Award pays tribute to victims of 9/11 terrorist attacks
F ive area athletes have been named finalists for the Waldie/Shaeffer Scholarship Award. They will be recognized at The Almanac’s 24th annual Premier Performers Sports Banquet to be held at 1 p.m. May 18 at the Hilton Garden Inn, located in Southpointe.
The Almanac established the award to honor two former area athletes, who were killed or wounded during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Ken Waldie, formerly of Bethel Park, was a passenger on board the first airplane that crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City. He was a swimmer at Bethel Park High School as well as the United States Naval Academy.
In addition to captaining the Black Hawks to their first ever WPIAL title under head coach Pat Campbell, Waldie was a leader outside the pool. He was voted class president each of his four years at the Naval Academy, something that had never been accomplished at the tradition-rich institution.
After fulfilling his five-year military commitment, Waldie used his mathematics degree to gain employment with Raytheon Corporation. While working, he earned a masters degree and graduated first in his class.
Forty-six at the time of his death, Waldie left behind a wife, Carol, three sons, Andrew, Jeffrey and Jonathan, and a daughter, Meredith, along with a brother, Jack, and three sisters, Jane, Mary Louise and Grace.
Kevin Shaeffer, formerly of McMurray, was severely burned when an airplane stuck the Pentagon. He played soccer at Peters Township High School. He attended the United States Naval Academy and continued to serve his country as a lieutenant at the time of his injuries.
Shaeffer was burned over 42 percent of his body. Because he inhaled aerosolized jet fuel, he severely injured his lungs. He underwent 13 surgeries, including one to remove his failing gall bladder, and numerous skin grafts. And, his heart failed. He suffered two cardiac arrests.
Awarded the Purple Heart, Shaeffer returned to the region in 2002 to speak at his alma mater, where he helped the Indians capture district and state titles in soccer. He also spoke at The Almanac’s all-sports banquet.
In 2003, he became a father for the first time to a daughter, Sophia Bella. Shaeffer and his wife, Blanca, also a Naval Academy graduate, reside in northern Virginia.
In addition to The Almanac’s $500 scholarship award, the Friends of Waldie, an organization established by classmates Steve McGinnis, Frank DelPercio, Terry Crump and Tom Etzel, contribute $1,500 to the Waldie/Shaeffer Award.
To qualify for the honor, a nominee must have the intention of serving the country by either attending one of the military academies, attending a college or university through an ROTC program or enlisting in the service upon graduation. The nominee must also have demonstrated leadership or bravery during his or her scholastic career.
The winner of the Waldie Shaeffer Award will be announced during The Almanac’s Premier Performers Sports Banquet. Tickets for the May 18 event are $30 and available by calling 724-941-7725 ext. 129.