09/11/2026
We are grateful to Grace Kotalik's "13 Acts of Hope" Summit Award Project. Read about her actions to support the youth of Liberty County. She donated fishing poles, tackle bags filled with supplies and safety information and we are most appreciative for her generosity with her service project. Thank you Grace for blessing others with this donation.
Grace Kotalik’s “13 Acts of Hope” Summit Award Project Brings Fishing Program Support to Liberty County Youth
Fishing poles, tackle bags, and volunteer-prepared resources donated to support children served by the Liberty County Child Welfare Board.
On September 10th, Grace Kotalik, an Eagle Scout and Venturer in Crew 112, chartered by Trinity Episcopal Church in The Woodlands, presented fishing poles and tackle bags to Cyndie Abshire, President of the Liberty County Child Welfare Board, as part of Grace’s Summit Award project, 13 Acts of Hope. The Summit Award is Venturing’s highest award, and Grace’s project reflects the leadership, service, and personal growth at the heart of the Venturing program. The donation will help support a fishing program designed to give deserving youth in Liberty County access to a hobby that can provide mental relaxation, outdoor activity, and social connection.
The Liberty County Child Welfare Board is a volunteer group actively involved in supporting staff, caregivers, foster parents, and volunteers responsible for the protection and welfare of children, especially those who have experienced abuse and neglect. Through programs, resources, and community partnerships, the board helps provide support for children and families throughout Liberty County.
For Grace’s project, volunteers assembled tackle boxes and developed written fishing and safety tips to help youth learn the basics of fishing and enjoy the outdoors safely. The project reflects the mission behind 13 Acts of Hope: creating meaningful acts of service that bring encouragement, practical support, and positive experiences to others.
Grace’s inspiration for this act of hope was her fallen hero brother, SPC Jarrett Kotalik, who died in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. Army. Jarrett was an Eagle Scout and avid fisherman, and this project honors his memory by sharing something he loved with young people who may benefit from the peace, confidence, and connection that fishing can offer.
“This project is a way to honor Jarrett’s love of fishing while offering hope and encouragement to children who deserve moments of joy, calm, and connection,” said Grace Kotalik. “I am grateful to everyone who helped assemble the tackle boxes and prepare the fishing and safety tips so this program can make a lasting impact.”
13 Acts of Hope is Grace Kotalik’s Summit Award project, focused on serving others through intentional acts of kindness and community support. Grace currently serves as the Vice President of Administration for the Sam Houston Area Council’s Venturing Officers’ Association, where youth leaders help strengthen the Venturing program through adventure, leadership, personal growth, and service. She is also an Angler Ambassador for Fishing’s Future, a nonprofit organization that uses recreational fishing to reconnect youth with nature and strengthen family relationships. This fishing-focused act connects service, remembrance, and outdoor recreation in a way that honors SPC Jarrett Kotalik’s legacy while benefiting foster youth and children served by the Liberty County Child Welfare Board.
