Wawasee High School fall sailing program receives sizable donation.

                The Wawasee Property Owners Association made a $5,000 donation to the Wawasee High School fall sailing program in the hope of helping increase the number of students able to participate.

The WPOA believes it is in the interest of the entire lake community to educate future generations on the many activities the lake provides, including sailing; water safety when operating a boat; and how the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation protects, preserves and enhances the Wawasee Area Watershed for present and future generations.

Bill Pipp, who had the honor of presenting the donation on behalf of the WPOA, said, “if we can educate the younger generation about and get them involved with the many local organizations, we are confident the lake area will be in good hands in the future.

“The WPOA thanks the Wawasee High School and Janay Hackleman for continuing to expand and improve the WHS Fall Sailing Program, Jeff Herdrich and the many Wawasee Yacht Club members that volunteer their time to this worthwhile community program,” Pipp avouched.

The students at WHS are able to get a unique experience through the program; they spend a lot of time on the water for outdoor water activities during the first part of the fall semester.

The class got to take the WACF canoe 10-lakes trip where the students learned about watersheds and how it affects the lakes.

The course is intended to help students gain awareness and learn helpful strategies of activities of sailing, environmental issues, canoeing and kayaking.

Janay Hackleman, program coordinator, expressed her gratitude for the Wawasee Yacht Club’s contribution to the program, stating, “For most of the students it is the first time they have been on a sailboat. It is truly the best to watch these students become comfortable with the tiller in hand.”

The Wawasee Yacht Club helps get students to the lake and out on the water for instructional time, allowing for a hands-on educational experience.

Wawasee High School plans to utilize the donation to the sailing program for replacement and repair of equipment and to cover the cost of yacht club space.