Fish and Wildlife educator Liz Jackson was recently recognized with the 2019 Youth Education Award by the Jersey Coast Anglers Association (JCAA) at their annual awards dinner. Liz, state coordinator of New Jersey’s Hooked on Fishing – Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) program, was nominated by the NJ State Federation of Sportsman’s Clubs in recognition of the accomplishments HOFNOD has achieved over the last six years. Liz Jackson accepted the award along with part-time employee Alanna Newmark who has been instrumental in HOFNOD’s success.

The HOFNOD program encourages school-aged children to avoid tobacco, drug and alcohol usage by providing alternative activities that involve learning to fish, appreciating aquatic and environmental resources, and developing positive life skills.

Liz was also presented with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition by Jerome Townsend, Constituent Advocate for 3^rd Congressional District Representative Andy Kim. Jerome shared the story of the knowledge he gained from attending a HOFNOD training with Liz and Alanna, and that he has gone on to share what he learned with 20 youths, and is positively changing their lives.