Celebrities coming to Cambridge Maryland for the 2007 Grand National Waterfowl Hunt include National Rifle Association President, John Sigler, Richard Hammett, President of the Winchester Division of Olin Corp, and two members of the 2004 U.S. Olympic Shotgun Shooting Team, Sgt. 1st Class James Graves and Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Dulohery... Joining the list of these celebrity participants is Maryland's 4-H representative Stephanie Durham, Dorchester County 4-H Member.

Fourteen year old Stephanie Durham from Hurlock Maryland was selected from applicants across the state of Maryland to participate in this year's hunt. Stephanie has been in 4-H since she was old enough to join at age six. She started out as a Clover in the Leprechauns Club in Dorchester County and eventually held the offices of Secretary and President. Some of her many project areas have included sewing, cooking, arts and crafts, photography, and woodworking. Stephanie is an active member of the Dorchester County 4-H Shooting Sports Club where she currently participates in the areas of Archery, Shotgun, and Pistol. She has also been a participant in the Rifle Club, where she had the opportunity to attend the state match for three years and has won medals for proficiency. At the 2006 State Archery Match she placed first in the State in the Intermediate Division 3-D Recurve and third in the Intermediate Division FITA Recurve. Fashion Review, Horticulture Judging, and Public Speaking have also been a part of Stephanie's 4-H experience. In Public Speaking she won at both the County and Regional Contests and has participated at the State Level. She won ribbons for Fashion Review and Horticulture Judging as well. Entering numerous projects in the Dorchester County and Caroline-Dorchester County Fairs every year since she has been in 4-H, Stephanie always came away with many ribbons. She has entered winning projects in the State Fair as well. Ms. Durham is currently a participant in the 4-H 50/50 Advisory Council. Through 4-H she has participated in the Youth Day at Pintail Point, Jakes Day, GNWA Black Powder Shoot, and Talbot Kennel Club dog trials in Trappe, MD. She has also assisted with the Safari Club dinner in Annapolis, MD. This summer Stephanie attended the State 4-H Teen Focus Conference at the University of Maryland College Park.

Stephanie is the daughter of Parker and Christine Durham and attends North Dorchester High School, where she takes honors classes. Her favorite subjects include math, gym and band. Her school activities include playing trumpet in band and jazz band, softball, and the poms squad. She is a varsity cheerleader for the North Dorchester Eagles. Ms. Durham is an honor roll student. Stephanie is an active member of Unity-Washington United Methodist Church, where she attends Youth Group and has been an acolyte, liturgist, usher, and greeter. In her spare time she enjoys shooting trap and skeet and watching baseball.

Ms. Durham says "The 4-H program, both locally and at the state level, have much to offer our youth. There is the opportunity to learn new things and make new friends through all the programs that are available. 4-H helps to foster many good qualities including leadership skills, self-discipline, self-esteem, and personal responsibility." Stephanie also stated that "being a part of the Grand National Hunt would be a great opportunity for me to meet people who could educate me about wildlife conservation and what can be done in our area. It would also be a great opportunity to promote our 4-H shooting sports program and show the positive effect that 4-H can have on today's youth."

The Grand National Waterfowl Association based in Dorchester County is again providing this opportunity for one Maryland 4-H member to be a hunter in the 2007 Grand National Waterfowl Hunt. This annual hunt is held to promote opportunities in Dorchester, encourage wildlife conservation and promote the shooting sports. This year the event is scheduled for November 16-18 in Cambridge, Maryland. Hunting will take place on Friday, November 17th and Saturday, November 19th. The Friday hunt is a goose hunt, with Saturday being a competitive duck hunt. Grand National will assign the 4-H hunter to a three-person team. The team member will be scored on their first five shots and each member of the winning team will take home a new shotgun. This event also includes a number of very special dinners and social events.

Previous teams have included corporate CEO's, governors, senators, congressmen, sports figures and entertainment celebrities. Past shooters include country music star Irlene Mandrell; race car driver Bobby Allison; trick shot artist John Satterwhite; NRA president, Wayne LaPierre; film & TV star Wilford Brimley; basketball star Tom McMillan; baseball star Jim "Catfish" Hunter; Jim and Sharon Crumley, founders of Treebark Camo; Senator Bill Brewster, General Norman Schwarzkopf; General Alexei Leonov, first to walk in space; and General Thomas Stafford, Commander of Apollo 10, first lunar module to the moon. Past shooters sometimes return to enjoy Dorchester's hospitality.

1999 was the first year that the GNWA provided this opportunity to Maryland 4-H Shooting Sports Club members. 4-H Youth selected for this once in a lifetime opportunity have included: 1999 -Norman Era of Dorchester County; 2000 -Paul Miller of Baltimore County; 2001 -Jonathan Levan of Queen Anne's County, 2002 -Josh Burchick of Howard County, 2003 - Alex Kicas of Carroll County, 2004 - Christopher Utz of Carroll County, 2005 - Matthew Pender of Dorchester County, 2006 - Phillip McIntee of Dorchester County. All of the 4-H youth have had a wonderful time as participants in the Grand National Hunt and represented Maryland 4-H very well.

The Grand National is a non-profit Dorchester County organization founded in 1982 by a group of local men and women dedicated to promoting sound conservation practice compatible with business interest on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Starting in 1984, the fledging organization spearheaded a privately funded "band and release" free flying duck project that now exceeds the one and one half million-bird mark. Recognized worldwide as a major player in the field of conservation, the Grand National continues to provide funding for ornithology research and redevelopment of wetland habitat on both public and private land.

The Grand National underwrites a college scholarship program awarded annually to students pursuing a career in a natural science. Since its initiation in 1987, the scholarship roster includes high school graduates seeking an advance education in forestry, marine biology, veterinary medicine, agricultural science and conservation management. "Investments in today's youth will guarantee thoughtful management of tomorrows resources." What a grand opportunity for Maryland 4-H youth to join in this exciting conservation program. 2007 marks the 25th anniversary of the Grand National.