Bakersfield, Calif. – Eighth graders from Fred L. Thompson Junior High School have released hundreds of homegrown rainbow trout that they’ve raised from eggs, at Hart Memorial Park for the Kern County community to enjoy. The March 29 fish release wraps up weeks of lessons for the eighth graders about the life cycle of trout and their habitat needs, through a Salmonids in the Classroom program provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
“Honestly it was the best fieldtrip I’ve had,” said Janeliz “Marshall” Martinez, a Thompson Jr. High eighth grader. “I don’t tend to go to places like this so, it was amazing. I learned a lot during the trip, mainly all about the fish, oil, energy, and the environment.”
Elijah Warner, a Thomson Jr. High eighth grader, called the experience “neat and rewarding” adding, “along with that I learned about the wildlife and animals of Bakersfield. I learned that fish came from eggs and that Bakersfield doesn’t have salmon, but they do have trout.”
Salmonids in the Classroom also teaches students crucial lessons about becoming stewards of local watersheds, protecting the environment, and helping them make informed decisions in the future.
“I am grateful for the organization put forth by teachers, students, and community partners to provide a memorable experience for everyone involved,” said Thompson Jr. High Principal Michael Brasier. “The learning that took place today is instrumental in forming student experience and knowledge for life, a huge thank you again to everyone involved.”
“I am very passionate about moving the next generation of students forward so that they too can teach others just as I am doing for them the same way others did for me when I was their age,” said 1Lt. Dr. Bryan Bowers, a seventh-grade math teacher at the school. “This is a part of the African American Network of Kern County Each One Teach One Partners in Progress Program Buffalo Soldiers, which has been operating for over 30 years now. It is my mission and duty to continue the tradition of working with all students from multiple districts in Kern County.”
Salmonids in the Classroom at Thompson Jr. High is funded by the African American Network for Kern County’s Each One Teach One Partners in Progress Program, with help from the Buffalo Soldiers of Kern County, Aera Energy, Centric Health, Bank of the Sierra, Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Alta One Federal Credit Union.
“As a longtime energy leader, Aera is continuously innovating to develop technologies and best practices to help preserve and protect California’s natural resources because our employees are passionate about improving lives in the communities where they work and live too,” said Aera Public Affairs Representative Michele Newell. “We’re thrilled to help these young teens learn so much about fish life cycles, habitats and conservation in such a fun and rewarding way – and to have these rainbow trout at a local park for families to enjoy for years to come.”