FAIRFIELD — Michael Webb had just one objective Tuesday: catch one of the bluegill or bass in the Fairfield Optimist Club lake.

        His buddy, Brian Hasselbeck, 16, had two jobs: putting bait on Michael's hook and making sure that Brian and classmate Jonathan Smith, 10, stayed safe.

Fairfield High School seniors Heather Seyfried, 18, left, and Heuwet Haile, 18, help Devin Searley, 7, fish at the Fairfield Optimist Club outing Tuesday. (Dick Swaim photo) | ZOOM |

        The boys spent much of the day on the sandy shore as part of the annual Fishing Day outing that pairs Fairfield Senior High School students with younger children in special education classes.

        For four hours the 250 students and their older buddies fished, tossed baseballs, ate grilled hamburgers and hot dogs prepared by Optimists and just enjoyed each other's company.

        “I'm just looking to see if I can catch any fish. This spot is not good. I can't catch any fish here,” said Michael, 8.

        “I throw the fishing pole in the water,” said Jonathan, a third-grader at Fairfield South Elementary School. “I got one large fish last year.”

        Brian said he volunteers to work during his study hall with the special education students at the high school but enjoys working with the younger students as well.

        He brought along his guitar to sing during lunch.

        “My godfather is mentally handicapped and he inspires me,” said Brian, who wants to become a teacher. “Once you're with them you grow fond of them and get attached.”

        Physical education teacher Gary Staggs organized the outing in conjunction with the Optimists, who provided fishing poles, bait, food, their facility and cooks.

        “The seniors get as much out of it as the kids. They realize how lucky they have it,” Mr. Staggs said.Football player Brad Almendinger, 17, worked as an aide last year and volunteered to come on the trip this year.

        “It's fun helping other people who can't do all the things other people do. It gives them a chance to have fun,” Brad said as he and his buddy, fifth-grader Dustin McGeorge, took a break from fishing.

        “Besides,” he said, “he's better (fishing) than me.”
       

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