After being selected as one of 76 schools in 32 states to receive the Future Fisherman Foundation Phys Ed National Fishing and Boating Grant during the summer of 2008, planning and hard work in implementing the fishing program as part of the elementary school curriculum for Union Chapel Elementary in Jamestown, Kentucky paid off as all students involved in the school program took to hatchery creek and practiced their newly honed skills of fishing during a day long outing.  After months of preparation in the classroom learning how to tie knots, discussing the parts of a fish, practicing their casting and more, the students enjoyed a wonderful day of fishing at the well-stocked creek.  Over 70 students enjoyed the day outdoors at the creek, and interest in the program is growing as plans are underway to do more in the school’s PE program in integrating fishing again next year.

Of the 76 schools chosen in 2008, approximately 15 of those are located in the Southeast U.S., and Union Chapel was the only one from Kentucky selected.  Through the assistance of the hatchery and the Friends of Wolf Creek NFH, Inc, along with training guidance from members of the Louisville, KY based chapter of Trout Unlimited, the grant has been a resounding success, and in hopes of expanding the program, Jamestown Elementary in Jamestown, Kentucky applied as a potential recipient for the 2009 award distribution.