2015 High School All-American: Dillon Harrell

Dillon Harrell is president of his school's fishing team, which he founded, and he serves in several other leadership capacities as well.

PORTER, Texas — Dillon Harrell doesn't shy away from leadership roles.

When his school, New Caney High School, didn't have a fishing team, he founded one. He now serves as its president.

He's also president of the New Caney FFA Chapter, he serves on his school's Student Leadership Advisory Committee, and he recently graduated from a community-wide leadership class.

"He is a natural leader and is preparing himself for a well-rounded career as a professional fisherman," said Charles Hammack, one of several people who nominated Harrell for the 2015 Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team.

Harrell is ranked in the top 5 percent of his graduating class and was selected as Student of the Month by faculty and administrators at his school.

After graduation, Harrell plans to attend Sam Houston State University to pursue a degree in agribusiness.

His fishing credits are strong. He came out on top of 260 teams in a SETX high school event on Sam Rayburn last spring, and he won two tournaments back-to-back last summer, a Texas Police Olympics tournament and a TBF high school event. Harrell won the 2014 SETX Angler of the Year award, and he currently holds the youth record on Lake Raven for an 8.14-pounder he caught there.

"He has been an incredible student, a leader other students look up to and an asset to our school organizations," said David Loyacano, principal of New Caney High School.

"He has proven to be a take-charge person who sets goals and strives to achieve them."

Harrell is one of 12 anglers who were selected for the 2015 Bassmaster High School All-American Team. He will join his 11 teammates on Tennessee's Lake Barkley, June 6, as part of Zippo BASSfest presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps, where each of the All-American anglers will get to fish with a Bassmaster Elite Series pro.