Growing A High School Angling Club: Brookfield Star Student

BROOKFIELD, WI — Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.

As for this star student — you'll probably find him fishing by a lake or even helping to create better habitats for fish.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.

This submission comes from Hillary Fry who nominated her son Hayden.

Star local student’s name

Hayden in the 12th grade.

Star local student’s home state

Wisconsin

How do you know the star local student?

He is our son

Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?

Hayden makes it a joy to be a parent. Personality-wise, he is kind, giving, and fun. He's excelled in the Elmbrook school system and this wonderful community. He works hard to better himself, and, as we are often told, bring others under his wing. He has accomplished so much in his four years at Brookfield East: 3.71 GPA weighted (I think, would need to confirm updated transcripts).

Founded Brookfield East Student Anglers (BEAST Anglers) his freshman year Current President. Has grown the club to 70 members - both tournament and recreational fishing.
Students who meet the criteria will Letter.

The group holds meetings with industry speakers, hosts skill building sessions, and of course getting the kids outdoors visiting local fishing spots and businesses. They have also given back working "teach a kid to fish" camps, and currently finished collecting Christmas trees for dropping into select areas to act as natural habitat.

For students that just enjoy fishing, this is an opportunity to be with peers to bass, walleye, salmon, and general ice fish. Students also get introduced to the sport of tournament Bass Fishing and the skills and determination it takes to be successful. The Bass Federation, MLF, BassMaster and local clubs are all different tournament trails and teach different skills with options for scholarships.

In 2021, Hayden was honored to be selected to work the MLF (Major League Fishing) Title Event week in La Crosse. He thought he would be running the fish bags from the stage (which he was excited about), but was actually driving the Media Drone boat for Favorite Rods! Not only did he get to experience the exciting play-by-play of the event, but he was up close and personal with his angling heroes.

Hayden and his partner won the 22-23 TBF WI State Championship on the Madison Chain

He was then qualified to fish the TBF National Semi-Finals (Adult Division) at Lake Vermillion in MN, where he came in 6th Place.

2021 Winnebago State Championship - 4th Place
2020 Marinette State Championship - 7th Place

Hayden has also lettered in Football (2 years), Wrestling (4 years) and Golf (3 years). He was awarded Academic All Star and Greater Metro Conference Junior Scholar multiple years for Football and Wrestling, and the Excellence Award from the Elmbrook School District for Fishing. In addition, Hayden earned his Eagle Scout Award, and is continuing his service as Assistant Scout Master.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?

Hayden has accepted an offer to join one of the best collegiate bass teams in the nation, where he will train under Coach Jon Rinderer at McKendree University. He will pursue his academic studies in the Honors Program for Business with a minor in Accounting. He will participate on National Signing Day, February 1st.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Hayden!

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Know an outstanding student? Nominate them here.