CCSD Hosts Fishing University Presentation At Valley High School

On Thursday, February 9th, the Chambers County School District an exciting assembly at Valley High School in cooperation with the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce. The assembly brought the Fishing University Program featured on the Outdoor Television Channel to the VHS gymnasium. The goal of the team from Fishing University was to provide a one-hour educational program to inform students about the importance of their education and share perspectives of various outdoor careers available to them. Valley High School Seniors and Juniors heard first-hand experiences from multiple professionals about opportunities that could seek out for their own career paths. Valley High School also hosts the area schools largest bass fishing team membership.

Fishing University legend, Charlie Ingram served as the host for the program sponsored by the GVACC Director, Mrs. Carrie Wood. Students heard from multiple sources with representatives from the Alabama Forestry Commission, US Park Rangers, Alabama Fish & Game Officials, US Army Corps of Engineers, and others along with Fishing University stars sharing their experiences.

The panel explained to students about immediate job opportunities for graduates as well as required future education needed for various pathways. Members of the panel explained steps they had taken in order to reach their current occupations in order to fulfill their own personal dreams.

The program positively impacted the students assembled with stories of inspiration. Students were encouraged to chase their dreams in order to make them realities. The Fishing University Team was led by television stars Charlie Ingram and Ben Ballou. There pairs long running television series has seen great success since it originated in 2001. Ingram told students how tournament fishing can earn an individual from $100,000 to $500,000 per year with most funding coming from sponsorships from various products. Ingram and Ballou highlighted to students how life is going to present them with competition daily. They stressed that it’s important to show up for work everyday, to do your best and strive to be get at least 1% better each day.

During Q & A with students, Charlie Ingram told students that the largest bass he’d ever caught was a 12 pounder that he reeled in from our own Alabama. He also detailed fishing outings with Presidents George W. Bush and George H. Bush. Ingram noted that he had won four national tournaments over the course of his career.

The pair expanded on their Chambers County hospitality and noted how they were looking forward to filming an upcoming episode on West Point Lake that would air in March. Below are some pictures from the event: