Copyright Austin Daily Herald
Lyle School’s Fishing Club has received a new kayak after being selected in the annual Cedar Scenes photo initiative drawing. Gathered at the new Orchard Landing in Lyle Township along the Cedar River State Water Trail, club members accepted a 10-foot kayak and paddle on Monday that was provided by Runnings in Austin and presented by Store Manager Everett Hackensmith. Runnings has sponsored the kayak giveaway for all nine years of Cedar Scenes. “Words cannot express how grateful we are for being drawn as the recipients of the kayak donated by Runnings,” said Lyle Elementary and Middle School Principal Cori McRae. “This is something our district can put to use immediately.” This was also the club’s first visit to the new Orchard Creek landing, which they plan to use for future outings. Lyle submitted 15 photo entries for the drawing, giving the school a 3% chance of winning. In total, Cedar Scenes received a total of 478 photo submissions showcasing water related scenes from across the Cedar River Watershed in Minnesota and the nearby stretch into Otranto, Iowa. The contest, which ran from May 5 to Oct. 5, features public submissions viewable on CRWD’s Facebook page or by searching #cedarscenes. Since its launch in 2017, Cedar Scenes has received more than 4,000 photos, helping to raise awareness and appreciation for local natural resources. State funds for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) awareness support the Cedar Scenes program that awards weekly prizes. Two Lyle educators, Brian Hagan and Brock VaDeer, discovered a shared passion for fishing during the COVID pandemic, which has grown into a student club at the school. The Lyle Angling Club, open to students in grades 9-12, teaches members how to craft their own lures, experiment with different fishing techniques, and spend time outdoors exploring local waterways. Since 2023, the club has also collected donated fishing equipment from family members in the district to community members supporting the cause. High school members regularly mentor younger students through field trips and hands-on learning experiences. Whether it’s helping a first-grader catch their first fish or teaching fourth-graders the importance of cleaning up litter, these experiences foster patience, appreciation for nature, and a sense of shared accomplishment. The Angling Club has benefited from multiple grants—including SHIP, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Utilities Grants, which have helped purchase several fishing kayaks and a storage unit to house them. The club has also received donations from Kwik Trip, Runnings and Scheels, providing additional tackle and fishing gear. This newest kayak donation from Runnings brings the club’s total to six kayaks, expanding access for more students to experience fishing firsthand. “We are incredibly fortunate to have local business leaders like Everett Hackensmith, who value outdoor recreation and actively support opportunities for youth,” McRae said. “On behalf of Lyle Public School, thank you for this generous gift.” High school shop students have built shelving to store the kayaks and are designing custom fixtures for the storage unit. Meanwhile, the Art Club is planning a mural for the container’s exterior. Most club activities — including fishing trips, lessons, and fundraising— take place during the school day.
