Aiming to Serve

The 2012 Clay Pigeon Shoot, a student-initiated fundraising event, was held at Covey Rise Lodge, near Robert, Louisiana. The clay shoot, now in its sixth year, has generated over $32,000 to benefit LSUHSC School of Dentistry (LSUSD) outreach and the Student Government Association (SGA). This year's event, held on Saturday, March 3, attracted 134 shooters organized into 33 competing teams.

The event is one of the largest hosted by the SGA. This year, Stuart Huntsman, SGA president, organized the event with the help of a student committee. Soliciting prizes and sponsorships and organizing teams are only a few details that the committee addressed. "Our students give their all to everything they do," said Dr. Henry Gremillion. "The clay shoot is only one example of how our students take the initiative to serve others."

Stuart Huntsman, SGA president and clay shoot organizer

Most of the money raised at the clay shoot supports students who volunteer at community outreach events. Working closely with teams of faculty and staff, the students help children, their parents, abused teenagers, AIDS patients, adults with disabilities, and the working poor.

Stuart Huntsman with his team members, from left, Charles Staples, Cole Johnson, and Jacob McInnis

This year, LSUSD alumnus Michael B. Smith, DDS '01, Prosthodontics '04, sponsored a team and showcased his World War II small-arms collection. A Louisiana native, he has been an avid collector for over a decade. Along with his private dental practice in Gretna, Dr. Smith owns MEJ Services, a business that specializes in collectible firearms and machine guns.

Dr. Michael Smith with his antique gun collection

In addition to students and alumni, several LSUSD staff members were also involved. One notable attendee was dental laboratory technologist, Christopher Weaver. Organizing a team for the event each year, Chris donates his one-of-a-kind hand-carved wooden ducks which are often reserved for first- and second-place winners. A master artisan, Chris learned the craft from his father.

Chris Weaver displays his hand-carved ducks

The fundraising event was started by Dr. Nick Rauber, a 2007 LSUSD graduate, when he was a dental student and president of the SGA. Now a general dentist in Baton Rouge, he continues to give generously to the dental school and serves a leading role in fundraising.

To view photos of this year's event, click here. Photos courtesy of Mandy Ducote from Galerie D in Baton Rouge.