The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) today announced the Grand Prize winners of its annual School Fishing Program’s Fishing & Conservation Challenge: the dedicated student anglers of Independence Classical Academy. Their outstanding efforts in conserving Florida’s vital aquatic habitats earned them top honors in the statewide competition.
Throughout the past school year, students from Independence Classical Academy undertook a variety of impactful projects focused on environmental stewardship.
These initiatives included cleaning up local waterways, diligently practicing catch-and-release fishing techniques, and constructing essential monofilament recycling bins to prevent line entanglement and pollution.
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Tom Graef, Director of FWC’s Freshwater Fisheries Management, commended the young conservationists.
“Florida’s freshwater resources are home to an incredible variety of fish and wildlife, including our iconic Florida bass. We’re proud to see our student anglers leading the way in conserving our state’s natural treasures for future generations to experience,” said Graef. “Their hands-on conservation efforts are making a real difference in preserving the health and beauty of our aquatic resources. On behalf of the FWC, I want to thank these young stewards for their dedication.”
Independence Classical Academy received the coveted Grand Prize, generously provided by Hobie Eyewear and Mud Hole Custom Tackle. Olivet Private School secured the Second-Place Prize, while Timber Springs Middle School earned the Third-Place Prize.
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Additional prizes for the 2024-25 challenge were contributed by Flambeau Outdoors and Berkley Fishing.
Dylan Coates, Marketing Manager for Hobie Eyewear, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for supporting such initiatives.
“Hobie Eyewear is honored to support youth anglers making a real impact through lake cleanups organized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It’s just one way we’re investing in the future of our sport and our environment,” Coates stated. He highlighted Hobie Eyewear’s commitment to sustainability, from reducing single-use plastics to partnerships with organizations like the FishAmerica Foundation. Coates also proudly introduced their new Hull Float sunglasses, crafted from 100% upcycled Hobie Kayak plastic, as a testament to their eco-conscious mission.
Since 1982, Hobie Eyewear has been a pioneer in creating superior visual experiences on the water, merging expertly crafted designs with premium polarization, durability, and innovative technologies.
The FWC’s School Fishing Program saw significant growth in 2024, welcoming 35 new schools and retaining 11 returning schools, all supported by the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
Participating schools committed to completing the FWC-provided curriculum and at least one conservation project. School sponsors played a crucial role, offering hands-on training in essential fishing skills like knot-tying and gear assembly, and assisting with local events to build student anglers’ confidence in the sport.
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