A project honoring the memory of a fallen U.S. Army soldier will give Liberty County children an opportunity to discover an activity he loved — fishing.
Grace Kotalik, an Eagle Scout and Venturer in Crew 112, recently presented fishing poles, tackle bags and other resources to Cyndie Abshire, president of the Liberty County Child Welfare Board, as part of Kotalik’s “13 Acts of Hope” project.
The project has a deeply personal connection for Kotalik. Her inspiration was her brother, SPC Jarrett Kotalik, who died in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Army. Jarrett was an Eagle Scout and avid fisherman.
By putting fishing equipment into the hands of young people, Kotalik hopes to share something her brother loved while giving children an opportunity to experience the relaxation, confidence, outdoor activity and social connection that can come from fishing.
“This project is a way to honor Jarrett’s love of fishing while offering hope and encouragement to children who deserve moments of joy, calm, and connection,” said Grace Kotalik. “I am grateful to everyone who helped assemble the tackle boxes and prepare the fishing and safety tips so this program can make a lasting impact.”
Volunteers assisting with the project assembled tackle boxes and prepared written fishing and safety tips to help children learn the basics of fishing and enjoy the outdoors safely.
The equipment was donated to the Liberty County Child Welfare Board to support a fishing program for children served by the organization.
The Liberty County Child Welfare Board is a volunteer group that works to support children in the county, particularly those who have experienced abuse or neglect. The board also assists staff members, caregivers, foster parents and volunteers responsible for protecting and supporting children.
Through community partnerships, programs and other resources, the board works to meet needs that arise for children and families throughout Liberty County.
The fishing donation is one part of Kotalik’s “13 Acts of Hope,” her project for the Summit Award, Venturing’s highest honor. The award recognizes leadership, service and personal growth, all of which are central to the Venturing program.
Kotalik is a member of Crew 112, chartered by Trinity Episcopal Church in The Woodlands. She also serves as vice president of administration for the Sam Houston Area Council’s Venturing Officers’ Association, where youth leaders work to strengthen Venturing through adventure, leadership, personal growth and service.
Her connection to fishing extends beyond the project. Kotalik is also an Angler Ambassador for Fishing’s Future, a nonprofit organization that uses recreational fishing to reconnect young people with nature and strengthen family relationships.
For Kotalik, however, this part of “13 Acts of Hope” comes back to her brother. Somewhere in Liberty County, a child may soon pick up one of those fishing poles, cast a line and discover the same simple pleasure Jarrett found in fishing. In that way, something he loved gets to live on — one child and one fishing trip at a time.