Jackson Swisher, Lake City, Fla.
A senior at Columbia High School and Senior Representative of the Columbia High Bassmasters, Swisher has earned three wins this tournament season, as well as eight Top 5 finishes and 10 Top 20 finishes. Swisher has qualified for the Mossy Oak High School National Championship on Kentucky Lake four times. In 2019, Swisher earned a place on the Bassmaster All-State Team as well as the Bassmaster All-American team. Additionally, he was the 2019 Columbia High Bassmasterâs Angler of the Year.
âFor me personally, Jackson was the first person to teach my daughters (7, 8, and 10) how to fish,â said Thomas Hosford, Principal of Columbia High School. âJackson is always willing to give up his time to help others, not just with fishing.â
Swisher has volunteered at Florida Gateway College Summer Camp, speaking about conservation and taking youth campers out in his boat. He has volunteered at the Suwannee River Breast Cancer Awareness Association Benefit tournament and the Puzzle Pieces of North Florida Autism benefit tournament. Swisher and his partner fished the Puzzle Pieces of North Florida Autism benefit tournament, an adult tournament, and won out of a field of 100-plus boats. They donated some of their winnings to the Special Needs classes in Columbia County.
âJacksonâs life passion is to help others,â said Alex L. Carswell, Jr., Superintendent of Columbia County Schools. âHe goes out of his way to make sure people are successful, whether they are learning to fish or working through a simple life lesson.â