The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) celebrated their top Aquatic Volunteer Instructors at an Appreciation Banquet and extended education opportunity on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Frenier Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar in LaPlace, LA. Prior to kicking off the banquet and awards ceremony, VIPs attended presentations about LDWF’s Fishing Course Series and learned the basics for teaching an Introduction to Fishing course.
Aquatic VIPs are essential for educating and promoting the wise utilization of Louisiana’s fisheries resources.
“We are so thankful for our amazing volunteers who dedicate their time and passion to aquatic and fisheries education,” Said LDWF Secretary Madison Sheahan. “Volunteer instructors are the backbone of our fisheries education program and are fundamental to helping new anglers understand and embrace our many fishing opportunities in the Sportsman’s Paradise.”
Certificates and awards were presented to volunteers in different categories. Those who served 40 hours or more during the fiscal year received the Fintastic Award. Individual awards included Educator of the Year, Outstanding Performance, Aquatic VIP Rookie of the Year, and Aquatic VIP of the Year. Recipients of the awards are:
Fintastic Award
| Gary Alipio
Debrina Baham Karen Cashio Amanda Clark Jennifer Cook Rachel Duplechain Nicholas Henderson Timothy Killeen |
Lori Marinovich
Keith McDavid Tamara McDavid Don Montgomery Jodi Morton Sherry Nelson Jac Lyn Owenby Pam Pearce |
Edwin Richards
Doreen Rivere Beth Schwander Jay Schwander Stephanie Vidrine Nancy Walsh Stacy Watts |
Educator of the Year
Jac Lyn Owenby from Loranger High School
Outstanding Performance Awards
Debrina Baham
Jay Schwander
Aquatic VIP Rookie of the Year
Lori Marinovich
Aquatic VIP of the Year
Don Montgomery
To learn more about the Aquatic Volunteer Instructor Program or to register for an upcoming workshop, please visit: https://www.wlf.
The Aquatic VIP is hosted in conjunction with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF). The LAWFF was formed to help expand and support LDWF education and research programs with additional resources developed through its own facilities. The foundation’s major focus is encouraging support for LDWF programs, accomplished by connecting people and businesses with Louisiana’s natural resources. For more information, visit www.lawff.org.
The Aquatic VIP is funded by the Sport Fish Restoration Fund, a USFWS grant program that provides grant funds to the states, the District of Columbia and insular areas fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access and aquatic education.
