Janelle Bryant of Gray, left, and Charlotte Emerson of Auburn were among the local youths who participated in the Lewiston Elks Lodge annual Hoop Shoot contest in December as part of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks National Free Throw competition. The contest was held at Hasty Community Center at Pettengill Park in Auburn. Bryant took first place in the girls’ 12-13 year old division and Emerson finished in second place. Bryant earned the right to advance to the District Contest held in Augusta in January. The contest is broken out into three age groups. Boys compete separately from the girls, with each shooting 25 free throw shots. The top scorer in each age group is declared the winner. The Elks Hoop Shoot National Free Throw Competition is the largest and most visible of the many youth activities sponsored by the Order. More than three million children participate each year.