Forman Scholar Erin Pankok Ready to Break Out of Salem and Into World of Athletics

Erin Pankok has been athletically driven her entire life. Whether through playing varsity field hockey for Salem High or competing on the school’s bowling team, her competitive spirit has never wavered. After dedicating countless hours to various sports and activities, Pankok has discovered her true passion and looks to dedicate her career to helping fellow athletes. This fall, the Forman Scholar plans to begin her journey in Elizabethtown College’s exercise science program.

“When I stepped onto Elizabethtown’s campus, I immediately felt like I was home,” Erin said. “I spent a lot of time visiting my top three schools, and while I think I could have been happy at any of them, something was pulling me back to Elizabethtown.” 

While Erin was originally interested in pursuing a career in athletic training, she is now leaning more toward the field of physical therapy. She also hasn’t ruled out the possibility of attending law school in the future in an effort to one day represent athletes in court.

“My whole life has revolved around sports. Whether it was dance, cheerleading or t-ball, there hasn’t been a time in my life when I wasn’t involved in some sort of sport,” Erin said. “When I got to Salem High, I became heavily involved with the field hockey and bowling teams, and these experiences led to some of my favorite memories.” 

Erin also got involved with a number of extracurricular activities both inside and outside of school. She spent numerous years tutoring students through The Lighthouse Ministry Youth Group, an organization she has been affiliated with since her youth. She also assisted with the Group’s community garden. As a Salem student, she participated in the National Honor Society and Interact Club, and served her school as a Student Ambassador.

During her time as a Salem Ram, Erin bonded with classmates and teachers alike, forging strong connections and growing as a student. She fondly recalls her time in the International Baccalaureate program’s Theory of Knowledge class. The various debates and conversations she contributed to sparked new ways of thinking, and she continues to ponder the questions raised throughout the course. Always an exceptional student, Erin successfully passed the IB program’s challenging final examination, an extremely momentous achievement.

The support that the staff and faculty – particularly her teacher Jessica Dixon – provide for the students of Salem High has had an immeasurable impact on Erin, empowering her to reach new heights and grow into her best academic self.

“Miss Dixon has definitely been one of my favorite teachers at Salem,” Erin said. “We’ve really bonded and built a close relationship. We are also both bookworms, and I used to be able to sit in her office and just talk about books together. I’ll always remember those conversations and especially the support and encouragement that I felt.” 

Erin’s sister is her best friend. They do everything together, from rewatching Pixar movies to grabbing sushi at their favorite restaurant in Mullica Hill. Learning about her sister’s own experience as a Forman Scholar, Erin possesses a deep appreciation for the Foundation and its mission.

“I’ve known the folks at the Foundation for a long time, and I’ve seen firsthand the critical role they played in my sister’s academic success,” said Erin. “I’m unbelievably fortunate to also be named a Forman Scholar and continue my family’s relationship with the Foundation. We owe much of our success to the organization’s commitment to the students and community of Salem.”