D targets, to standard bullseye competitions.

"It's really all about just having fun, and that's what I enjoy the most about it," Zillyon expressed. "It's just cool, it's kind of laid back, it's quiet, and it's easy to focus."

"I think the main thing about archery is you really got to have fun with it," he added. "If you are too serious about it - and it's always good to be serious about it and really put dedication and work into it - but it's better when you have fun because you can actually enjoy it."

But starting a club as freshmen is not without its pressures. For first-year cadets Emberly and Lola, the pressure to prove themselves to higher-ranking cadets weighs heavily. Because of their status and young age, they feel compelled to show a more mature side to themselves in order to be taken seriously. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing, Emberly assured.

"I feel like a lot of other people feel that way because, usually, young people don't really feel seen," she explained. "So, I feel like this is really making me and [anyone] that is younger feel like, yeah, we can do things."

And with the help of each other, growing their leadership skills as founders has been an enjoyable experience - one filled with humor and high-fives that boost their confidence and strengthen their bond. It'll come in handy as the club continues to progress.

The founders hope to expand the club to 30 to 40 members and are recruiting by inviting peers to observe practices and tournaments. Though there is talk about starting an archery club for Sumter High, what sets the AFJROTC club apart is the uniform they wear. Lola explained that when wearing that uniform, they're not only representing their school, but also their fellow cadets, and they want to do so as professionally as possible. Regardless of which club a prospective archer joins, the trio looks to make archery accessible to everyone.

"It's very inclusive," Lola shared. "Disabled people can do it, anybody of color can do it, any height, any weight; anyone can do it."

Emberly, Lola and Zillyon are proving that leadership and vision can start at any age, and when done with passion and dedication, the impact knows no bounds.