Hampton Academy Students Catch Fish with Community Members at 44th Annual Walter Burns Memorial Fishing Day

HAMPTON — Superintendent Dr. Lois Costa is pleased to share that Hampton Academy students and staff were invited to participate in the annual Walter Burns Memorial Fishing Day. 

The Walter Burns Memorial Fishing Day – hosted by the Piscataqua Fish and Game Club – took place on Friday, May 17, at Sanderson Pond in Greenland. 

32 Hampton Academy students and 15 staff members in the Experimental Learning Program, INSPIRE program, and the Unified Basketball Team joined community members to fish and spend an enjoyable day outside. 

This event, which is now in its 44th year, is run by a group of more than 30 community members and numerous volunteers from local businesses and organizations. The Sanderson Family generously allows the use of their pond and property, which is ideally suited for the event.

At the end of the event, community members hosted a cookout and an awards ceremony. 

Each student was awarded an Olympic-style medal and was congratulated by volunteers. Trophies also were awarded to students who showed true sportsmanship, and who caught the first fish, smallest fish, and longest fish. 

Paige Branigan, Grade 6, was given an award for catching the longest fish.

“Fishing Day provides an opportunity for children to not only experience fishing and have fun in the outdoors but also to build confidence and pride,” said Special Education Teacher Bonnie Heath. “All of us from Hampton, staff and students alike, wish to thank the local community for this wonderful opportunity and for turning this dream day into a reality.”