N-K HIGH SCHOOL REELS IN NEW CLASS

NASHWAUK — Students at Nashwauk-Keewatin (N-K) High School will be spending the spring searching for the perfect fishing spot.

The school board unanimously approved adding an angling class to the high school’s offerings for next semester.

The motion for approval was made during a meeting last week by Director Blake Liend and seconded by Director Dave Bevacqua, and is contingent on the district’s cost for the class not exceeding $3,000.

Teacher Luke Adam requested the class be offered, noting he received a $20,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to offer it as a science elective. The grant won’t cover the entire cost of the class, but he estimated the difference will be about $2,000.

“I love to fish, and am excited to teach students the entire gamut of angling,” he said. “They’ll learn everything from conservation to methods, stocking, careers, invasive species … everything that’s available in the entire fishing industry.”

Adam will incorporate parts of the Minnesota Aqua curriculum, but said that’s geared more toward elementary students. The majority of the class will be his own curriculum, and fishing guides will come speak to students.

And, of course, the kids will get to go fishing. Some of the cost to offer the class will go toward purchasing rods and reels, tackle, bait and other fishing equipment.

“Some kids who will be taking this class don’t have tackle or ice augers, and some have never fished before,” Adam said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun for me to get out of my content area and teach something I’m really passionate about to some students at the high school.”

–Tony Potter: Hibbing Daily Tribune