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Jack Ploof of Yadkinville, a 2025 graduate of Yadkin Early College High School and Surry Community College, is making his way to Harvard University this fall. 

Ploof graduated from Yadkin Early College High School (YECHS) summa cum laude and has graduated with honors with an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science from Surry Community College. During his time at YECHS, Ploof was secretary of his school’s National Honor Society chapter, as well as team captain of the FTC Robotics team. Outside of school, he participated in various summer programs, including The Summer Science Program, an intensive residential summer research program for high school students, and The University of Chicago Emerging Rural Leaders Program, a residential leadership and college excellence program for high achieving rural high school students. 

When it became time to apply to college, Ploof applied to a total of 12 universities, four of which were Ivy League universities, including Princeton University, Harvard University, Yale University, and Columbia University. Ploof was accepted into all 12 schools and went on paid campus tours of the Ivy League universities.

When asked about how he felt when accepted, Ploof shares, “I was actually out with friends on the evening of Ivy Day, so it was pretty exciting to celebrate together. Not to sell myself short, but I was very surprised to be accepted into all the schools I was.”

Ultimately, Ploof selected Harvard University. He plans on majoring in Physics and possibly minoring in Philosophy and/or Computer Science. “Academically, Harvard has so many resources, both with classes and internship and research experiences. As a Harvard student, I can cross-enroll in MIT [Massachusetts Institute of Technology] and Tufts University classes. Also, Harvard has amazing financial aid. It’s much more affordable to attend Harvard for four years than an in-state public university for one year. And lastly, the Harvard campus culture is really cool. Everyone roots for their houses [dorms] in intramural cups, as well as so many campus traditions; I’m looking forward to the Harvard/Yale football rivalry. Also, Boston is one of the greatest places to be as a college student. There are so many opportunities in the city.”

As a student, Ploof was a pre-apprentice for SCC’s Science Department for two semesters. His tasks included helping with lab prep, as well as operating some of the equipment available and aiding instructors in creating new labs and procedures. Ploof mentions that working with his previous instructors has been a fun experience. 

“There have been a few instructors that have really helped me. Firstly, Mrs. Kreh [SCC Biology Instructor] was actually my high school biology teacher, and it’s been great to work with her and see her at SCC. Also, Dr. [Susan] Worth, the Mathematics Division Chair, has been one of the most helpful and supportive people I’ve interacted with on campus. She has really pushed me academically to be my best self and has worked with me to make SCC the best experience possible for my goals.” 

Unfortunately, the SCC credits that Ploof earned will not be able to transfer to Harvard. However, Ploof says that being able to have the college experience while in high school has sharpened his study skills and allowed him to develop college success skills that will follow him anywhere.  

“I would recommend SCC to any high schooler in Surry or Yadkin counties. My advice to students is to find something that you love and run full steam ahead towards it. Sometimes it can be hard coming from a more rural area to do certain things, but it’s never good to compare yourself to others who maybe have gotten the chance to do amazing things. Look out for any opportunities, both academic and personal, that come your way; and if you can’t find any, make your own path.”

Ploof hopes to use his time at Harvard University to explore what interests him regarding a future career path but says that his current interests lie in pursuing research or start-ups.