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Iaconelli and The Ike Foundation announce scholarship, Tournament Trail winners

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May 25, 2022, Pittsgrove, NJ.  The 2022 Ike Foundation® Scholarship Winners Have Been Announced! High school seniors from across the country with an earned GPA of at least 3.0 and a proven contribution to outdoor conservation submitted applications for The Ike Foundation® Scholarship. Students were required to submit letters of recommendation, high school transcript, college acceptance letter and an essay that answered the following question:

Using examples from your own experience, evaluate how modern technology has impacted the sport of fishing. Simultaneously compare the difference between how you fish today and how the person who taught you how to fish fished in their day. Clearly demonstrate how the impact of technology can be both positive and negative.

This year’s applicant pool was a competitive one. Trustees conducted a blind review of all applications and essays and scored submissions based on a pre-defined point system. Each winner will be receiving a $2,000 Ike Foundation® College Scholarship to the college of their choice. The five winners and their intended college major are listed below.

Caleb Brunnert – Computer Engineering – Maryville, Missouri
Zachary Mosier – Mechanical Engineering – Kersey, Pennsylvania
Liam Anderson – Environmental Sciences or Wildlife/Conservation Biology – Lebanon, New Jersey
Mitchell Straffon – Mass Communication/Marketing – Fenton, Michigan
Jacob Panichi – Marketing and Business Management – Cook, Minnesota

In addition to awarding college scholarships, The Ike Foundation® has been busy with the newly formed Youth Tournament Trail. This series has been on the minds and hearts of Mike and Becky Iaconelli for many years. The first of three events was held at Lenape Lake in Mays Landing, NJ on Saturday, May 21st.

Fourteen kids and teens fished with vetted volunteer boat captains for an amazing first event. Winners of each division are:

Youth Division:
1- Max Hughen
2- Josh Carsten
3- Vegas Iaconelli
Pickerel- Vegas Iaconelli

HS Division:
1- Braden Straffieri
2- Connor Hivish
Pickerel – Nate Charlesworth

The two additional Youth Fishing Tournament Trail Dates are below and there are spots available for anglers and volunteers:

July 12, 2022-Lums Pond, Bear, DE

September 17, 2022-Union Lake, Millville, NJ

It is the hope of The Ike Foundation® that as participation grows, the tournaments will expand past the New Jersey/Delaware region. Youth anglers and boat captains can learn more about The Ike Foundation® Youth Fishing Tournament Trail and register here https://theikefoundation.org/youth-tournament-trail/.

Special thanks goes to local South Jersey Walmart stores that donated fishing supplies for this event and future kids events hosted by The Ike Foundation®

Upcoming 2022 Ike Foundation® Fundraising and Kids Events:

  • Summer and Fall (dates TBD)-Ike’s Hook’Em Early Kids Fishing Events
    • This is a fun filled kids fishing tournament held at a local lake.
    • Prizes will be awarded to the winners.
    • Registration will be required.
  • 5th Annual Scholarship Dinner-Friday, January 27th, 2023
    • Adult only event at The Grove at Centerton, Centerton, NJ
    • Basket Auction, 50/50
    • All proceeds go to the Ike Foundation® Scholarship Fund

Follow The Ike Foundation® on Facebook and Instagram @TheIkeFoundation and on Twitter @FoundationIke for details on all of these events.

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