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BLACK RIVER FALLS, Wis. (WKBT) — Three days before their son was set to graduate high school, the Fronk Family received heartbreaking news.
“It is your worst nightmare times 10,” said Tiffany Fronk, Roman’s Mother. “As a parent, you always worry about your kids. You’re always worried something’s going to happen,” but if you have no idea until it happens to you.” 
18-year-old Roman Fronk was fatally struck by a train in May 2024. He was a senior at Lincoln High School that was known for his hard work and kind heart. 
“He would always make sure that he was with the underdog or helping somebody else or trying to make a difference in someone’s life,” said Tiffany.
“He helped me through everything in my life, and he was my best friend,” said Roman’s Sister, Sophia Fronk
To honor their son, Tiffany and Charles Fronk decided to start the Live Like Roman Memorial Scholarship. 
“The day before he passed away, we went to a scholarship breakfast, and he received scholarships,” said Tiffany. “I think we just kind of thought since we knew how he felt getting scholarships, we wanted to be able to help someone else get them.”
The scholarship is based on service to others, selflessness, and financial need.
“We want to reach more people that actually need the help, not people that are receiving a bunch of help because Roman would have been on that same boat as far as financial aid goes,” said Charles Fronk, Roman’s Father.
This year, the family awarded $500 to students at Lincoln High School. They’re hoping to expand their reach in 2026 and offer it to students across the region. 
Scholarships are paid for through the Roman Fronk Memorial Fund. T-shirts and sweatshirts can be purchased here to support the fund.
​COPYRIGHT 2025 BY NEWS 8 NOW/NEWS 8000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
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