Hopewell’s Ellis, Pennington’s Bock to be recognized as elite scholars
Their respective schools are in close proximity and Hopewell Valley High’s David Ellis and the Pennington School’s Tyler Bock both displayed great qualities on and off the football field.
It’s because of their ability and character, on the football field, in the classroom and in the community that they have been selected as their school’s honoree at the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame’s 61st Annual George Wah Scholar-Leader-Athlete Awards Ceremony.
The awards ceremony will been held on March 12th, at the Princeton Marriott at Forrestal and will begin a 3 p.m.
The Foundation and it’s sponsors honor high school football players from 21 schools in Burlington, Hunterdon, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties as well as a Scholar-AthleteLeader from Princeton University and The College of New Jersey.
Tickets are $75.00 and can be purchased by contacting Steve Tuckerson, Dinner Chair at delval.nffhf@gmail.com
A player will be chosen for the $ 5,000.00 Jack Stephen Scholarship, one for the $2,500.00 Ron Rick Sr. Scholarship, the $2000.00 Ed Cook Scholarship and the Delaware Valley Chapter Scholarship is for $1,500.00.
The remaining Scholar-Athletes will all receive a $1,000.00 scholarship.
Ellis is a two-sport athlete at Hopewell Valley, a young man that has excelled in the classroom and has served in many school clubs and he has been involved in the community.
On the field he was a player that always rose to the occasion and made the big play when needed, his 50 tackles and three sacks show his value.
He was a player that had the respect of his teammates, too.
“What distinguishes David from other captains we had, is that he not only led by example, but he led vocally and had the courage to hold his teammates accountable,” said Dave Caldwell, HV football coach. “David always gave his best effort maximizing his athletic ability and therefore expecting his teammates to do the same. David’s work ethic and positive attitude inspires his teammates.”
Ellis is a very inspired student with a 3.71 GPA.
“David is an exceptional young man with a
sound sense of character and integrity, as well as a commitment to his academic growth,” said Chris Roebuck, Hopewell Valley English teacher. “I am pleased to have taught him, as his presence was always valuable. David receives my recommendation without hesitation; I am certain that he will distinguish himself as an excellent college student.”
A member of the Student Movement Against Cancer and a Student Ambassador, Ellis does volunteers at the HomeFront Shelter.
“David’s ability to volunteer his time in the school community, work a part time job and maintain high academic standards is exceptional,” added Caldwell. “David has volunteered his time at the HomeFront Homeless Shelter and served as a camp counselor at our local youth football camp and officiated the Police vs. Fire charity game.”
Tyler Bock’s resume is equally impressive as he excelled on and off the football field at Pennington.
“Tyler has been an absolute role model since coming to Pennington,” said Adam Cooley, Mathematics teacher. “He embodies the ideals of the Pennington School in all aspects of his life, and the school will miss him dearly. He has served as a Junior Proctor and as a Peer Leader, which works with 8th and 9th graders respectively to help bring them along into the school. I’ve heard from many of his teachers how valuable he is to have in these programs, and what an impact he makes on those he works with.”
Bock brings a 3.67 GPA to his senior year and has been an excellent student. He is involved in several clubs and organizations and been a volunteer at Tri-Star Collectors Shows.
Gaining nearly 800 all-purpose yards this season in football and recording 11 touchdowns Bock has truly been a role model.
“Tyler has outstanding character and a mature attitude that was a positive influence on our team and in our locker room,” Pennington coach Jerry Eure stated. “Our younger players always looked to Tyler for guidance and direction, which he provided on a daily basis. For all of the above reasons, Tyler has earned the respect and admiration of the coaching staff, players, and his teachers in our community. He has distinguished himself in many ways during his years here at Pennington.”