Ryan Whitfield and Ricky Vandergriff captured first place in the “Hooked on Education” benefit fishing tournament hosted by the Bullard Education Foundation at Lake Palestine. The team caught five fish with a total weight of 16.51 pounds. (Courtesy Photo) The Bullard Education Foundation hosted the first annual “Hooked on Education” fishing tournament Saturday, April 17 at The Villages Marina, Lake Palestine.

The charitable event’s focus was to build community interest and involvement in the Bullard ISD and raise funds for the benefit of the students and teachers.

The first place prize money was awarded to the team of Ryan Whitfield and Ricky Vandergriff with a five fish weight of 16.51. Second place was awarded to the team of Mike Ward and Derrick Prince with a five fish weight of 14.92. The second place winners donated their prize money back to Bullard Education Foundation in the name of Woodmen of the World Insurance Company and Trophy Heating and Air Conditioning. “Big Bass” of the day was awarded to Ricky Vandergriff and Ryan Whitfield with an 8.05 lb bass.

The weather and participation were both excellent and tournament officials said it was a great success.

Tommy Morton, director with Media Bass, donated his services in running the tournament. The tournament was also sponsored by Skeeter Real Money, Chicken Express, Harris Air Conditioning, WRL, Jay Youngblood, Prothro. Wilhelmi & Co., Jeff Callens Allstate Insurance, Anytime Fitness, Computerland, Curtis and Tabitha Hippler and Ronny and Amanda Tekell.

The next “Hooked on Education” tournament will be this fall, with a yet to be determined date. Information will be posted on the Foundation’s Web site, www.bullardisd.net/bisd_fo undation/ as soon as it becomes available.

Darren Davis, president of the Bullard Education Foundation, said the Bullard Education Foundation’s mission is to provide opportunities for excellence in education, promote innovation in teaching, recognize achievement, and partner with the community to enhance the quality of education for all students in Bullard Independent School District.