LAKE OZARK, Mo. — Joe Grafeman spreads his love of fishing to everyone around him.
The School of the Osage sophomore not only goes to classrooms to teach elementary schoolers the joys of bass fishing, he also is a regular contributor to the Lake Ozark Fishing News.
"As his former English teacher, I was filled with a great deal of pride when Joe brought me a copy of his first article in a fishing magazine," said Scott Rowland.
"I have been teaching for 20 years and I have never had a student become a regular columnist in a magazine, and Joe is doing that before he is even close to graduating," Rowland continued. "He is finding even more ways to grow the sport of fishing."
Grafeman, who started the bass fishing team at his school, has been a guest speaker in the local grade school several times to teach children to pursue their dreams, to study hard and to learn to communicate.
"Joseph shares his real-world experiences to help young students understand how good communication skills are important to maximize their potential," said Staci Johnson, assistant principal at School of the Osage.
On the water, Grafeman is a fierce competitor. He won the Missouri B.A.S.S. Nation High School championship with his partner last fall, and he has several other wins and Top 5 finishes in high school and Junior Bassmaster tournaments.
Grafeman is one of only 12 anglers selected for the 2015 Bassmaster High School All-American Fishing Team. He will compete alongside a Bassmaster Elite Series pro, June 6, on Lake Barkley as part of Zippo BASSfest presented by A.R.E. Truck Caps.