Prep Talk
2018 Graduate awarded Ploch Memorial Scholarship
Posted July 11th, 2018
Team spirit, a tireless work ethic and positivity, a trio of qualities many talented and successful individuals exude on a daily basis – these traits are at the core of 2018 graduate Colby Schalek’s impressive persona.
Colby was awarded for his character through his nomination as the 2018 recipient of the Aaron Ploch Memorial Swimming and Soccer Scholarship. The soon-to-be college freshman at Elizabethtown College receives $1,500 through the scholarship sponsored by the Run4Aaron Foundation. The award immortalizes Aaron Ploch’s qualities of commitment, love of sports, team spirit, friendship, hard work and love of life. As any member of the school community at St. Augustine will attest, Colby Schalek exhibits all of these admirable characteristics on a daily basis.
The scholarship is awarded each year in loving memory of Aaron Charles Ploch. Aaron was a beloved and impressive young man who passed away suddenly in 1999 at the age of 10. As stated by the Run4Aaron foundation, “The Aaron Ploch Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to two deserving students from the Vineland area. Among other criteria, this award is based on the recipient’s sense of team spirit and positive attitude toward life and school.”
Colby’s leadership qualities extended from his talents on the Hermits Cross Country, Track, and Swimming teams, all the way through his home community as an accomplished Eagle Scout. His dedication to, and reverence of, the Hermit Brotherhood further cemented his status as a worthy recipient of this special award. Aaron’s brother, Ryan Ploch, visited our Richland campus to personally hand Colby the scholarship in a brief ceremony held at the Buondonno Forum.
Aaron Ploch’s spirit will live on through Colby Schalek and the distinguished list of Hermit Brothers who have also earned the scholarship!