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BRET PIGNATIELLO, MHS physical education instructor, and Teddy Sherry, head of the Manteno Sportsman's Club Harbor Committee, work side-by-side during an MHS fishing class. Staff at the club worked hand-in-hand with the high school to ensure the success of the fishing/outdoor unit.
New fishing unit a success at MHS  Share
The Manteno High School physical education department began the 2008-09 school year with a plan to incorporate some new and innovative ideas into the curriculum. It would be an attempt to keep the department up-to-date with the powerhouses of the north. The first step in the process was to obtain funds from the Manteno Educational Foundation. Upon approval of its grant, the physical education department was off and running. Lori Weedon, a veteran of the MHS physical education department said, ''The generosity of the Manteno Educational Foundation has reached out to our students in a way that will greatly be appreciated for years to come.'' The grant received by the department was used to purchase the fishing licenses for each of the lucky students participating in the fishing unit. There were approximately 150 students who were a part of the fishing/outdoor unit. The costs associated with starting a fishing unit are extremely high due to the need for new and functional equipment. ''We at MHS are blessed with an administration that appreciates and supports the implementation of new ideas,'' said MHS teacher Bret Pignatiello.
The fishing budget was approved, and another link in the chain was added. At that moment, the physical education department realized that the implementation of a fishing/outdoor unit was imminent. The Manteno Sportsman's Club worked hand-in-hand with the high school to ensure the success of the project. The high school students were allowed access to the club free of charge for the duration of the unit. Teddy Sherry, head of the Manteno Sportsman's Club Harbor Committee, and his staff were instrumental in enforcing the proper catch-and-release techniques after the students caught fish. After three weeks of fishing at Manteno Lake, and with about four-dozen fish caught, the program had come to a close. There was one final event for the students to attend at Manteno Lake. There was a group of about 15-20 students who were granted the privilege of participating in the release of catfish and perch into Manteno Lake. The club purchases fish on a yearly basis for its fishing derby. Zack Jones, Jake Mahnke, Mary Wild and Ryan Murphy were among the students who took a hands-on role in the release of the fish. Overall, it was an experience that has greatly benefited the students at MHS, school officials say. ''It was awesome, I can't believe we got to fish in a P.E. class,'' said senior Jake Mahnke. The MHS physical education department thanked everyone who made the project a success and noted that it looked forward to doing it again next year. Russell Publications prints several community newspapers each week, serving Will, Kankakee and Cook counties.
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