Colonial Toyota Milford dealership awards student athletes with scholarships

An annual tradition continued Wednesday night in Milford as Colonial Toyota awarded three News 12 Connecticut scholar athletes with $1,000 scholarships.

"I'm just really thankful. Just to get recognized and let alone receive something from it for something that's almost a standard, like you expect yourself to do it, is just really rewarding," Stamford High School senior Pauline Vlahakis said.

"It feels really good, especially after all I had to work through this season. It did take a lot of work and I had to sacrifice my health, so it's nice to get recognition for that," New Milford High School senior Jade Wallace added.

"When I was a kid, I had an opportunity to win Player of the Week," Colonial Toyota owner Bobby Crabtree said. "The local sports shop gave me a football and a trophy. I always said if I ever get into the business and I have the opportunity to give back to the community... I make sure we do the same thing because it really motivated me."

The athletes said they'll spend the money on their education.

"You're capable of doing anything. All you have to do is work hard," Stratford High School senior Lauren Ogrodowicz said. "Same thing for whoever is hard of hearing, whoever is deaf, I want to give them the advice of don't let your disability set you back. Go out there and be strong, be confident, and show what you're made of."

In the hours before the event, Ogrodowicz captured the state girls' golf championship. She'll continue her golf career at Sacred Heart University in the fall. Vlahakis will continue her academic and athletic career at Wesleyan, and Wallace is undecided about her next steps.