Beginning in April 22, 2017, Illahee Middle School’s Saturday Scholars program partnered with Mr. Wilbert Warren to implement a fishing event called “Dads and Scholars Rods and Reels. The event was held at the Steel Lake Park in Federal Way and it just happened to coincide with the opening of fishing season in Washington.

Mr. Simon’s also from Portland supported Mr. Warren. Each student received a rod and reel, fishing bait, instructions on fishing safety and proper use of their fishing tackle. They were also taught the fine art of casting and rod and reel care.  During the presentation, the boys were given life lessons on how hard work and overcoming failure will keep them on the path to reaching their dreams.

The event started at 8:00 am and concluded at 12:00. There were a total 34 participants in the event including the students who were accompanied by their dads or a significant male role model. Students were treated to a light breakfast of donuts and milk. Their lunch included hamburgers from McDonald’s.

The Saturday Scholars program includes students of color who are below grade level in reading and math. The students volunteer their time to come to the school selected Saturdays from 8:00 am to 11:30 am to learn how to be better students, plan for their future and of course improve their math and reading skills.

Our student and dads reported the fishing experience being the best of their lives. Although there were not many fish caught, just being outdoors with their kids made the experience well worth the time. Mr. Wilbert Warren said, “That’s why they call it fishing, it about the experience and it why I do this”.

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