Caleb Ploof

Ahead of the Heat

Making every moment count.

If you blink, you might miss Caleb Ploof dash by. He is the fastest sprinter on his track and field team and once ran a 5k in under 20 minutes. While there is no doubt that Caleb is fleet of foot, he’s also quick to master new skills athletically, academically, and musically. He qualified for state in the pole vault on his first attempt and placed 6th at the 2022 Vermont State Track and Field meet. He won the Modern Woodman Speech contest. As an accomplished alto saxophone player, he recently ventured into jazz music. Caleb attracted a large audience at the Discover Jazz Festival during one of his first solo performances. “For me to get up and rock it like that was a very big moment in my life and helped me to discover my love for music,” he says.

In addition to being a contender to finish first in any race, Caleb is also one of the first to step up to lend a hand or serve as a leader. He pursues his passion for music by heading up the student-run pep band at his school and by volunteering to play piano at his church several Sundays a month. But his most rewarding volunteer experience is with the Franklin Fire Department. Caleb says the volunteer fire department receives about 60 calls per year and has responded to many critical situations. He trains for two hours every Monday and has even learned to use the jaws of life to rescue occupants trapped in vehicles. “My three years as a firefighter has really had an amazing impact on my life,” says Caleb. Witnessing life-threating situations first-hand has given him renewed perspective on the role he can play in making the world a safer place.

While natural ability is a hallmark of Caleb’s story, drive, hard work, and determination factor in just as heavily. In those areas where he is not instantly successful, he doesn’t waste time, make excuses, or permit himself to fall too far behind. Because he was born with weak ankles, he is diligent about physical therapy, using special braces, and getting the rest he needs to thrive. And when he struggled in a high-level math class his sophomore year, he sought out help from a math expert to explain the base concepts and build up his foundation for success. Caleb credits his parents for raising him “to be a go-getter and to seek out challenges.” Learning from their example and their faith in him, he will keep putting his best foot forward to make the most of every opportunity to excel.