New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife

For more information contact:
Paul Tarlowe at 908-637-4125

The authors of winning essays in the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife's fourteenth annual Fishing Essay Contest were honored on the opening day of trout season, Saturday, April 8, at the Pequest Trout Hatchery & Natural Resource Education Center in Oxford, Warren County.

Division Director Bob McDowell was also on hand to spend time fishing with the youngsters at Pequest's Fishing Education Pond. "It is always very rewarding for us to honor the winners in this annual contest," he said. "These youngsters are able to convey in writing the enjoyment they get from fishing and share their experiences with their teachers, families and friends."

After fishing, DEP Assistant Commissioner Cari Wild was on hand to personally congratulate each of the twelve winners at an awards luncheon. The winners received plaques and fishing equipment as prizes in the contest.

The theme of this year's essay was "My Funniest Fishing Story." From nearly 600 essays received, the Division selected the essays from the following youngsters:

Name	Place	Grade	Hometown
Julianne DiNizio	1st	1 - 2	Hampton
Ashley Mannion	2nd	1 - 2	Annandale
Colin Garland	3rd	1 - 2	Flemington
Susanne Sclafani	1st	3 - 4	Succasunna
Nicholas Zemlachenko	2nd	3 - 4	Flemington
Carly Silva	3rd	3 - 4	Kearny
Kevin Jankoski	1st	5 - 6	Lopatcong
Sarah Theresa Southard	2nd	5 - 6	Franklin
Joey Toke	3rd	5 - 6	High Bridge
Josh Joyce	1st	7 - 8	Pittsgrove
Brandon Porter	2nd	7 - 8	Franklin
Doug Bookholt	3rd	7 - 8	Vernon