Katherine Scott, a familiar face on Action News, has ties to local athletes, and she shares how sports have influenced her life and career.
There goes that Action News van again....
(6abc television reporter Katherine Scott has ties to local athletes)
By Pat Toner
If you watch Action News, you've probably seen reporter, Katherine Scott. Katherine joined the Action News team in 2009 and can be seen each morning covering some of the day's most important news stories.
What you may not know is that Katherine is an outstanding athlete with a family connection to several of the top athletes who have played field hockey and lacrosse in the Suburban One League.
A New Jersey native, Katherine graduated from Harvard University after a stellar athletic career. She captained the Crimson's field hockey team, garnering 
First Team All Ivy and First Team Northeast Regional All-American honors.
While a player at Pingry School in Basking Ridge, NJ, Katherine was a Regional All-American, an All-State pick in field hockey, and an All-Conference player in lacrosse. She was also named Female Athlete of the Year by several local newspapers.
Following in Katherine's footsteps are her cousins, Elly and Hannah Plappert who attended Council Rock North.
While at CR North, Elly was an outstanding field hockey and lacrosse player, serving as captain of both teams. During her high school years, she garnered many academic and athletic honors including Player of the Year in field hockey. She now plays 
hockey at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y., and is enrolled in the prestigious College of Engineering.
Younger sister, Hannah, was Player of the Year in lacrosse, won six championships (three in field hockey and three in lacrosse) and now plays both sports at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. Hannah was an Academic All-American in high school and is now majoring in Economics and Sociology.
Katherine also has two cousins affiliated with another Suburban One school. Sara and Jesse Huberfeld are a part of Neshaminy High School's athletic program. Sara was a member of Neshaminy's lacrosse team and now attends West Chester University while her brother, Jesse, is a junior on the soccer team.
All have enjoyed both athletic and academic success.
In addition, Katherine's aunt, Diane Plappert, is a well-known field hockey and lacrosse referee.
What has contributed to this family's incredible success both on and off the field?
Hannah Plappert says: "Our family focus is on academics as a #1 priority. We are all competitive, and to get into a good college you need to be good at academics but also good at something else to differentiate yourself. We chose sports."
"Athletics has taught me time management, attention to detail, and that I am in control of how I perform both on and off the field."
Referee Diane Plappert says, "As a parent, when my girls were young, it was always a conscious effort to have them involved and busy. By 7 or 8 at night, I wanted them to be tired, dirty, and hungry. I wanted them to want a bath, a story, a snack, and bedtime. Once we established that routine, I wanted them to continue that pattern of staying busy and involved throughout their lives. My message to them was that you give it your all every day."
It appears that this family has certainly found the winning formula for success. And while academics are a top priority, sports can teach many valuable life lessons.
When asked how her success in sports contributed to her professional success, Katherine Scott said:
"In general, I think work ethic and sportsmanship are very important to overall success."
"In sports, in order to be consistent, you need to practice skills over and over. When it becomes difficult, sometimes you may need to just put your head down and power through. Buckling down gets you through the rough times in life as well.
"Work ethic is very important to overall success in anything you do. Attention to detail is also crucial. And, no job or skill is too insignificant to master. As you start your career, if you are expected to get coffee, then get the best cup of coffee you can find.
"I also think sportsmanship is too often undervalued. You need to be respectful of your teammates and your opponents. Being kind is not a sign of weakness."
One need only talk to Katherine Scott to realize that she exudes all of these qualities. She is truly someone special. Her charming smile and kind demeanor instantly allows anyone to feel comfortable in her presence - a wonderful trait for a reporter who may have to conduct an interview in a difficult situation. And while balancing a family and a career is something many of us do, balancing it with five live TV appearances every day is a whole other story.
Describe a typical day for you as a part of the Action News team.
"My typical day starts at 2 am. I have to be at work at 3:30 am. I am in the field, so when I walk in the door, I talk to the executive producer who tells me where I will be going and what information we have so far. Then we go. At that point, we try to learn as much as we can and we are usually live at 5, 5:30, 6, and 6:30 am. After that we gather more leads, interview more people, and go live again at noon."
Whew!
What is the most exciting part of your television career?
"I am a general assignment reporter so every day is different. It's a great job because any given day you may meet someone cool like Alex Trebek or Regis Philbin. Some memorable interviews I've had include a WWII vet who gave a firsthand account of Pearl Harbor and a 100-year-old mail carrier who still volunteers at a local hospital. That was cool. I am always learning something new."
How has Katherine Scott's success inspired you?
Elly Plappert says: She is really a perfect role model in having it all. She's a successful, beautiful, kind person with a wonderful family. Her achievements with her occupation and her family life are really inspirational since she carries herself with such humbleness.
Hannah Plappert says: "I really look up to Katie. She spent a lot of time with us when we were younger, and she spends a lot of time with us now. I remember going to Franklin Field to watch her play when she played for Harvard. And now, as I am older, she has really helped me with the college process.
"And, her job is so cool. I couldn't believe it when we saw her on TV. She has a tough job. She's not reading a teleprompter; she is doing the comments on her own. That is not easy and I respect that. I'm so happy that she is successful and happy."
Diane Plappert says: "Katie always kept the bar so high that she was a wonderful role model for my girls. When you are following in the footsteps of people who work hard and play hard, you know, it's just right."
When asked her thoughts about her family members following in her footsteps, Katherine laughed.
"Actually, I think my cousins make their own footsteps and I am so proud of them. They are committed to academics and education while still playing at a high level. It's not always easy to balance academics and athletics, but it is imperative to do so. You really are a student first. Education is #1 and has to be. "
Katherine's fondest memory of athletics?
"I get nostalgic when it is a beautiful, clear, bright fall day. I miss game day and playing for a school. I loved the pregame preparation and hearing the National Anthem. But now, watching my cousins play always brings a huge smile to my face."
Is there any advice you'd give to young people?
"Whether sports or your career, embrace the joy that got you started. Hard work is important, but don't forget to smile. Be passionate and enjoy the time you have."
Some great words of wisdom from a person who truly embraces all that life has to offer and appreciates the success she has earned.
Reporting live, this is Katherine Scott, channel 6 Action News. Back to you in the studio...
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