– BOCA RATON, FLA./DURHAM, N.C.
Lucas Metropulos, 19, lives to fish. And he’s hooking a new generation. As a high schooler in Boca Raton, Fla., he founded an after-school program that teaches underprivileged kids a skill that can feed their families, as well as patience and respect for the environment. And for that, he earned our national award two years ago. Now Metropulos, a freshman at Duke University in Durham, N.C., has cast his net wider: Offshoots of his program, Fishing for Families in Need, are set to open in New Orleans, Martha’s Vineyard and Durham.
For his third Make A Difference Day last fall, Metropulos doubled up. The two teen protégés who run his Boca Raton flagship operation, with eight volunteers, took 18 excited children out to sea. And in Durham, Metropulos and five volunteers treated six adults and a child — economically disadvantaged families, guests at a Ronald McDonald House — to an afternoon of fishing for crappie, bluegill and catfish at Lake Mickie. These families “are stressed out and need some relief,” Metropulos says.
The kids who enjoyed last Make A Difference Day at sea in Boca Raton — like Maria Sair, 10, who now wants to be a “fishing teacher” (or veterinarian) — were the latest of more than 120 that Fishing for Families in Need has taught. “I’ve been able to grow because of the support I started receiving from all over the country after receiving your award,” Metropulos says. “Make A Difference Day gave my program credibility.”
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Fishing for Families in Need, started as a dream inspired by an amazing experience in Nassau, Bahamas. Today I am proud to say the program has grown, and continues to grow. I teach the children how to be responsible fishers, and good stewards of the sea. The deprivation of our oceans is growing, and I am doing my best to slow the deterioration of our pristine marine ecosystems. I am honored to be an All-Star finalist and would like to invite everyone to visit our website http://www.f4fn.com to learn more about the program.
Lucas is a treasure to this society and such a great gift to this world. He has all potentials as a great leader!!!!!!!
what ur doing lucas is great man
Lucas has taken a dream and turned it into reality. He truly is making a difference in so many children’s lives. Having volunteered under this program for 4 years, I know personally how many children he has effected due to his perseverance and belief in his dream of teaching under privileged kids how to fish. The amount of happiness and enjoyment he gives to these kids is unmeasurable. Thank you Lucas for all that you have done, and all you are continuing to do!
Lucas, you are an inspirational example of fine Christian stewardship and we commend you efforts. We wish you the best of luck in all you endeavors! God Bless you.
Really impressed!!! God Bless!
God bless you son!
Dear Lucas, God continue to bless your efforts and your humanity.
Lucas is the best!
What a wonderful endeavor and accomplishment by this young man. I am pleased to be able to make a statement in his behalf and a recommendation that he receive the top prize.
Dear Lucas
Keep this great dream alive @ you will
never run out Of fish.
You are a great young man with a
Great gift. Keep it up.
My best wishes
Lucas, thank you for being such an incredible inspiration. You are Truely admirable, God Bless you and all you do!
What this young man is doing is outstanding. He is giving time and friendship to children who lack this attention. Fishing is a good way to bond and a rewarding experience.
Ke se anotera!! What a great idea on so many levels!!
As a person involved in human services, I am a firm believer in “feeding my brother” and I wholeheartedly believe that while feeding my brother that I should also teach my brother how to fish. What a wonderful way to honor your creator while helping mankind. Good job Lucas!!
What an inspired idea: teaching children to fish not only for food, but for self-discipline, confidence, calmness and patience. What a blessing for others! Good luck!
Marilyn Rouvelas, Arlington, VA
Lucas, your efforts continue to amaze me. As a recipient of your good works we are so proud of you in Boca Raton. Keep up the amazing work and continue your legacy where ever you go!!!! God Bless You!!
Linda Gove, Boca Raton, FL
Lucas, You’re a true humanitarian doing God’s work. Great job!
Dear Lucas, When God has an inspirational and spiritual service for us to do, it is not always recognized. Thank you for the insight into God’s heart to follow his calling. Doreen Swaim.
Thank you to everyone for their support, also thank you to Kenzie for taking this wonderful photo posted above.
Lucas keep up the good work. You deserve to win.
Lucas,
Yasou!!!! You are making a difference for individuals who would have never had the opportunity to do so by themselves. Your work will be rewarded as I am sure you well know. Being from Savannah, GA, I grew up around the ocean and know what values it can bring to all of us in many ways. God Bless You!!
p.s. My son and I are BIG DUKE Fans and it thrills me to see you are receiving an education from a fantastic university. GO BLUE DEVILS!!!