As written by Ainsley Hall and published in The Journal on May 3, 2024.
KEARNEYSVILLE — Jefferson County Schools teamed up with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Eastern Ecological Science Center and the two local Kiwanis Clubs on Friday for the annual Fishing Derby event for students with special needs.
Students from T.A. Lowery Elementary School, Charles Town Middle School, and Jefferson High School gathered at the Eastern Ecological Science Center to enjoy a fun day full of fishing. Volunteers from the Shepherdstown and Charles Town Kiwanis clubs teamed up with the students to help them catch fish.
Frank Roach, fishing area coordinator at the EESC, helps organize events like this. This year was his 23rd year helping with the Fishing Derby.
“I love seeing the kids’ faces light up,” Roach said. “I think some of the volunteers get just as much joy out of it as the students and teachers. It’s a great way to reach out into the community, and helping these kids is what makes this event so great.”
Roach also helps organize events where local veterans can come and fish and spend time in nature. The EESC fishing area is wheelchair-accessible, making it the perfect place for some of these kids to experience fishing for the first time.
Though it offers this space for fishing, EESC’s main goal is to provide scientific research to help protect the environment and natural resources for people to enjoy for years to come.
Thomas O’Connell, center director, shared that those at the EESC hope to continue providing these opportunities by protecting those natural resources.
“We want to do what we can to ensure that these resources are available to the next generation of students that come out here,” O’Connell said.
Many of the students look forward to the Fishing Derby all year. Teachers shared that many of the students are so excited for this event that it’s the first thing they ask about at the beginning of the school year. Some of the students don’t get the chance to go on a field trip, so this event is a special time for them.
Haley Kern, parent and educator resource coordinator at Jefferson County Schools, was excited to help provide this opportunity for students.
“It’s so much fun for the kids,” Kern said. “The USGS keeps it well stocked. It’s all catch and release. The kids are thrilled to net the fish and just as thrilled to see it swim away.”