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Post Pine Island Elementary Fishing Tournament and Derby report

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Special to The Eagle This unique hand-made trophy was the award presented to the student who landed a catch that most resembled PIE principal Rob Mazzoli. The trophy was presented to Justice Kelly.

The sightings of Pine Island Elementary students caught the attention of Pine Island residents at their annual Fishing Tournament and Derby, on Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Olde Fish House Marina in Matlacha. Even though the weather was chilly, approximately 75-100 kids took part in the event. When asked about the turnout, Principal Robert Mazzoli exclaimed, “It was a chilly day. The kids had a great time, though!”

There were three separate divisions kids competed in.

In the Shrimp Division K-1st there was a tie for 1st place: Jaylin Cammileri and Madison Brennan. 2nd place went to Stephanie Snyder Phanco. 3rd place also landed in a tie between Halley Burbadge and Abigail Taylor.

The Pinfish Division was for 2nd-3rd grade students. Jacob Holmes came in 1st, 2nd place went to Courtney Snyder Phanco and Jonathan Bush placed 3rd.

In the Shark Division, 4th-5th grade, the 1st place winner was Baylee Phanco. 2nd place was awarded to Sarah Simone. Last but not least, Sal Cammileri got 3rd place.

They held a look-a-like contest to see who could catch something that looked like Mr. Mazzoli, and Justice Kelly won for catching a seagull.

“In the 10 years of doing this tournament, no child had caught such a unique species. We know that Mr. Mazzoli is an Eagle fan, so we thought a seagull was pretty close,” said Sherry Schulte.

For the Grand Catch, Jacob Holmes won. His fish weighed 4.4 pounds.

“I love to go fishing if I actually catch something!” Mr. Mazzoli admits. “But I love the open air and the sun.”

The students were participating in the event to raise money for the school. Although the amount raised from Sunday’s event is unknown, according to Mr. Mazzoli, “Last year we raised $14,000.”

He stated that this year’s money is going to new AR books, and possibly toward technology. In the past, money raised in the Tournament helped purchase SMART BOARDS for each classroom.