Koytek honored as Caddie of the Year   J. Wood Platt and the other Trust founders established the Platt Caddie Scholarship in 1958 to “Give them all a chance.” The “them” in that statement being high-school aged caddies who desired a college education and were in need of aid. (From left) Dick Vermeil, former Eagles coach and brunch speaker; Stephen Koytek, the Caddie of the Year, and Jack Endicott, the Platt Caddie Scholarship Chairman.   It’s apropos then, that as the Scholarship turns 50, the recently announced 2008 Francis C. Poore Caddie of the Year, Stephen Koytek, is exactly the type of high-character, motivated individual Woody Platt and the Trust envisioned assisting.   Koytek, 21, is set to graduate from Penn State University this spring with a B.S. in Engineering Science and minors in nanotechnology and mechanics. Upon graduation, he will remain at State College in pursuit of a Masters in Engineering Science with an eye toward a Ph.D. in Material Science.   “If it wasn’t for the [Platt Caddie Scholarship] I don’t know if I would have even been able to attend college,” said Koytek, who carries a 3.90 GPA. “To be able to become a college graduate, the first one in my family on either side, is a big deal for my whole family. J. Wood Platt put me on the right path to a great career and to be able to succeed in life in general.”   Koytek was recognized as the Platt’s Caddie of the Year at the Trust’s annual Caddie Brunch on Dec. 20 at Philadelphia Country Club. His mother Donna, father Stephen and brother Tyler, 10, attended the annual pre-holiday gathering of more than 200 caddie-scholars, board members and supporters of the Platt.   “I knew about the Award and I always thought of winning it, but I never thought that I would,” said Koytek, who has attended the last four Brunches. “I’m still in shock I was the one selected. It is one of the proudest achievements of my life to win this award.”   In addition to his educational resume, Koytek is the acting vice-president for the Society of Engineering Science and a member of the Tau Beta Pi fraternity, the second oldest collegiate honors society in the country. He’s also active in the Science Lions, a club that puts on shows at schools and other children events across the area that teaches kids about science in new, exciting ways, to get kids interested in science.   Koytek hopes to complete his Masters and Ph.D. in three years and then move into the biotechnology/renewable energy field as a research manager.   “I want to personally thank all the members of Glenmaura National Golf Club who have treated me so well since I’ve been there,” said Koytek. “I also would like to thank everyone associated with the Trust for all its support and hard work.”   The Caddie of the Year Award’s namesake, Francis C. Poore, served on the Platt Board of Trustees from 1969 to 2003. He was a valued advisor and friend to the scholarships management, associates and fellow Trustees. Through his excellent leadership, conscientious service and dedication, he contributed immeasurably to the development and growth of the organization. His commitment to the Scholarship and his mentorship to the caddie recipients were unparalleled. He will forever stand as the model and epitome of the virtue and essence of the Platt Caddie Scholarship. The Education Committee looks at all Platt Caddie-Scholars in their senior year of college and selects the one individual who stands out among his or her peers over the past four academic years.