With tackle boxes in hand and smiles on their faces, a group of middle schoolers gathered Saturday morning along the banks of Lake Katherine, 7402 Lake Katherine Dr., ready to trade screen time for reel time. The event, part of a youth fishing club led by Worth Police Sgt. Michael Cozzi, brought together families, volunteers, and local leaders for a day of outdoor fun and community connection.
The club, which Cozzi founded in 2021, through a collaborative effort with Mark Fleming, Superintendent of Worth School District 127, has become a seasonal tradition for sixth- through eighth-graders from Worth Junior High School.
“It’s a fun way to learn how to fish,” Jasmin Herrera, 13, of Worth, said.
What began as an effort to get kids off their devices and into nature has evolved into a cherished program that draws 25 to 30 students per event — often accompanied by parents and grandparents — to the scenic lake in Palos Heights.
“I started the fishing club to get kids away from screens and into the outdoors,” said Cozzi, who serves as the School Resource Officer for Worth School District 127. “It’s become a real family event. You see students bonding with their parents and even grandparents — it’s something really special.”
Held in partnership with the Worth Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 143, the program runs from March to June, then resumes in August through October.
Kendall Iverson looks forward to the fishing days and has been called one of the top catchers in the club.
“My parents taught me how to fish when I was young and it’s just something that I really enjoy,” Iverson, 15, of Worth, said.
All fishing equipment is provided free of charge by the school district, and Angler’s Outlet in Tinley Park, owned by Al Ipema, donates bait for each event. Students also receive club T-shirts and guidance from a team of community volunteers — including teachers, Worth police officers, and Mayor Mary Werner and her husband, Steve.
Lake Katherine, managed by Gareth Blakesley, has provided access to the water, making the picturesque nature center a regular gathering spot for the club’s weekend meetups.
“This is about life skills, about giving kids a sense of pride and purpose,” Cozzi said. “We’ve had students grow in confidence, learn respect for nature, and build relationships that last beyond the school year.”
Support from school officials like Superintendent Mark Fleming and Principal Jason Tooth has been instrumental in the program’s growth. Their backing, along with the steady involvement of community leaders, has helped transform the club into a model of what can happen when a town invests in its youth.
“This club started with a simple goal — get kids outside — and it’s turned into something that truly brings everyone together,” he said.
