LIBERTY — Students from the Special Education program at Liberty High School were treated to an extra special day of fishing at the wildlife preserve located at Vulcan Enterprises’ quarry May 25 and all in attendance were better off for taking the time to bait a hook.

The sixth annual Liberty Fishing Day was a big success. Students were beaming with smiles as they enjoyed seeing an ambulance, fire trucks, police cars, big fish, and Dax the K-9 officer from the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office.

By the way, Dax might have been the most popular attraction but he didn’t seem to mind the attention at all.

As for the event, Scott Merck, plant manager for Vulcan, seemed as excited as anyone about the day and what it meant to the students and everyone involved.

“It’s a big day for these kids to come out while the other students are signing yearbooks and getting ready for the end of school, and it’s a big day for us too,” Merck said. “This is our sixth year and it helps us keep our relationship with the school and some of its programs. But it’s really about the kids.”

Members of several fire departments and the EMS services of Pickens County, along with members of PCSO were there to take questions and teach about safety as well as show off their vehicles.

These men took time from their daily schedule with Vulcan to lend a hand with the Special Education students from Liberty High School by baiting hooks and casting rods, giving these students a special day out. From the left are Brad Cannon, Benjie Zaleski, Randall Pilgrim, Chad Best, Ricky Holcombe, Chris Ellenburg, Tony Burton, and Keith Evans.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_DSC_0280.jpgThese men took time from their daily schedule with Vulcan to lend a hand with the Special Education students from Liberty High School by baiting hooks and casting rods, giving these students a special day out. From the left are Brad Cannon, Benjie Zaleski, Randall Pilgrim, Chad Best, Ricky Holcombe, Chris Ellenburg, Tony Burton, and Keith Evans. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

Students, volunteers, instructors, parents and Vulcan employees lined the banks to help these awesome kids wet a line on a beautiful weekday morning.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_DSC_0282.jpgStudents, volunteers, instructors, parents and Vulcan employees lined the banks to help these awesome kids wet a line on a beautiful weekday morning. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

The wildlife area of Vulcan Enterprises provided a great day of fishing with more than one eating size catfish being hauled in.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_DSC_0287.jpgThe wildlife area of Vulcan Enterprises provided a great day of fishing with more than one eating size catfish being hauled in. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel

Dax, a K-9 officer with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, was a big hit as all the students wanted to spend a little time with him. He certainly didn’t mind a little attention either.
http://pickenssentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/web1_DSC_0290.jpgDax, a K-9 officer with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, was a big hit as all the students wanted to spend a little time with him. He certainly didn’t mind a little attention either. D. C. Moody | The Pickens Sentinel
… and I’ll get a pole

By D. C. Moody

dmoody@civitasmedia.com

Reach D. C. Moody at 864-855-0355.