THURSDAY • 05.20.2021 • C
PICTURES OF SUCCESS The 55th annual Scholar Athlete program honors 158 of the area’s best on the field and brightest in the classroom
FIND MORE COVERAGE AND PHOTOS ONLINE AT STLHIGHSCHOOLSPORTS.COM
ONE TO REMEMBER Trinity’s final Scholar Athlete, Lauren Swindle, was true to her school. PAGE C10
BIG CITY DREAMS New Haven’s Emma McIntyre is taking a leap to the Ivy League. PAGE C10
C2 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
AFFTON | MAUREEN DOLAN Academic rank: 9. Sports: Cross country, swimming, soccer. Academic bio: Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish & AP Scholar. Activities: Student Council president; Key Club president; Teen Advocates for Sexual Health through Planned Parenthood; Girl Scouts; Robotics; Special Olympics; voting poll worker. College: University of Missouri. Goal: “I hope to go to law school. After this, I hope to either become an immigration lawyer or a senator so that I am able to give people a voice and make the American dream accessible to everyone.” Favorite subject: English. Favorite book: “Lolita” by Vladimir Nabokov. Favorite musician: Harry Styles. Role model: My best friend, Lynn. “She always pushes me to do my best and doesn’t let her past experiences impact her future decisions.”
ALTHOFF | JULIA O’NEILL Academic rank: 1. Sports: Soccer, cross country. Academic bio: National Honor Society; Valedictorian; Illinois State Scholar. Athletic bio: All-conference; all-state; third team PostDispatch All-Decade (soccer); second and third team All-Metro in soccer and third team in cross country. Activities: Student council; BASIC; Sacristan and Eucharistic minister. College, major: Marquette University, nursing. Goal: “I hope to be a neonatal nurse.” Favorite subject: Anatomy. Favorite book: “Divergent.” Favorite musician: Thomas Rhett. Role model: My mom and dad. “They work so hard to give me all of the things I have in life. They are very loving and supportive in all that I do.”
ALTON | KIERAN FAVAZZA Academic rank: 1. Sports: Soccer, ice hockey, volleyball. Academic bio: National Merit Scholarship finalist; Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish); AP Scholar with Honor; ILMEA AllDistrict Musician. Athletic bio: Scholar athlete for volleyball ice hockey teams. Activities: Scholar Bowl; Chess Team; Philosophy Club; Symphonic Orchestra; Math Team. College: St. Louis University. Goal: “I would like to earn my Ph.D. in philosophy and become a philosophy professor.” Favorite subject: Physics. Favorite book: “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera. Favorite musicians: Pink Floyd; Frank Sinatra. Role model: My mother. “She is incredibly strong and does not let anything pass her by. She gives her best to everything and has made infinite sacrifices for me. Knowing how strong she is and how much she loves me gives me enough courage to live my own life.”
ALTON MARQUETTE | NOLAN REA Sports: Baseball and golf. Academic bio: Silver Medallion Award; Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; Principal’s Scholarship; third place finish in WYSE Regional. Athletic bio: Advantage News all-area (baseball). Activities: Student council; National Honor Society; campus ministry; volunteering with the elderly, children and at shelters. College, major: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, finance. Goal: “I hope to own my own commercial landscape company.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid.” Favorite musician: The Lumineers. Role model: My mom and my dad. “They have both taught me to work hard in all aspects of my life, whether it be school, athletics, work, or anything else. They have also taught me that even when you fail, all that matters is if you gave it your all, and I would like to say that I have lived by that.”
BARAT | NICK ALBERS Sports: Golf. Academic bio: Missouri Scholars Academy; Barat Academy presidents honors. Activities: National Honor Society vice president; Honor Council president; Youth Leadership St. Louis; Ambassador club; basketball; volunteered at World Bird Sanctuary; Youth in Need; St. Louis Life; St. Louis fish farm. College: Murray State. Goal: “I hope to become an occupational health and safety worker.” Favorite subject: History. Favorite book: “Left to Tell.” Favorite musician: Metallica. Role model: My dad. “He embodies everything I wish to be when I grow up. A hardworking individual who can take on the world without backing down.”
BAYLESS | PEONY DUONG Academic rank: 2 of 107. Sports: Basketball, volleyball. Academic bio: St. Louis Community College-Meramec Dean’s List; “A” Honor Roll. Athletic bio: 2019 SCAA allconference girls soccer second team. Activities: National Honor Society president; Bayless Theatre Company Musical Crew; volunteer: Barnes Jewish Hospital. College: University of Southern California. Goal: “I hope to open up my own tea shop and achieve a new version of success for my family!” Favorite subjects: English and math. “English provides me a creative outlet to explore new ideas while math challenges me to think critically.” Favorite book: “The Courage to be Disliked”
SCHOLAR ATHLETES
ABOUT THE SCHOLAR ATHLETE PROGRAM The St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete Program was the brainchild of Hall of Fame baseball writer Bob Broeg in 1965. Broeg wanted to honor high school seniors whose success was not only on the field or court, but students who excelled in the classroom, as well. For the 55th year, the Post-Dispatch is by Fumitake Koga and Ichiro Kishimi. Favorite musician: BTS. Role model: “My friend and teammate, Cayla. She is so inspiring to me not only because of her confidence, but because of her leadership abilities.”
BELLEVILLE EAST | TYLER BUTLER Academic rank: 130 of 542. Sports: Volleyball, basketball. Academic bio: Lancer Medallion: 2018, 2021; National Honor Society president; honor roll. Athletic bio: Basketball: first team all-conference and team MVP (2020, 2021); top 10 in program history for rebounds. Volleyball: Unsung Hero award (2020); Activities: Future Business Leaders of America; office worker; Spanish Club; Medical Explorers; run Etsy business selling handmade crafts; biking. College: SIU Edwardsville. Goal: “I hope to receive my doctorate in pharmacy within six years.” Favorite subject: Spanish. Favorite book: “This is Where it Ends.” Favorite musicians: Drake; Ariana Grande; Layton Greene. Role model: My mom. “She continues to push me through anything I put my mind to, I know she always has my back, and the opportunities she sets for me are endless!”
BELLEVILLE W. | TAYLOR GELUCK Academic rank: 1 of 448. Sports: Softball, volleyball. Academic bio: Student of the month (Sept. 2017); Hugh O’ Brian Youth Leadership Conference nominee (2019); Illinois Leadership Seminar nominee (2019); winner of Coca-Cola’s 2020 Sustainability Innovation Challenge and $10,000 grant; regional champion in Math Team competition (2020); Science Olympiad JV regional champion for Rube Goldberg Device (2019); third place in forensics at JV Science Olympiad Regional (2019); Mighty Maroon Character Award (2019); International Rotary Young Women of Achievement Award (2021); class president (2017-21); Renaissance (2017-21). Athletic bio: Softball: All-Southwestern Conference second team (2019); Silver Slugger Hitting Award (2019); four-year varsity starter; scholar athlete (four years). Volleyball: scholar athlete (four years). Activities: Student Council class president; prom chair; head of Belleville West’s Environmental Conservation Group; math team; science Olympiad; Students on the Go HalfMarathon running club; National Honor Society; French honors society; Chick-Fil-A Leader Academy; Belleville Area Humane Society volunteer; tutor. College, major: Washington University, major in biology and minor in environmental studies on the pre-veterinary track. Goal: “I plan on becoming a veterinary surgeon. My long-term goal is to own my own environmentally-sound surgical practice where I can make veterinary care more accessible and affordable.” Favorite subjects: Math; geometry. Favorite book: “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood. Favorite musician: Taylor Swift. Role model: My parents. “I wouldn’t be the person I am today without their support, sacrifices, and love. I aspire to be as selfless and strong as they are.”
BORGIA | ANDREW PATTON Sports: Football, basketball. Academic bio: National Honor Society; academic allstate. Athletic bio: Football: allconference and all-district wide receiver. Activities: Woodworking and longboarding. College: Missouri S&T. Goal: “I hope to be a successful engineer.” Favorite subject: Chemistry. Favorite book: “One of Us Is Lying,” by Karen M. McManus. Favorite musician: Billy Squier. Role model: My parents. “They give me a great example everyday of how to be a responsible adult.”
BREESE CENTRAL | KYLE ATHMER Academic rank: 6 of 144. Sports: Football, basketball, baseball. Academic bio: National Honor Society; Illinois State Scholar. Athletic bio: First Illinois high school athlete to throw for 300 yards and five touchdowns in a football game and then throw a complete game shutout in baseball in less than 24 hours; Chicago Bears and Athletico all-star award. Activities: Volunteer at Albers Friends of the Cougars Fish Fry. College: Missouri S&T. Goal: “I hope to get a steady and secure job so that I am able to support a family.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “1984,” by George Orwell. Favorite musician: Luke Combs. Role model: My father. “To me he is everything I want to be as a man in the future.”
BRENTWOOD | AMELIA AYOTTE Academic rank: 1. Sports: Softball. Academic bio: National Honor Society; 4.22 GPA; academic lettermen; Outstanding Leadership award. Athletic bio: First team allconference and all-district; Brentwood career record holder for average, home runs, RBI, runs scored. Activities: Student Council (vice president);
honoring Scholar Athletes from the metro area. Each school selects one Scholar Athlete who has lettered in at least one varsity sport and is in the top 25 percent of their graduating class. Each Scholar Athlete is receiving a voucher that can be redeemed for two tickets to a future Cardinals baseball game. speech and debate (three-time district finalist); robotics (state qualifier); Friends of Rachel; volunteer: voting polls; Special Olympics; Veteran’s hospital. College, major: Millikin University, biology/ pre-medicine. Goal: “I hope to become a traveling doctor to help those who don’t receive good medical care. I also hope to work with young children.” Favorite subjects: Math, science. Favorite book: “Siddhartha,” by Hermann Hesse. “Because it focuses on the journey of self-discovery and has really interesting religious concepts that aren’t always talked about in school.” Favorite musician: Clinton Kane. Role model: My high school math teacher and softball coach, Kelly Javier. “She treats people the way everyone deserves to be treated. She always finds the good in others and forces people to find the good in themselves. She has helped me become the leader and woman that I am today, and I continue to want to better myself because of her.”
BRUSSELS | EMMA CLARK Academic rank: 2. Sports: Volleyball, basketball. Academic bio: High honor roll; National Honor Society; fifth place in Olympiad; DAR Good Citizen award. Activities: Pep Club president; Civics Club president; volunteering; waitress at local restaurant; giving blood annually for the Red Cross; Scholastic Bowl. College: Maryville University. Goal: “I am striving to become a nurse anesthetist.” Favorite subject: History. Favorite book: “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe. Favorite musician: Alicia Keys. Role model: “The selfless people fighting for America in battle. The courage it takes to be a part of a military branch is overwhelming. I will never take for granted what they are doing for America.”
CARDINAL RITTER | KRISTIN BOOKER Academic rank: 2 of 64. Sports: Basketball, track and field. Athletic bio: Class salutatorian. Activities: 4H Club; Intern Leadership Program. College: Saint Xavier. Goal: “I hope to improve as an athlete and academically. I want to be a physical therapist.” Favorite subject: Math. Role model: My mom. “She reminds me that nothing is given, I have to earn it and want it. Also to never give up, and work hard no matter what!”
CARLINVILLE | BRIGID DUNN Academic rank: 1 of 107. Sports: Golf. Academic bio: Scholastic Bowl; Illinois State Scholar; DAR Good Citizen of Illinois; Lions Academic Award; academic letter; IHSA scholastic achievement. Athletic bio: All-South Central Conference. Activities: Band; Girl Scouts; math team; Interact; Academic Challenge; National Honor Society; Democracy School Club. College, major: University of Notre Dame, international economics and global affairs. Goal: “I would like to become a government or (United Nations) official, specifically in the field of diplomatic relations and refugee and humanitarian crises.” Favorite subjects: AP U.S. history and economics. Favorite book: “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini. Favorite musician: The Strokes. Role model: Ruth Bader Ginsberg. “She fought ardently for women’s rights her entire life so young women could pursue their dreams without any restraints. I admire her resilience in the face of adversity and confidence in her own abilities and hope to mirror those traits throughout my life.”
CARLYLE | GRACE RENSING Academic rank: 1. Sports: Softball, volleyball. Academic bio: High honor roll; Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; second in state and sixth in nation for public speaking through Future Business Leaders of America; sixth in state for impromptu speaking (FBLA). Athletic bio: Illinois Scholastic Athlete award. Activities: Student council; Spanish club; science club; Team Quest; WYSE academic challenge team; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; yearbook; volunteer coach for the YMCA youth spring volleyball league; work at Chaddy Daddy BBQ in Carlyle and for the Carlyle City Parks and Recreation Department. College: Iowa State. Goal: “I hope to work toward advancements for sustainable life outside of Earth.” Favorite subject: Physics. Favorite book: “I enjoy works by Edgar Allan Poe.” Favorite musician: Juice WRLD. Role model: “My teachers, coaches and advisors have all collectively shaped me into who I am. From teaching me good sportsmanship to how to properly shake hands with someone, I cannot be more grateful for those who have led me here.”
CARNAHAN | JAIDON ANTHONY Academic rank: 11 of 81. Sports: Basketball. Academic bio: Honor roll, National Honor Society. Athletic bio: First team allconference.
M 1 • THURSDAY • 05.20.2021 Activities: “Playing with my little brother.” College: Ottawa University. Goal: “I hope to be a detective.” Favorite subject: Math. “Because I like how it’s always a challenge and it’s something I can always get better in.” Favorite book: “The Giver” by Lois Lowry. Favorite musician: Frank Ocean. Role model: LeBron James. “He is the greatest basketball player of all time and he talks about problems outside of basketball. He also helped children in his hometown area.”
CHAMINADE | LOUIS PREVOST Sports: Football, rugby, wrestling. Academic bio: Special/First Honors; National Honor Society; academic all-state football (2020). Athletic bio: Football: Second team all-district and all-conference (2020). Rugby: team captain. Activities: Service at Fr. Dempsey’s Charities. College: University of Central Florida. Goal: Electrical engineering. Favorite subject: Math/engineering. Favorite book: “The Mamba Mentality” by Kobe Bryant. Role model: My parents. “They are always leading me down the right path to be successful and to be a good person to others. Their guidance has led me to be a great person to everyone I meet.”
CBC | LUCAS WHITE Sports: Wrestling. Academic bio: 32 ACT composite score; 4.28 GPA; CBC Honors; academic all-state wrestler (three years). Athletic bio: 2021 Class 4 wrestling state champion (170 pounds); three-time wrestling state medalist; signed to wrestle at NCAA Division I level. Activities: Volunteer to build and maintain trails around St. Louis (most recently with a drainage issue on Chubb Trail in West Tyson Park); mountain biking group rides and enduro races; additionally, I train jiu-jitsu. College: American University. Goal: “I hope to accomplish two things in my adult life. The first is to create a better life for my future children. It should always be our goal to make the lives of subsequent generations better and more fulfilling. The second thing I want to accomplish in my adult life is that I want to make an impact and work at something that I truly believe in. For me, this is working to help protect our environment for future generations to enjoy.” Favorite subject: History and social studies. Favorite book: “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius. Favorite musician: Mac Miller. Role model: Heath Pedigo.“Heath is the founder of one of the most successful grappling teams in the country, and he did it all out of the most unlikely place possible: my hometown of Mount Vernon, Illinois. For many years Heath slept in his crumbling gym with no heat or AC, and even offered space in the gym to anyone who needed a place to stay. He would often tell people, ‘I’ll give you a place to stay, you don’t have to worry about money. All I ask is that you train full time with everything you have.’ By doing this, Heath slowly built one of the most successful grappling teams in the nation, and now touches more lives than he ever thought possible with affiliate gyms spread across the country.”
CIVIC MEMORIAL | HANNAH BUTKOVICH Academic rank: 2 of 174. Sports: Tennis, soccer. Academic bio: National Honor Society (treasurer); Spanish National Honor Society (vice president); Mu Alpha Theta; Silver Medallion; Illinois State Scholar; high honor roll; graduation marshall. Athletic bio: Tennis: two-time state qualifier; all-MVC (first team, 2020; second team, 2019; honorable mention, 2018); St. Louis Regional Airport Athlete of the Month; Eagle Pride. Activities: Spanish Club; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; FreshMentors; Zion Lutheran Church; volunteer: assistant boys tennis coach; summer soccer camps. College, major: Missouri S&T, civil engineering and Spanish (dual major). Goal: “I hope to become a successful woman in the civil engineering field and be someone who children, especially girls, can look up to.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Maze Runner” by James Dashner. Favorite musician: Pentatonix; Big Time Rush. Role model: My mom. “She has always taught me that I have to work hard for what I want. She taught me to be independent but also helped me whenever it came to a difficult decision, especially in my academics and athletics.”
CLAYTON | ZACH STAPLETON Sports: Soccer, basketball. Academic bio: National Honor Society; academic allstate (soccer). Athletic bio: Soccer: Conference offensive player of the year (2020); regional player of the year (2020); first team all-district, allregion, all-state (2020); first team all-conference (2019, 2020); conference newcomer of the year (2018). Activities: DECA; dance marathon executive board; Scott Gallagher Soccer Club; fantasy sports club; golf. College: Arizona State University. Goal: “I hope to become a successful entrepreneur and do something that benefits the community and world around us.” Favorite subject: History. “My favorite teacher inspired me to keep learning and dive deeper into history, helping me learn from it and create a better future.” Favorite book: “The Ride of a Lifetime” by Robert Iger. Favorite musician: Polo G. Role model: Marcus Rashford.“He works immensely hard to achieve greatness on the soccer field as well as striving to create change off the field.”
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CLEVELAND | SIDNEY CLAY Academic rank: 14. Sports: Track and field, basketball, soccer. Academic bio: Honor roll; SLPS scholar athlete luncheon. Athletic bio: Track and field state medal winner. Activities: Volunteer: Missouri River cleanup with Outdoor Youth Crew; helped people with various tasks around my neighborhood. College: Truman State. Goal: “Since I was a kid, I hoped to become a healer. That’s why my dream job is to become a medical scientific researcher so I can develop new cures and help people get better.” Favorite subject: Biology. “I’m very fascinated with how things work and biology drives deep into what makes up living things.” Favorite book: “Percy Jackson” series. Favorite musician: Doja Cat. Role model: “I consider my Uncle Jahidi a role model because he keeps his head in the game and really gave it his all plus more.”
COLLINSVILLE | CHASE COUNTON Academic rank: 5 of 435. Sports: Football, baseball, golf. Academic bio: High honor roll; National Honor Society; Math National Honor Society; Science National Honor Society; Latin National Honor Society; Saturday Scholars; State of Illinois “the best and the brightest” award. Activities: Student Council Vice-President, Latin Club member, STEM Club member, Student Advisory Committee for the School District, Medical Explorers Program at Anderson Hospital, and volunteer at Homework Help and Hoops at St. John’s Church. College: University of Alabama. Goal: “I hope to go through medical school to become a forensic pathologist.” Favorite subject: Science. Favorite book: “Death’s Acre” by Dr. Bill Bass. Favorite musician: Morgan Wallen. Role model: My parents. “They are both very involved in their kids’ lives and help out as much as they can with the community and school.”
COLUMBIA | JONAH JAMES Academic rank: 32. Sports: Soccer, basketball, baseball. Academic bio: National Honor Society; IHSA all-state academic award nominee; Soaring Eagle Award, awarded by teachers to students who excel academically as well as show good character and respect. Athletic bio: Soccer: all-conference (2018, 2019, 2021); all-sectional (2019); Chicagoland all-state team (2019). Basketball: all-conference (2019, 2021). Baseball: allconference (2018). Activities: Fellowship of Christian Athletes student leader; student council class secretary; volunteer: middle school baseball, soccer and basketball summer camps; worked with kids with disabilities; founded a nonprofit charity organization. College: Southwestern Illinois College. Goal: “I hope to obtain an occupation where I am helping out others while being able to provide for my family.” Favorite subject: Economics. Favorite book: “Holes” by Louis Sachar. Favorite musician: Kid Cudi. Role model: My grandfather. “My grandfather spent a couple of his early years fighting for our nation in the U.S. Army. He then started up a farm where he took care of all crops and animals till someone was able or willing to help. During that time he lost his whole right arm in a farming accident. Then his son, my uncle, took it over when my grandpa was about 50 or 55 years old. Till this day, my grandpa goes out to the farm and does what needs to be done. He is 90 years old and has one arm.”
CONFLUENCE | CEDRIC WILSON Academic rank: 13. Sports: Football, basketball. Academic bio: National Honor Society; honor roll; 14 college credits. Activities: Drawing, chess, gaming. College: Lindenwood. Goal: “I’m going into college majoring in psychology so I hope to help people work through their struggles” Favorite subject: Art. “It’s very fun to show my creativity on paper and it keeps me relaxed.” Favorite book: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Favorite musician: Tupac Shakur. Role model: My father. “He drives to do his best. He’s an ex-Army guy that taught me everything I know in sports and being the person I am.”
COR JESU | FAITH SCHMIDT Sports: Field hockey, swimming and diving, track and field. Academic bio: High Honors (four years); Summa Cum Laude on National Latin Exam (2019, 2020); Maxima Cum Laude on National Latin Exam (2021). Athletic bio: Field hockey: Post-Dispatch AllMetro (second team, 2020); all-MWAA (first team, 2020; second team, 2019). Diving: State qualifier (2019). Track and field: MWAA pole vault champion (2019, 2021). Three-sport team captain. Activities: Kino Club co-president; National Honor Society; student ambassador; Sunset Hills dive coach; Aim field hockey coach. College: Harvard. Goal: “I hope to become a pilot in the Air Force after completing a ROTC program in college.” Favorite subject: “I love physics, because I like seeing the real world applications of mathematics. I also love my Latin class, because I enjoy reading classic stories in the context they were written in.” Favorite book: “The Silence of the Girls” by
SCHOLAR ATHLETES Pat Barker. Favorite musician: Ben Platt. Role model: My dad. “Through his work as a test pilot, he’s shown me the value of doing your best and working hard.”
CROSSPOINT | TAYLOR NEVEZ Academic rank: 1. Sports: Soccer, volleyball. Academic bio: Valedictorian; Bright Flight; A honor roll. Athletic bio: Soccer: team captain; first team all-state; second team all-state; team MVP. Volleyball: team captain (two years); first team all-state; second team all-state; first team all-conference. Activities: Student council; assisting in an elementary classroom. College: University of Missouri-Kansas City. Goal: “I would like to help give the underprivileged better opportunities.” Favorite subject: Science. Favorite book: “The Hunger Games” series by Suzanne Collins. Favorite musician: The Neighbourhood. Role model: Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “She was such a strong figure in the fight for women’s rights. I hope to one day have as much impact as she did.”
CROSSROADS | CLAIRE GUEST Sports: Volleyball, soccer, basketball. Academic bio: Five AP classes; Spanish class for six years; multiple honor classes. Athletic bio: Volleyball and soccer: team captain as senior; four-year varsity player. Activities: “I stay very busy with academics, applying to colleges and playing sports. I still find time to follow women’s sports; I especially love the U.S Women’s National Soccer Team.” College: Boston University. Goal: “I know I would enjoy a career in the sports industry or owning my own business helping others.” Favorite subject: Calculus. Favorite book: “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle. Favorite musicians: SZA; Daniel Caesar; the Lumineers. Role model: Megan Rapinoe. “Not only is she an amazing and strong soccer player, but she is also an incredible advocate for women’s rights in sports. She has effectively advocated for equal pay and equality in the sports community.”
CRYSTAL CITY | ANNIE WAITES Academic rank: 3 of 38. Sports: Volleyball, basketball, softball. Academic bio: Student of the month (December); Superintendents Award (four years); honor roll (four years); academic all-state (volleyball). Athletic bio: First team all-conference (basketball, 2021); honorable mention allconference (volleyball, 2020; basketball, 2020); all-district (basketball, twice; volleyball, twice). Activities: Student council; senior class officer; National Honor Society; Future Business Leaders of America; C-Club; Festus Fire Department volunteer. College: Mineral Area College. Goal: “I plan to become an EMT/firefighter.” Favorite subject: History. Favorite book: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Favorite musician: Tim McGraw. Role model: Mrs. Meyer, Crystal City school counselor. “She is always a joy to be around, always has a great attitude even if it’s been a bad day and always inspires others to do better.”
DE SMET | BRENDAN SCHOEMEHL Sports: Soccer. Academic bio: First Honors every semester. Athletic bio: All-Metro Catholic Conference first team (2019, 2020); All-Metro second team (2020); Class 4 alldistrict and all-state first team and MHSSCA all-region (2020); Class 4 state champion team; All-Metro, all-district, all-state and West Region first team (2019); United Soccer Coaches All-Central (2019); Class 4 state runner-up and all-conference honorable mention (2018). Activities: Co-founder of Spartans for heroes club; campus ministry. College: Bellarmine University. Favorite subject: Psychology. Favorite book: “You Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins. Favorite musician: Chris Stapleton. Role model: My dad. “He is just an example of what I want to grow up to be like.”
DE SOTO | JAYCEE FOELLER Academic rank: 31 of 210. Sports: Wrestling, cheerleading. Academic bio: National Honor Society; Student of the Month (leadership, 20192021). Athletic bio: Wrestling: three-time girls state champion, first team All-Metro, KTJJ Dream Team (2019-21); All-Metro wrestler of the year (2019, 2021); team MVP (2018-21); Presidential Award of Excellence (2019); JCAA wrestler of the year (2021); UWW Cadet Women’s national champion, Marine Corps junior runner-up, Marine Corps cadet national champion (2018). Cheerleading: NCA All-American (2017). Activities: Little League wrestling coach; canned food drive; Jimmy Ide Memorial tournament; Bob Georger Classic tournament. College: McKendree University. Goal: “I hope to become a role model for the younger generation.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “All the Bright Places” by Jennifer Niven. Favorite musician: Lewis Capaldi. Role model: John D. Rockefeller. “He had battled adversity his whole life, and even at a young age, he never stopped striving for what he thought could be his.”
DuBOURG | GEORGE BLANCO Academic rank: Top 10 percent. Sports: Cross country, track and field. Academic bio: National Honor Society vice president; member of Academy of Advanced Studies. Athletic bio: All-state in cross country and track. Activities: “I can juggle.” College: St. Louis University. Goal: “I want to become a social worker like my parents because it is important work that needs to be done.” Favorite subject: “I’ve enjoyed sciences like chemistry and anatomy the most, because of our great teacher, Ms. Hoeing.” Favorite book: “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger. Favorite musician: Ben Rector. Role model: “My aunt who recently passed away was a big role model to me. She always put others before herself, and was always there to support me.”
DUCHESNE | TYLER RUFKAHR Academic rank: Top 5 percent. Sports: Football, baseball, golf. Academic bio: National Honor Society; Deans List; honor roll; academic all-state. Athletic bio: Football: all-state (offensive line); all-district (offensive and defensive line). Activities: House captain; student ambassador; mentor; 250 service hours; candidate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s 2020 student of the year. College: SIU Edwardsville. Goal: “I hope to be successful and passionate for the career choice that I have made.” Favorite subject: Science. Favorite book: “Survival of the Sickest.” Favorite musician: “I love all country music.” Role model: My siblings, Reiley and Blake. “I got the opportunity to play high school football with Blake my freshman and sophomore year. He was the captain of the football team, as well as one of the captains of Duchesne’s House System. This allowed me to see true leadership on and off the field. Reiley is another one of my role models because she taught me how to push myself to be the best student I can be. She showed me through her own actions that if you want something enough then you will have to work for it.”
EDWARDSVILLE | PRESTON WEAVER Academic rank: 14 of 577. Sports: Basketball, volleyball. Academic bio: High honor roll every quarter of high school; Silver Medallion Academic Excellence. Athletic bio: Third team all-conference (basketball, 2021; volleyball, 2019). Activities: National Honor Society; English Honor Society; Spanish Honor Society. College: Harding University. Goal: “I hope to have a career I enjoy and have a family with my own student athletes.” Favorite subject: Astronomy. Favorite book: “Farenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. Favorite musician: Michael Jackson. Role model: My dad. “He is an extremely hard-working man and a great father.”
ELSBERRY | KYLIE KINSLER Academic rank: 6 of 53. Sports: Softball, basketball, soccer. Academic bio: Academic letter (three years); softball academic all-state (three years); scholar athlete (three years); honor roll; Renaissance; Award of Excellence (three years). FFA: scholarship award (three years); chapter degree; discovery degree; state silver group for soils (2018); state silver group for nursery (2019). Athletic bio: Softball: district champion team (2019, 2020); all-district (four years); all-conference (three years); all-region (two years); Elsberry pitcher of the year (2018); silver slugger (2019, 2020). Basketball: all-conference (two years); all-district; allarea; Elsberry best defender (2019); most improved (2020); team MVP, highest field goal percentage, leading rebounder (2021). Activities: National Honor Society; Future Farmers of America; student senate; church. College, major: Columbia College, biology. Goal: “I hope to accomplish becoming a pharmacist while coaching softball on the side.” Favorite subject: Science. Favorite book: “Mr. Death’s Blue-Eyed Girls” by Mary Downing Hahn. Favorite musician: Morgan Wallen. Role model: My aunt, Kari Koch-Dowell. “Because of her love for the game of basketball the same way I have for softball, her positivity, open-mindedness, sees the best in every situation, and the way she is always willing to help others.”
EUREKA | ABBEY SEILER Sports: Softball, swimming, lacrosse. Academic bio: Softball: academic all-state (three years); National Honor Society; Renaissance; Gold Standard Award (junior year). Athletic bio: Softball: conference sportsmanship (2019, 2020); first team alldistrict, second team all-conference (2019). Lacrosse: second team all-conference (2019). Swimming: four-year varsity member; Class 2 team state runner-up (2021); member of allstate 200 freestyle relay (2021). Activities: Band (four varsity letters); teach kindergarten Sunday Class at Ascension Catholic Church; church youth group. College, major: Ave Maria University, exercise physiology while obtaining pre-med requisites. Goal: “My dream is to become a physician assistant and provide medical care to people overseas. I would love to do medical mission work.” Favorite subject: Science (human anatomy). Favorite book: “I Am Number Four” series.
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • C3 Favorite musician: Bob Marley. Role model: Both of my parents. “They are both very hardworking and do everything to support me and my siblings. Love you, Mom and Dad!”
FATHER McGIVNEY | MATTHEW GIERER Academic rank: Top 10 percent. Sports: Baseball, soccer. Academic bio: Silver Medallion Excellence; high honor roll; National Honor Society (treasurer); Illinois State Scholar. Athletic bio: Baseball: team captain; allPrairie State Conference first team (2019). Soccer: team captain; all-Prairie State Conference first team (2019); Silver Medallion athlete of the year (2021). Activities: House leader; math team; Catholic Athletes for Christ; Celtic Crew; Exodus 90. Volunteer: Badges of Honor; Rise Against Hunger; new student Orientation; St. Mary’s Parish picnic; National Honor Society tutoring. College, major: SIU Edwardsville, exercise science. Goal: “I hope to become a physical therapist and eventually open up my own clinic to help injured athletes recover. Sports have always been a big part of my life, so I want to stay connected to them by working with athletes. Outside of my future career, I hope to maintain a strong relationship with my family and keep my faith at the center of my life.” Favorite subject: Spanish. Favorite book: “American Assassin” by Vince Flynn. Favorite musician: NF. Role model: My faith formation director, Craig Brummer. “He has mentored me for four years, and he taught me the importance of enjoying life and living it to the fullest.”
FESTUS | COLLIN REANDO Academic rank: 35. Sports: Basketball, baseball. Academic bio: National Honor Society; honor roll; scholar athlete (three years); Festus High student of the month (April). Athletic bio: Basketball: second team allconference (two seasons); first team allconference (one season); first team all-district (one season); FHS Mr. Basketball. Activities: Student council; Key Club; Lunch Advisory; Gold and Black Pack; Varsity Club; Challenger Baseball. College, major: Jefferson College, business administration. Goal: “I hope to become a trustworthy and successful financial advisor. I would love to work in Jefferson County and guide individuals to live a life filled with their life desires.” Favorite subject: History. Favorite book: The Bible. Favorite musician: We The Kingdom. Role model: My mother. “In November of 2019, my father lost his fight against rectal and neuroendocrine cancer. My mother stayed beyond strong for my two brothers and me, showing us how to stand tall in the darkest of times. She is dedicated to everything her children do and is willing to sacrifice anything for us. My mother also loves to give back. She has formed programs to provide basic essentials to schools in Malawi, Africa, allowing them to learn and survive during the toughest periods. My mom has not only made a huge impact on my two brothers and me, but also the community. I strive to make a fraction of the impact she has made on the world.”
FORT ZUMWALT EAST | CHLOE SMALLFIELD Academic rank: 5. Sports: Softball. Academic bio: Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction; honor roll; academic all-conference softball; Missouri Seal of Biliteracy. Athletic bio: Gateway Athletic Conference Central player of the year (2019); first team all-district, second team all-region (2019, 2020); second team all-conference (2020); second team all-district (2018). Activities: Marching band; Modulation Z; National Honor Society; A+ Program; Health Occupations Students of America; Positive Peer Influence; Leader in Me League; club softball. College: Gustavus Adolphus College. Goal: “I hope to make significant contributions to the field of accounting.” Favorite subject: Math (statistics). Favorite book: “When” by Victoria Laurie. Favorite musician: Taylor Swift. Role model: My softball coach, Coach Wiber. “I look up to the way he brings positivity to everyone and everything around him.”
FORT ZUMWALT NORTH | PARKER MONNIG Academic rank: 19. Sports: Football, wrestling, track and field. Academic bio: Football academic all-state (2019, 2020); Summa Cum Laude. Athletic bio: Football: First team allconference, second team all-district, second team Missouri Media all-state and Class 5 state semifinalist team (2019 and 2020). Wrestling: state qualifier at 182 pounds (2020); second team all-conference (2021). Activities: Community service through Boy Scouts. College: Washington University. Goal: To become a mechanical engineer. Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury. Favorite musician: Elvis Presley. Role model: My grandpa. “Because of how he works for everything and never slows down. He still creates massive goals to this day, making massive strides to achieve every time I see him. He’s a hard worker that has patience but also the determination of a bull.”
SCHOLAR ATHLETES
C4 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
FORT ZUMWALT SOUTH | EMILY BLOOMFIELD
FRANCIS HOWELL CENTRAL | LAUREN GUTH
Academic rank: 57 of 309. Sports: Volleyball, soccer. Academic bio: Honor roll; Positive Peer Influence Award (2017); volleyball all-academic team (2017-20); soccer allacademic (2018-19). Athletic bio: Volleyball: first team allconference (2018, 2020); second team all-conference (2019); first team all-district (2020); STLhighschoolsports.com athlete of the week (2020). Activities: A+ Program; National Honor Society. College: UMSL. Goal: “I hope to become a nurse anesthetist.” Favorite subject: Chemistry. Favorite book: “The Glass Castle.” Favorite musician: Morgan Wallen. Role model: Mia Hamm. “She started her soccer career on the national team at only 15 years old and throughout her career she made a huge impact on not only women soccer players but also female athletes in general.”
Academic rank: 4 of 443. Sports: Lacrosse, cross country. Academic bio: National Merit Scholarship Finalist; Top 100 Missouri Scholar; College Board AP Scholar with Distinction; Spartan Silver Shield award; Honor Roll; Academic letter and bars, earned through Epsilon Beta. Athletic bio: Cross Country award (four years); team captain (senior). Activities: Speech and debate; National Honor Society; Epsilon Beta; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Wind Ensemble; Senior Class Officers; Scholar Bowl; Arete Committee; church youth group. College: United States Military Academy, West Point. Goal: “First, I hope to honorably serve my country during my time in the U.S. Army. I’m not sure what will come after that, but I hope to explore the fields of engineering or law.” Favorite subject: AP U.S. Government and Politics. Favorite book: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. Favorite music: Anything country or classic rock. Role model: Anthony Rizzo. “He’s the perfect example of a team player and enjoys what he does.”
FORT ZUMWALT WEST | JULIA CRENSHAW Academic rank: 109 of 485. Sports: Softball, basketball, track and field (varsity all four years in all three sports). Academic bio: Honor roll every quarter; Essense of PPI award. Athletic bio: Softball: GAC South player of the year (2020); first team all-state (two years); first team all-conference (four years); first team all-district (three years). Track and field: two-time state qualifier in javelin; stateleading throw as a senior. Activities: Volunteer as an assistant coach for a t-ball softball team. College, major: University of Missouri, agriculture. Goal: “I hope to become somebody that everyone can look up to, a leader in my work environment and just leaving places and people better than I found them.” Favorite subject: Stats. “Coach Gough is always making learning fun, and I enjoy the challenges it brings me.” Favorite book: “Divergent.” Favorite musicians: Morgan Wallen or Tyler Childers. Role model: “Any professional woman in a sport is seen as a role model. Women have to overcome so many things in a male predominant profession, but if I had to pick one singular person I would have to go with Serena Williams, the way she goes about her business is simply amazing and the respect she has for her opponents is unheard of.”
FOX | AMELIA CHAPMAN Sports: Soccer, golf, basketball. Academic bio: A honor roll for student athletes (four years); dual enrollment at Jefferson College and Fox High School; Associate of Arts degree from Jefferson College; graduating Sum Cum Laude at Jefferson College; graduating Cum Laude at Fox High School; Teacher Choice award for Excellence in English, Weights, Social Studies, and ACT Prep; fall 2020, spring 2020, fall 2021 and spring 2021 Dean’s List at Jefferson College; second place in SLU’s Teen Elevator Pitch Competition; third place in SLU’s Angels in the Outfield Competition; Chick Evans Scholarship; A+ Program. Athletic bio: Golf: Sectional qualifier (four years); first freshman sectional qualifier from Fox; first team all-conference (two years); state qualifier (2018 team, 2020 individual); team captain (two years). Soccer: team Captain (senior year); all-conference honorable mention (2018). Basketball: sportsmanship award (2019); all-conference honorable mention (2019). Activities: National Honor Society at Fox High School; Phi Theta Kappa at Jefferson College; College Acceleration Program (CAP); DECA (2019-2020); church at St. Paul Catholic Church. Volunteer: Arnold Food Pantry; Susan G Komen Walk; Fox basketball and soccer camps; SPENSA soccer. Hobby: creating vinyl shirts. College, major: University of Missouri, nursing. Goal: “To start, I wish to receive my Bachelor of Science in nursing at Mizzou to become a pediatric nurse. After receiving this, I plan to work for a few years then go back to school to receive my Master of Science in nursing to become a nurse practitioner.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio. Favorite musician: Luke Combs. Role model: My parents. “They show constant dedication that I look up to. They provide support in everything I do and inspire me to work hard each and every day. They have taught me great life skills and I strive to be like them one day.”
FRANCIS HOWELL | LILY FIGGINS Academic rank: 32 of 425. Sports: Volleyball, track and field, swimming and diving. Academic bio: Honor Roll; academic all-conference and all-state. Athletic bio: First team allconference and all-district; javelin school record holder. Activities: Mu Alpha Theta; National Honor Society; Viking Leadership Academy. Volunteer: Harvester Christian Church food bank; Five Acres Animal Shelter; dog fostering. College: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott. Goal: “I plan to become a mechanical or aeronautical engineer.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Messenger” by Lois Lowery. Favorite musician: AJR. Role model: My sister. “She is always pushing herself and others around her to be their best whether it is in sports, school, or in everyday life.”
FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH | BECKA BRISSETTE Academic rank: 26 of 391. Sports: Softball, basketball, track and field. Academic bio: GPA: 4.48/4.0; summa Cum Laude; honor roll; academic all-conference (three sports, four years); A+ Program; National Honor Society. Athletic bio: Track and field: pole vault sectional qualifier (2019). Basketball: team captain; all-conference sportsmanship; Heart of the Knight award. Softball: first team alldistrict; second team all-conference and alldistrict. Activities: DECA: President; state qualifier (2020); second place Innovation Plan Missouri state competition; International Competition qualifier (2021); Howell North student cabinet; Howell North mentor; MU Alpha Theta; Future Business Leaders of America; Students for FHN; HOSA; student of the week; Knights of the Roundtable Award (2020, 2021); Snowcoming Court (2018, 2019); Spring Fling queen (2021); Ranken Jordan Challenger Baseball volunteer. College, major: Webster University, business with an emphasis in marketing. Goal: “I hope to graduate college in the future and find a job I love in the Marketing field. I hope to start a family and move to Texas.” Favorite subject: Marketing. Favorite book: “One Direction: Where We Are: Our Band, Our Story.” Favorite musicians: Luke Combs or Justin Bieber. Role model: “My mom always shows me the ropes and where hard work and motivation can get you in life. My teachers and coaches show me how you can lead and help others. My softball teammates always inspire me to the best that I can be to help accomplish a common goal.”
FREEBURG | MEGAN WEILMUENSTER Academic rank: 6 of 156. Sports: Track and field, cross country. Academic bio: National Honor Society; Academic Challenge team. Athletic bio: Track: School record and Cahokia Conference record holder in 300-meter hurdles; 13th at state meet (2019); all-conference (2018, 2019). Team captain in track and cross country. Activities: Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Academic Challenge; Spanish Club; Science Club; Literature Club; volunteer at Belleville Area Humane Society. College: Rhodes College. Goal: “I hope to become a neurologist after college to further learn about the brain and neurological diseases.” Favorite subject: Anatomy. Favorite book: “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand. Favorite musician: The Weeknd. Role model: My mom. “She is the most hardworking person I know and manages to keep a smile on her face at all times.”
GATEWAY STEM | ODYSSEUS McKINNEY Academic rank: 5. Sports: Football. Academic bio: AFS Faces of America scholarship; Ranken Technical College dual enrollment award. Athletic bio: Earned Scholar Athlete award. Activities: Robotics, electrical engineering, building and tinkering. College: Ranken Technical College. Goal: “I hope to work in the space industry as a spacecraft electrical systems technician.” Favorite subject: Science. Favorite book: “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams. Favorite musician: J. Cole. Role model: Nikola Tesla. “(He) led the forefront of electrical advancements and is one of the true founding fathers of electricity. He was extraordinarily innovative for his time and his inventions and ideas were outside of the box and inspired others, which led to a great period of innovation in the United States.”
GIBAULT | MADDIE DAVIS Academic rank: Salutatorian. Sports: Soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, cross country. Academic bio: First honors; National Honor Society; Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen award; Oerter Foundation Scholar Honoree; Waterloo Optimist Youth Honoree; IHSA All-State
M 1 • THURSDAY • 05.20.2021 Role model: My parents. “They’re both incredibly hard-working, selfless, and kind, and they’ve raised me to be the best person I can be. They do everything for our family and they always support me in everything I do. They taught me to stand up for what I believe in, to show humility in my mistakes, and show compassion to others, regardless of who they are. I’m so proud to be their daughter.”
GRANITE CITY | CHASE BOUSHARD
STLHIGHSCHOOLSPORTS.COM
Gibault goalkeeper Maddie Davis clears the ball against Breese Central in a Metro Cup Showcase game in Columbia, Illinois earlier this month. academic team nominee; Academic Challenge Team regional and sectional winners (2020, 2021), state third place (2020), state fifth place (2021); Academic Challenge Individual regional winner (mathematics test, first place, 2021). Athletic bio: Sister Bernard Braun Award for most dedicated female athlete (2019, 2020); Tennis: captain (2021). Volleyball: regional champs (2019); Metro East Sports Podcast Class 1A volleyball team of the year (2019). Basketball: team captain (2021); program record for most assists (12) in a game (2020); program record for most assists (177) in a season (2021); program record for most career assists (404) and steals (235); scored 1,000 points in 2021. Soccer: three-year team captain; 2019 Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-sectional honorable mention. Club soccer: Missouri State Cup champions (2017, 2018, 2019); Midwest Conference Youth Soccer top goalkeeper (2018, 2019); Midwest Regional champions (2018); U.S. Youth Soccer under-16 national champion (2019); U.S. Youth Soccer under-16 National Golden Goalie Award (2019); U.S. Youth Soccer under-16 National Best XI (2019). Activities: Student Body president; student council; School Ambassador; FCA; Students for Life; Hope for Tomorrow; Eucharist Minister; Church Lector; Jackie Joyner Kersee Center volunteer; SPENSA volunteer; Oak Hill Senior Nursing Home volunteer; St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Youth Ministry; Luke 18 Cori Team; Luke 18 Disciple. College, major: Western Kentucky University, architecture. Goal: “I hope to get my master’s degree in architecture, become a head architect and open my own firm. In the future, I hope to accomplish great things by working hard and being a leader. I hope to be a helping hand to those who need it and always put a smile on people’s faces.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett. Favorite musicians: Dan and Shay; Rascal Flatts. Role model: My mom. “She is the hardest worker that I have ever met. She always puts her heart and soul into everything for my siblings and me. My mom is always there to be my biggest cheerleader and to help me when I am struggling. When I grow up, I hope to work as hard as my mom does.”
GILLESPIE | PRESTON KAYLOR Academic rank: 15. Sports: Baseball, golf. Academic bio: High honor roll (four years); National Honor Society. Athletic bio: Four-year varsity baseball player. Activities: National Honor Society; Macoupin County CEO program; volunteer: Cahokia Creek Dirt Riders Club; Partnership for Educational of Excellence Trivia Night; Coal County Chamber of Commerce Tuesday Summer Concert Series; coach/mentor for Gillespie Middle School baseball teams; Salvation Army bell ringing. College: SIU Edwardsville. Goal: “I hope to accomplish my goal of being financially free. I want to succeed in my job field which will be marketing. I then hope that I can get my real estate license after I have built up enough capital to start my own real estate agency and continue my career from there.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Rich Dad Poor Dad.” Favorite musician: Polo G. Role model: Elon Musk. “I consider him one because go his creativeness, hardworking characteristics, determination and his confidence in himself to do anything”
GRANDVIEW | MEGAN JONES Sports: Volleyball, basketball, softball, track and field. Academic bio: Honor roll; Jefferson College Dean’s List (fall 2020 semester); accepted into American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State program (2020); KMOX/Southeast Missouri State University student of achievement. Athletic bio: Track: district team champion (2018). Basketball: conference team champion (2019); academic all-state (2021). Volleyball: second team all-district (twice). Softball: academic all-state (twice). Activities: Student council; National Honor Society treasurer; volunteer with Cedar Hill Fire Department; member of St. Martin’s UCC’s youth group; mission trips and community fund raisers. College: Missouri State University. Goal: “While I don’t know exactly what job or what I want to go to college for, I do know that I want to help people. I’ve pretty much decided that I want to work in public service, but I have no idea in what capacity. Almost certainly nothing medical, but I won’t rule anything out.” Favorite subject: English. Favorite book: “I’m not sure I really have a favorite book, but recently I’ve been trying to work through some of the classics and I loved reading ‘Frankenstein’ by Mary Shelley.” Favorite musicians: Brett Eldredge; Panic! At The Disco.
Academic rank: 1 out of 473. Sports: Soccer, tennis, football. Academic bio: Secondary Honors Program; honor roll; 20-21 Principals Association Outstanding Student and Citizen Award; GCHS Personal Choice award; Elk’s student of the month; Rotary student of the month; Renaissance Top 10 student award; Social Studies award. Athletic bio: Midwest Top 11 player ECNL award; tennis MVP; soccer team captain; club soccer team captain. Activities: Peer Tutoring; Saturday Scholars; Renaissance Club; Spirit Club; Varsity Club; Rho Kappa Club; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; GCHS Wind Ensemble Band; volunteer in the 2 year-old class in pre-school at my church; Eagle Scout. College, major: Webster University, pre-med. Goal: “My grandfather died unexpectedly when I was a freshman. It was a really painful time for our family. Since then, I have wanted to learn more about what happened to him to help prevent it from happening to other people. I have taken additional anatomy and science classes and am excited to start as a pre-med major in the fall.” Favorite subject: Science. Favorite book: “How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food?” by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague. Favorite musician: MercyMe. Role model: My parents. “Growing up, I always wanted to try new things and my parents always said yes … My parents also taught me to be kind, inclusive and to have an outward focus to recognize when there is a need I can meet with my skills, knowledge or resources. Each day I look for ways I can make a difference, either big or small. I am hopeful that my efforts will inspire others as well and it is fun bringing a little happiness to someone else.”
GREENVILLE | GWYNITH MITCHELL Academic rank: 11. Sports: Volleyball, basketball, soccer. Academic bio: Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; High Honor Roll. Athletic bio: Basketball: second team all-conference (2021); teammate of the year award (2021); highest free-throw percentage in South Central Conference (2021). Activities: Weightlifting; coaching Saturday Morning League basketball; working at the American Farm Heritage Museum; horseback riding; cooking; fishing with my dad. College: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Goal: “I hope to become a biomedical engineer and help the sports world with recovery.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Divergent.” Favorite musician: Morgan Wallen Role model: My dad. “He is my best friend, and we do everything together whether that is watching movies, fishing, or driving to get our favorite fast food. We still argue about who makes the better cookies, but that will never end. He is the funniest and smartest person I know. He always comes to help me whenever there is a bug in my room and never complains. He takes care of his family and always puts his kids first.”
HANCOCK | AMIR UGARAK Academic rank: 1. Sports: Soccer, cross country, wrestling, baseball, track and field. Academic bio: Valedictorian. Athletic bio: Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete; soccer fouryear team captain. Activities: Stuco (four years, president); Varsity H, a club that hosts events such as Special Olympics (four years); Key Club; NJHS. College: St. Louis University. Goal: “To one day become a physician’s assistant.” Favorite subject: History. Favorite book: “Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief.” Favorite musician: Travis Scott. Role model: My parents. “They are very good people and are very hard working.”
HAZELWOOD CENTRAL | JADA WILEY Sports: Volleyball, basketball. Academic bio: Summa Cum Laude; honor student (four years); National Honor Society; French National Honor Society. Athletic bio: Volleyball: Suburban Green Pool first team all-conference (2019); second team all-conference (2018). Activities: Muny Kids and Muny Teens Troupe (performed in several musicals from 2015-2018); Team Momentum 18 Navy club volleyball team. Volunteer: Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. College: Elmhurst University. Goal: “I will be a doctor in the future. I am fascinated with the human body and intrigued by biology and sociology. Coupled with my love for mathematics, I believe I can help solve some of the complex problems humanity is facing now and improve our way of life.” Favorite subject: Mathematics. “It is a universal language.” Favorite book: “Peace Is Every Step” by Thich Nhat Hanh. Favorite musician: The cast of Hamilton. Role model: My mother. “There is absolutely nothing she will not do for my brother and I. She inspires me every day. She encourages me to explore my different passions. She instills hard work and perseverance. She pushes me to excel academically and most importantly, she loves me unconditionally.”
SCHOLAR ATHLETES
05.20.2021 • THURSDAY • M 1
HAZELWOOD EAST | ETTIEN RODGERS JR. Sports: Wrestling, soccer, baseball. Academic bio: Maintained a 3.5 and above GPA. Athletic bio: Most Valuable Spartan in wrestling (2019) and soccer (2020); East wrestler of the year (2021); fourth-place wrestling state finisher at 132 pounds; sportsmanship award (2019). Activities: Superintendent Student Advisory; TUF Program; Student Ambassador; Boys and Girls Club. College, major: Missouri Baptist University, chemistry. Goal: “I strive to become an astrophysicist.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “1984” by George Orwell. Favorite musicians: NoCap; Rylo Rodriguez. Role model: “All my coaches, Coach Bommarito, Coach Bledsoe and the coaching staff. They are not only role models, but they are like father figures to me. When I lose my way they are there to steer me in the right direction again. They push me to be better every single day and I am very thankful for that.”
HAZELWOOD WEST | ALISON DECKER Sports: Softball, lacrosse. Academic bio: A+ Honor Roll (four years); math department award; science department award. Athletic bio: Softball: first team all-conference, alldistrict and all-academic. Lacrosse: honorable mention all-conference and all-academic. Activities: National Honor Society (three years); GNHS (two years); volunteer at church. College, major: Iowa State University, biochemistry. Goal: “I hope to become a biochemist and work in a hospital lab, where I will try to create new medicines.” Favorite subject: Biology. Favorite book: “The Girl In The Picture” by Alexandra Monir. Favorite musician: Morgan Wallen. Role model: My dad. “He continually works hard at what he does. He has supported me in everything I’ve done and always wants the best for me. That is why he is my role model.”
HERCULANEUM | COLE MYERS Academic rank: 5. Sports: Football, baseball. Academic bio: 4.0 GPA (four years); Rotary student of the month (Dec. 2020); Hillsboro scholar athlete (every year by 3.5 GPA or better while playing a varsity sport). Athletic bio: Football: second team allconference athlete and defensive back; first team all-district running back and defensive back; SMAFCA all-region running back and defensive back (2020); honorable mention all-conference defensive back (2019); second team all-conference and all-district defensive back (2018). Baseball: first team all-conference and all-district catcher (2019); honorable mention all-conference catcher (2018). Activities: National Honor Society. College: Jefferson College. Goal: “My main goal is to play in the MLB. If my baseball talent does not excel to that level, then I will either become a certified public accountant, or drug enforcement agent.” Favorite subject: Industrial woods. Favorite book: The Bible. Favorite musician: Zillakami.
HERMANN | GRACE WINKELMANN Academic rank: 1. Sports: Volleyball, basketball. Academic bio: National Honor Society president; academic all-state volleyball (four years). Athletic bio: Volleyball: Post-Dispatch All-Metro; Four Rivers Conference player of the year (2019, 2020); all-state (three years); 2020 Under Armour All-American third team; nominee for USA Today Missouri Volleyball player of the year. Basketball: first team all-conference and alldistrict (2020, 2021). Activities: Student Council; FBLA secretary; Volunteer: A+ Tutor; Church of the Risen Savior working at church dinners; club volleyball. College: University of Central Missouri. Goal: “My intended major is radiologic technology which includes the use of x-rays, magnetic fields, nuclear radiation, and ultrasound to visualize human anatomy. I plan to work in a hospital one day using these techniques to help people.” Favorite subject: English. Favorite book: “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.” Favorite musician: Queen. Role model: My older sister, Shelby (Winkelmann) Cooper. “Shelby and I are very similar. People constantly tell me that we act the same and have the same humor. Being her little sister, I have watched Shelby succeed throughout her volleyball, basketball, and academic careers and a little part of me has always wanted to be like her. I take a lot of advice from her whether it is about sports, school, or common girl stuff. As we have gotten older we have grown closer and closer.”
HIGHLAND | EVAN SUTTON Academic rank: 21. Sports: Golf, basketball, bass fishing. Academic bio: Illinois State Scholar; Highland IHSA Boys Representative; academic all-state honorable mention; National Honor Society; Congress of Future Medical Leaders; Award of Excellence; Scholastic Achievement Award. Athletic bio: Regional champion in golf and basketball; second in sectional in golf and fishing; state champion in bass fishing; Metro East golf player of the year; broke Highland all-time scoring record in golf.
Activities: School Ambassadors; Spanish Club; Saturday Scholars; American Red Cross Blood Drive Leader; Special Olympics; Salvation Army; 4 Ocean; Optimist; Rotary; Kids Sport Camps. College, major: McKendree University, computational sciences. Goal: “Ultimately, my dream is fishing or golfing to earn a living. My plan out of college is to work for the fishing or golf industries as an engineer, designing baits or clubs and hopefully being able to test them out.” Favorite subject: AP calculus. Favorite musician: Chris Stapleton.
HILLSBORO | MacKENZIE BAKER Academic rank: Top 5 percent. Sports: Volleyball, basketball, soccer. Academic bio: Honor roll; academic all-state; National Honor Society; graduating with Highest Honor; October student of the month (2019). Athletic bio: Volleyball: first team allconference (three times); first team all-district (two times); first team all-state (2020); KJFF Dream Team (2020). Basketball: honorable mention all-conference. Soccer: first team alldistrict. Play It Forward athlete of the week (2019-2020). Activities: Club Volleyball; Wing Team; A+ Program; Volunteer: Special Olympics; High Performance Youth Volleyball; Little Hawks youth volleyball Volunteer. College, major: Southeast Missouri State, healthcare administration. Favorite subject: Women’s studies. “It taught me more about the real world and the struggles that some see daily. It is enlightening way to open your eyes and look at the world.” Favorite book: “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott. Favorite musician: Queen. Role model: “I’m very fortunate to have multiple role models in my life. My mother, my nana and papa, and my sister have always been there to support me no matter what. My nana and papa have been an example of love and support in everyday life. My sister because she has been my best friend since the day I was born. And my mother because she has been my backbone my whole life. She always tells me to ‘Go Change the World.’ ”
HOLT | SYDNI SCOTT Academic rank: 15. Sports: Wrestling, track and field, basketball. Academic bio: Magna Cum Laude. Athletic bio: Wrestling: state qualifier (2020); first team all-conference (2020, 2021); track and field: first team all-conference (discus and shot put, 2019); two-time Lou Fusz student athlete of the month. Activities: Student Council president; CUSA (Culturally United Student Association); Panera associate; “I love to sing and play the piano.” College: William Jewell College. Goal: “I would love to be a travel nurse, but I would also love to be a personal trainer on the side and maybe start my own chapstick business.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart. Favorite musician: Billie Eilish. Role model: “I consider most of the people I have relationships with a role model. I try to be the best version of myself and that sometimes comes from taking after the best parts of the people I love.”
INCARNATE WORD | IZZY PATTERSON Sports: Soccer. Academic bio: National Honor Society; first honors all eight semesters of high school; finished top 10 percent in my senior class. Athletic bio: Team captain. Activities: Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Ambassador program; nannying; painting. College: University of Tennessee Martin. Goal: “I plan to receive an undergraduate degree in Human and Health Performance and attend graduate school to study Occupational Therapy.” Favorite subject: Anatomy and physiology. Favorite book: “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett. Favorite musician: Morgan Wallen. Role model: My mom, Jen Patterson. “Anything my mom does she completes with maximum effort and I have never seen someone with a better work ethic than her. One of my favorite things about her is that whether in her job or just in her everyday life, she makes sure everyone feels as they are equal and are treated with the human dignity that they deserve. I strive to emulate so many qualities about my mom and I am so fortunate to have someone like her to admire.”
JEFFERSON | CATRYN CATTOOR Sports: Softball (four letters); basketball (four letters); track and field (four letters). Academic bio: Academic Prestige honor roll; National Merit Scholarship commended student; College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program winner; United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar candidate; Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens award; September Rotary student of the month. Athletic bio: Softball: conference co-offensive player of the year (2020); first team all-state (2019-2020); first team all-district, all-region, al-conference (2017-2020); second team AllMetro (2020); third team All-Metro (2019); Regional Dream Team (2019). Basketball: second team all-conference (2021). Track and Field: all-state discus (fourth place, 2019); all-district, all-sectional, all-conference (20182019); Class 2 state team runner-up (20182019). Activities: Student council; National Honor Society; Class Officers; journalism; FCA. College, major: Washington University, mechanical engineering. Goal: “I hope to commission through Air
Force ROTC and become a pilot.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “The Iliad” by Homer. Favorite musician: Willie Nelson. Role model: My parents. “They’ve taught me how to work hard, stay humble, and push myself outside of my comfort zone. They have always wanted the best for my sister and me, and I’ll always be grateful for them.”
JENNINGS | BRIAN SHARP Academic rank: 15. Sports: Basketball, football. Academic bio: College prep; 3.0+ GPA; honor roll. Athletic bio: District championship and sportsmanship awards. Activities: Working at Club Car Wash. College, major: Southeast Missouri State University. Goal: “I hope to be a sports trainer.” Favorite subject: History. Favorite book: “Maze Runner” by James Dashner. Favorite musician: Montana of 300 Role model: My mom and dad. “They helped me become who I am.”
JERSEYVILLE | ANDREW KRIBS Academic rank: 28. Sports: Boys soccer, track, basketball, cross country, football. Academic bio: All-state academic team member; National Honor Society; Illinois State Scholar; Academic Challenge state qualifier (part of a team); dual enrollment at Lewis and Clark Community College and will graduate this fall with an associates in general sciences. Athletic bio: Soccer: first team all-conference soccer; third team All-Metro; school record holder in career goals (88); all-sectional team. Basketball: second team all-conference. Track: state qualifying 4x400 team (2019, 17th place). Activities: Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Olympiad. College, major: Undecided, engineering. Goal: “I have many ambitions that I want to accomplish from possibly working with a team at SpaceX in order to put a man on Mars, to just wanting to get married and start a family. I think that overall I just want to make this world a better place than it was when I was born.” Favorite subject: Calculus. Favorite book: “The Maze Runner” series because I really love sci-fi like that. Favorite musician: Zayde Wolf or Keith Urban. Role model: My parents. “They are two very intelligent people who work hard every day. They never take a day off and have done an amazing job raising me and my siblings. I look up to them and how selfless they are and how smart they are. I hope that I’ve made them proud, and that one day that I can be even half as good a parent as they have been for me.”
JOHN BURROUGHS | DANIEL MARTIN Sports: Cross country, track and field. Academic bio: National Merit finalist; 2020 AP Scholar with Honor; National German Exam Gold; National African American Recognition Program; MSHSAA State Solo and Ensemble Festival Gold. Athletic bio: All-district (2019, 2020); allMetro League; individual state qualifier; fourth-place team in state cross country championships (2020); cross country team captain (2019, 2020). Activities: Violin (studying and performing since 3 years old); concertmaster of my school’s orchestra; play in a piano trio with two classmates; one of the leaders of the board game club at my school. College: Amherst College. Goal: “I am interested in the idea of education. Through my high school experience, I have come to value and appreciate the role of great teachers in the learning process. I hope I can be what so many teachers have been to me in the future. I also hope to keep running and playing the violin.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Kusamakura” by Natsume S seki. Favorite musician: “My favorite musician is violinist Joshua Bell. I have been fortunate enough to witness him perform a couple of times with the St. Louis Symphony, and his playing always leaves me inspired and motivated.” Role model: My older sister. “She convinced me to start doing cross country, which I am eternally grateful for. I try following her actions, specifically in how she treats other people with kindness and respect.”
KIRKWOOD | ZOE KRUG Academic rank: 2 of 465. Sports: Softball, lacrosse. Academic bio: National Merit finalist; Steve Jonak Senior Award for Excellence in Mathematics; Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award; AP Scholar with Distinction; Yale Book Award; KHS Gold K; four-year honor roll student. Athletic bio: Softball: first team allconference and all-district (2020); academic all-state (2019, 2020). Activities: National Honor Society; Spanish Honor Society; Kirkwood Service Group; Link Crew Leader; volunteered for political campaigns for the 2020 elections. College, major: University of Southern California, biomedical engineering. Goal: “I want to use my natural skills in math and science to help as many people as possible. With an education in biomedical engineering, I’d like to go into either pharmaceuticals or medical devices.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “A Madness So Discreet” by Mindy McGinnis. Favorite musicians: Taylor Swift; Conan Gray; Megan Thee Stallion. Role model: My mom. “She has always been an example of a strong, smart woman who
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • C5 stands up for what she believes in.”
LADUE | SAMANTHA FISCHER Sports: Swimming and diving, track and field. Academic bio: 4.0 GPA; National Honor Society; Math Honor Society; Spanish Honor Society. Athletic bio: Ladue school record holder for diving; four-year diving state qualifier, finishing 13th, 12th, seventh and sixth; diving all-state (2020, 2021); Ladue school record for girls pole vault; rookie of the year for diving and pole vault (2018); Ladue MVP diver (2020, 2021); Class 1 swimming and diving state champion team (2019); track and field state qualifier (2019). Activities: Ladue Dance Marathon executive board (fundraising chair); Ladue Sparkle Effect captain; JCC summer camp counselor; International Institute camp volunteer; National Charity League. College: Northeastern University. Goal: “I’m planning to become a doctor. I also hope to participate in Doctors Without Borders, so that I can give back to communities around the world and help provide better access to medical care.” Favorite subject: Psychology. Favorite book: “Every Last Word” by Tamara Ireland Stone. Favorite musician: Noah Kahan.
LAFAYETTE | HOPE WARE Sports: Cross country, track and field. Academic bio: National Honor Society; honor roll (four years); academic all-state (seven semesters). Athletic bio: Cross Country: four-year varsity runner; Class 5 sixth-place state individual finish and team championship (2020); Post-Dispatch All-Metro second team (2020); Big River All-Metro (2021); Rockwood School District school board award (2021). Activities: Student council (four years); Philanthropy chairman; Special Olympics (three years); Victory Village board; Project Interface internship; baking. College, major: Murray State University, nursing. Goal: “I hope to be a PICU nurse at the St. Jude hospital in Memphis or work at a hospital in Nashville.” Favorite subject: Science. Favorite book: “The Running Dream.” Favorite musician: Luke Bryan. Role model: My late grandmother, who I call Granna. “She passed away unexpectedly when I was in fifth grade and she is the one who gives me my strength to keep going. I do everything in life to make her proud.”
LEBANON | COLIN BERRY Academic rank: 1. Sports: Soccer, cross country, track & field. Academic bio: National Honor Society; ‘4.0 Award’ each year of high school; art show/3D mixed media winner; engineering graphics ACES/WTSE sectional winner. Athletic bio: Placed in many track and cross country events. Activities: WYSE/academic challenge; math team; Model UN; Cyber Patriots; student council; Cedarian yearbook staff; art club. College, major: SIU Carbondale. Goal: “I plan to become a senior software developer and/or engineer at a prosperous media company.” Favorite subject: Calculus. Favorite book: “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer. Favorite musician: Toro y Moi; Flume.
LIBERTY | WYATT HAYNES Academic rank: 1. Sports: Wrestling (four varsity letters), football (three varsity letters). Academic bio: Four-time academic all-conference (wrestling); three-time academic all-conference (football); academic all-state (football); seven-time Principal’s Honor Roll; Missouri Scholars 100 member; two-time Lou Fusz Student Athlete of the Month. Athletic bio: Wrestling: Missouri state runner-up (2021) and third-place (2020) finishes; conference and district champion (2020, 2021); sectional champion (2021); NHSCA Nationals seventh place (all-American); two-time Disney Duals All-American; NUWAY National Duals all-American; NUWAY national individual all-American. Football: district champion (2019); second team all-conference. Activities: National Honor Society; Link Crew; Student Advisory Board; Liberty Eagles Leadership Council; The Eagle Order. College: University of Chicago. Goal: “I wish to become an anesthesiologist.” Favorite subject: Any of the sciences, particular anatomy and physiology as well as biology. Favorite book: “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking. Favorite musician: Red Hot Chili Peppers. Role model: My father. “He has been my coach for the last 13 years of my life and has taught me how to succeed while being humble. He has also taught me the importance of perseverance and has always exemplified hard work.”
STLHIGHSCHOOLSPORTS.COM
Liberty’s Wyatt Haynes celebrates a win in 2020 in the 160 pound class.
SCHOLAR ATHLETES
C6 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
LIFT FOR LIFE | BROOKE JOHNSON Academic rank: 5. Sports: Volleyball, basketball. Academic bio: National Honor Society. Activities: Tutoring, hanging out with friends. Goal: “I hope to help as many youth as I can. I want to be who I needed when I was younger. So many young people are out there, in my home city, with no guidance or help. I want to help them as best as I can. Most kids see their teachers more than their parents. I want my school filled with teachers that are like parents to our students.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas. Favorite musician: Jhene Aiko. Role model: My teachers. “They are great people. They help in ways words can’t describe. They push me to be the best me that I can be.”
LINDBERGH | ALYSSA FORBES Academic rank: 21. Sports: Cross country, basketball, track and field. Academic bio: Better than 4.0 GPA all four years of high school. Athletic bio: Cross country: district team champion (twice); all-conference individual (twice); track: district team champion; basketball: honorable mention allconference. Activities: Writing center tutor; L-Club (club for varsity athletes who work to improve Lindbergh and the community); CYC basketball coach. College: Christian Brothers University. Goal: “I want to be a lawyer.” Favorite subject: History. Favorite book: “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. Favorite musician: Quinn XCII. Role model: My mom. “Because of her determination, hard work and kindness. She takes those three aspects of her personality into everything she does and I aspire to embody those qualities that she has shown me my entire life.”
LUTHERAN NORTH | ELLIE JANDER Academic rank: Salutatorian. Sports: Cross country, swimming, track. Academic bio: High Honor Roll; National Honor Society; student of the month (freshman); Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce student of the month (senior); Smith College Book Award. Athletic bio: Cross country: team captain; four-time state qualifier and all-conference. Swimming: school record holder in 100-yard freestyle, 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle relay and 400 freestyle relay. Track: team captain, all-conference in 800 and 3200 meters, sectional qualifier in 800, 1600 and 3200; state qualifier in 1600 relay. Activities: Fall play; spring musical; Concentus (select choir); racquet club; HiSTEP; Peer Ministry; yearbook; student council; Cru4Life; Washington University Saturday Scholars program; church youth group; photography; reading. College: Concordia University (Nebraska). Goal: “Being a biologist would allow me to assist others in finding joy in a breath of fresh air or a long hike. I would love being able to continue in a career that encompasses my love for nature.” Favorite subject: Biology. Favorite book: “Prairie Legacy” series by Janette Oke. Favorite musician: Casting Crowns. Role model: My mom. “She is an amazing, encouraging friend. Her strength and compassion have always been traits I admire.”
LUTHERAN SOUTH | EMMA PAWLITZ Academic rank: 2. Sports: Basketball, tennis. Academic bio: Honors with Highest Distinction (four years); National Honor Society (executive board); Foreign Language Honor Society (vice president); National Spanish Exam Gold Medal; AP Scholar with Honor; academic all-state (Basketball). Athletic bio: Basketball: all-state (twice); district player of the year (twice); all-district team (four years); all-conference team (four years); school records for 3-pointers in a game, season and career; more than 1,500 career points; four-year varsity starter; team MVP (three years); team captain. Tennis: state singles runner-up (2020); state qualifier (twice); district singles champion (twice); Post-Dispatch All-Metro third team; all-conference team (four years); No. 1 player on team (four years); team MVP (four years); captain. Activities: Student council; Red Cross Blood Drive coordinator (three years); Kairos Devotional group leader (two years); Wind Symphony (two years); Student Ambassador/ Mentor (three years); yearbook editor. College, major: Indiana University, sports journalism. Goal: “Career-wise, I aspire to become a successful sports writer and work for ESPN. On a more personal level, I will always strive to be a better daughter and friend and remain strong in my faith.” Favorite subject: English. Favorite book: ‘‘Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck. Favorite musician: Darius Rucker. Role model: My parents. “They are the most intelligent and hardworking people I know, and I admire their dedication to family and their jobs.”
LUTHERAN ST. CHARLES | CAMERON SHORT Sports: Swimming, soccer, baseball. Academic bio: National Honor Society; highest honor roll (four years); Duke TIP national and state recognition in seventh grade; candidates to attend Boys State. Athletic bio: Academic all-state in soccer, swimming and baseball for four years. Activities: Scholar Bowl; robotics; Boy Scouts, where I recently earned Eagle Scout; volunteered with theatre and at numerous
FIRST events. College: University of Missouri. Goal: “I hope to become a biomedical engineer who works on or is a part of working with prosthesis and bionic developments.” Favorite subject: Science. Favorite book: “Inheritance” from the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. Favorite musicians: Nickelback; Rodney Atkins.
MADISON | TYRA OLIVER Academic rank: 1. Sports: Basketball, volleyball. Academic bio: High honor roll; National Honor Society; student of the month; perfect attendance. Athletic bio: Captain of both the basketball and volleyball teams. Activities: Food drives; Soup-n-Share food depository; Jason Learning. College, major: SIU Edwardsville. Goal: “To become a registered nurse.” Favorite subject: Mathematics. Favorite book: Non-fiction books. Favorite musician: Tasha Cobbs. Role model: “My mother! Because she motivates me to become great in whatever I attempt to do!”
MAPLEWOOD-RICHMOND HEIGHTS | MATTHEW LANGSTON Academic rank: 6. Sports: Baseball. Academic bio: National Honor Society; Principal’s Honor Roll. Athletic bio: Team captain; rookie of the year. Activities: Eagle Scout; president of Thespian Troupe 3189; Order of the Arrow; Youth and Government; Missouri Boys State. College: Webster University. Goal: To be “a constitutional lawyer and get involved in national politics.” Favorite subject: “A tie between theatre and history.” Favorite book: Ultimate Spider-Man Comic Book Series. Favorite musician: Hootie and the Blowfish. Role model: My older brother, Michael. “He played baseball, too, and he was the one who got me into the sport back when I was little. Michael also introduced me to theatre, so I have him to thank for introducing me to two things I love today.”
MARISSA | EMILY SMITH Academic rank: 1. Sports: Basketball, volleyball, softball, cross country. Academic bio: High Honors; National Honor Society; Illinois Principal Award; Marissa High School Scholar Athlete. Athletic bio: Basketball: all-state honorable mention; all-conference (three years). Cross country: all-conference. Volleyball: allconference. Activities: Future Farmers of America; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; BETA Club; student council; class treasurer; journalism. Volunteer: placing flags on Veterans’ gravesites in our community and for display throughout our town for special holidays; helped paint Marissa Food Pantry; helped with Food Market, which distributes food to citizens of Marissa. College, major: Undecided, engineering. Goal: “Earning a degree will not mark the end of my life’s education by any means. I want to become committed to seeking opportunities for continuous growth and improve on things that are outside my comfort zone.” Favorite subject: Calculus. Favorite book: “The Giver.” Favorite musicians: Tyler Childers; Jon Pardi. Role model: My mother, Shelly Smith. “I believe she is a strong independent woman, which I hope to grow up and be one day. She has inspired me to be a kind caring person and to stand up and help others in need.”
MARQUETTE | CONNOR THRONEBERRY Sports: Baseball, football. Academic bio: Academic allstate (football and baseball, 2019, 2020). Athletic bio: Football: allconference, all-district and all-state (2019, 2020). Baseball: all-district, all-conference (2019). Activities: Volunteer coach for Jr. Mustang football program. College: Penn State. Goal: “I plan to continue my baseball career at Penn State while earning my degree in engineering.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “The Energy Bus” by Jon Gordon. Favorite musician: Kid Rock. Role model: My father. “I have always looked up to him and gone to him for advice. He has spent countless hours helping me to develop as an athlete. He has taught me the importance of hard work and setting goals for myself.”
MASCOUTAH | KYLAN MONTGOMERY Academic rank: 13 of 281. Sports: Wrestling. Academic bio: High honor roll; IWCOA all-state academic team. Athletic bio: State tournament placer (fourth, 2019; fifth, 2020); wrestling team representative of school leadership council. Activities: Freshmen mentoring; Japanese Festival volunteer; youth wrestling volunteer. College: Virginia Tech. Goal: “I hope to become a successful engineer when I graduate college.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “The Giving Tree.” Favorite musician: Juice Wrld. Role model: Drew Brees.
MATER DEI | ALDEN MOSS Academic rank: 1. Sports: Basketball, golf. Academic bio: Illinois State Scholars; National Honor Society; multiple class awards in math, science, English, history; IHSA academic all-state
honorable mention. Athletic bio: Golf: Class 1A team state champion and individual regional sixth place (2019). Basketball: Class 2A state semifinal qualifier (2020). Activities: Academic Challenge team; skiing; food packaging volunteer. College: Creighton University. Goal: “I hope to become a financial advisor and assist people in their financial ventures.” Favorite subject: History. Favorite book: “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton. Favorite musician: AC/DC. Role model: My parents. “My mother has taught me how to sacrifice certain things in my life for the betterment of others. My dad has taught me how to gain what you desire through hard work.”
McCLUER | ALDO ESTRADA Academic rank: 1. Sports: Soccer, tennis. Academic bio: The Gates Scholarship Recipient; DECA state qualifier (twice); Des Lee Honors Band (twice); AP Scholar; STL Cardinals ‘Scholar of the Year’ (2017); NFTE Entrepreneurship regional semifinalist; National Honor Society. Athletic bio: Soccer: all-conference first team (two years); all-conference second team; leading scorer (two years); most assists (two years); team captain (two years). Activities: Junior Optimist Club; Federal Reserve in St. Louis Student Committee; Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar; City of Berkeley Youth Council; McCluer High Latino Student Group; student government; Ernst and Young College Preparation; WUSTL college prep program. College, major: Washington University, mechanical/electrical engineering with a premed track. Goal: “I hope to become an electrical and/ or mechanical engineer and use my skills to develop new and innovative ways to advance and better the world.” Favorite subject: Mathematics. Favorite book: The Bible. Favorite musicians: The Weeknd; or a regional Mexican group named Herencia De Patrones.
McCLUER NORTH | ELISABETH COSENTINO Academic rank: 38. Sports: Soccer, wrestling, volleyball. Academic bio: Honors and international baccalaureate classes; 3.6 GPA. Athletic bio: Wrestling: state qualifier (twice, including sixth-place finish in 2021); district and sectional champion; all-conference (three years); second team Post-Dispatch All-Metro. Soccer: second team all-conference; conference and district team champion. Activities: School club called Best Buddies (vice president); club soccer league; church volleyball league. College: Mineral Area College. Goal: “I would love to accomplish helping improve the quality of our world’s environment. I also would love to become a coach and help other athletes achieve the goal that they are pursuing.” Favorite subject: Environmental science. Favorite book: “The Unwanteds” by Lisa McMann. Favorite musician: Cardi B. Role model: My grandpa. “When I was in fourth grade he came down with a rare disease and was in the ICU for 10 weeks. After coming out of the ICU he learned out to walk again and became as healthy as he could be and lived another four beautiful years of life. His persistence and motivation to keep pushing has definitely been very aspiring on my low times.”
McKINLEY | OTIS SISTRUNK Academic rank: 35. Sports: Track and field, cross country, basketball. Academic bio: Honors math. Athletic bio: Honorable mention all-Public High League (basketball). Activities: Writing poems. College, major: Alabama A&M, engineering. Goal: “I hope to become a successful engineer and start my own business including engineering.” Favorite subject: Math. “It’s entertaining and educating.” Favorite book: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series by Jeff Kinney. Favorite musician: NBA Youngboy. Role model: My mom. “She has done so much on her own without much help. She has also been so strong through our many family tragedies.”
MEDICINE AND BIOSCIENCE | GRACIANA HENNING Sports: Volleyball, soccer. Academic bio: St. Louis Public Schools scholar athlete (four years);Student of the Month; Missouri Scholar; College Club of St. Louis award; National Honor Society. Athletic bio: Volleyball: team player of the year. Soccer: team captain (two years); most improved. Activities: Created a student media club with other students at school to create yearbook, photograph events at school and write articles for school website; Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle leader. College: Calvin University. Goal: “I hope to become an athletic trainer or physical therapist.” Favorite subject: Human Body Systems. Favorite book: Any of the “Percy Jackson” series. Favorite musician: Corrine Bailey Rae. Role model: My big sister, Sariah. “She is one of the kindest people I know, but also one of the most driven.”
MEHLVILLE | JENNA BENSON Sports: Soccer, softball, basketball. Academic bio: National Honor Society; Mehlville student athlete of the week. Athletic bio: Soccer: first team all-conference. Softball: allregion. Activities: We Are Mehlville. College: Stephens College.
M 1 • THURSDAY • 05.20.2021 Goal: “I hope to accomplish my nursing degree.” Favorite subject: Social studies. Favorite book: “The Maze Runner.” Favorite musician: Luke Combs. Role model: My mom. “She has shaped me into the person I am.”
METRO | SOPHIA NGUYEN Academic rank: 10. Sports: Volleyball. Academic bio: National Honor Society; Wellesley Book Award; Student of the Month. Athletic bio: SLPS scholar athlete; first team allconference. Activities: Affton Christian Food Pantry volunteer; Teen Advocates for Sexual Health; Metro Garden Club. College: University of Missouri. Goal: “I hope to become a nurse that works at Planned Parenthood or at health clinics aimed towards women of color. I strongly believe that everyone should have access to proper resources concerning their sexual health, regardless of their income and background. As a Vietnamese woman, I hope to provide care for my own community as well as others that may need it.” Favorite subject: Math, especially AP Calculus and IB Mathematics. Favorite book: “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.” Favorite musician: Jhené Aiko. Role model: My grandmother. “She has taught me kindness, love, and selflessness at a young age. These characteristics are what drive my motivations and have shaped me into the person that I am.”
METRO-EAST LUTHERAN | CAITLIN REYNOLDS Sports: Volleyball (four years), basketball (four years), softball (one year), soccer (one year). Academic bio: National Honor Society; high honor roll with distinction; academic challenge award for third place on the regional English test (2020); academic challenge WYSE team. Athletic bio: Athletic serve award (nominated by school staff). Basketball: team captain (three years); Riverbender athlete of the month. Volleyball: team captain (three years). Activities: Senior class officer; Spanish club; garden club. Volunteer: various around school and community. Hobbies: singing and music; painting and art; journaling. College: University of Missouri. Goal: “A big goal of mine for my adult life is to travel anywhere I can and learn more about other cultures and people and how they live their lives.” Favorite subject: Anatomy and physiology. Favorite book: “Anything that gets me lost in thought or brings up new ideas and interesting topics of discussion.” Favorite musician: Queen. Role model: “My mom is and has always been my biggest role model.”
MICDS | HASANI SPANN Sports: Basketball, track and field. Academic bio: MICDS Cum Laude Society; Questbridge Match Scholarship Recipient – Stanford; Gates Scholarship semifinalist; National Merit finalist; AP Scholar with Honors (11th-12th grade); Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Book Award; RS Beasley Award; MICDS Science Award; Presidential Volunteer Award; MICDS Elliot Scholar; MICDS Pershing Merit Scholar; MICDS 1st Honors. Athletic bio: Basketball: single-game program record for 3-pointers; St. Louis basketball Top 50 rank. Activities: Black Student Union; Theatre; Robotics; We Can Help: Elderly and Therapy Patient Home Assistance (co-founder); Freedom School volunteer youth counselor; Kingdom House volunteer. College: Stanford. Goal: “Aerospace engineer.” Favorite subject: Physics. Favorite book: “Speaker for the Dead” by Orson Scott Card. Favorite musician: Ace Hood. Role model: My mother. “She’s always been my image of strength, intelligence and success.”
MILLER CAREER | VEMETRIUS JACKSON Academic rank: 20 of 75. Sports: Basketball, football. Academic bio: Honor roll every semester. Athletic bio: All-Public High League. College, major: Greenville University, criminal justice. Goal: “I hope that when I’m older I’m be able to take care of my whole family financially so they don’t have to work hard anymore.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Babe & Me” by Dan Gutman. Favorite musician: Lil Durk. Role model: My dad. “He’s taught me every day in life on how to be a good, well-rounded African-American male.”
MOUNT OLIVE | TORI KIERBACH Academic rank: 1. Sports: Softball. Academic bio: Silver Medallion of Excellence award; National Honor Society secretary; High Honor Student. Activities: Student Council treasurer; Pep Club; yearbook; Girl Scouts (earned Bronze, Silver and Gold award); clubs softball for Louisville Lady Sluggers 03-Wright. Volunteer: blood drives, bell ringing, sporting events, carnivals, softball teams; recently hosted a softball camp for the young girls in my surrounding communities. College: Williams Baptist University. Goal: “I plan to become a lawyer and to work with and help underprivileged communities and the people that need aid.” Favorite subject: History. Favorite book: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Role model: My dad. “Not only does he sit for hours on a bucket to help me, but he is there for me and my family no matter what.”
05.20.2021 • THURSDAY • M 1
NASVHILLE | ABIGAIL MASCHHOFF Academic rank: 1. Sports: Volleyball. Academic bio: Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society secretary; Presidents Education Award; math team; academic challenge (sectional qualifier). Activities: Yearbook; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Kindness Committee; Senior Peer Mentor; assist school’s athletics director with multiple tasks. Volunteer: local grade schools and nursing homes. College, major: University of Mississippi, integrated marketing communications. Favorite subject: Desktop publishing and yearbook class. Favorite book: “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han. Role model: “Aside from my parents, I will always consider my teacher and athletic director, Mrs. Alicia Heggemeier, a huge role model.”
NERINX HALL | MACKENZIE DUFF Sports: Soccer, basketball. Academic bio: English Enthusiast award; Chemistry award; top 25 percent in the class (four years). Athletic bio: Soccer: defensive MVP (2019); second team all-conference (twice). Basketball: School’s all-time leading scorer with 1,537 points; team MVP and first team all-conference (three seasons); second team all-conference (one season); 2018-2019 MBCA all-district player and player of the year. Activities: Volunteer at multiple places including TASK, St. Vincent De Paul and Guardian Angel. College: Clemson University. Goal: “I hope to win a conference and national championship at Clemson University. I also hope to start my own clothing business one day for athletic gear and everyday wear.” Favorite subject: Chemistry. Favorite book: “The Outsiders.” Role model: My parents. “My dad played collegiate basketball at SLU and he’s pushed me to be the best possible athlete and student I can be. My mom is also my role model because she is extremely supportive and always there to pick me up and remind me of my worth as an athlete and person.”
NEW ATHENS | MASON PAGE Academic rank: 1. Sports: Golf, basketball, baseball. Academic bio: Illinois State Scholar; Murray State presidential scholarship; DAR Good Citizen Scholarship (district, state champion); Voice of Democracy Essay (district champion); math, Spanish, health, chemistry and biology awards. Athletic bio: Golf: sectional qualifier; allconference. Basketball: all-conference. Activities: Student government president; National Honor Society president; student council; Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle leader; math team; St. Clair County Teen Court. College: Murray State University. Goal: “I hope to become a forensic accountant for the FBI. I would also like to coach basketball at the high school level.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “To Kill A Mockingbird.” Role model: My brother, Isaiah Page. “Regardless of the individual, my brother treats everyone with kindness and respect.”
NEW HAVEN | EMMA McINTYRE Academic rank: 1 of 45. Sports: Cross country, track and field. Academic bio: Missouri Scholars 100; Future Business Leaders of America Accounting 2 state champion; Joyce Ivy Scholar; Questbridge National College Match finalist; Questbridge College Prep Scholar; East Central College Humanities Festival Spanish Essay Writing Contest honorable mention; Academic Activity Award; academic all-conference; academic all-state. Athletic bio: Cross Country: all-state (four seasons); district champion (freshman, senior); all-district (freshman-senior); all-conference (freshman, sophomore, senior). Track and Field: all-state 3200m (freshman, sophomore); district champion 4x800m (freshman); district champion 3200m (freshman); all-district 4x800m (freshman, sophomore), 1600m (sophomore), 3200m (freshman, sophomore); all-conference 4x800m (freshman), 3200m (freshman). Activities: Future Business Leaders of America treasurer (senior); Fellowship of Christian Athletes secretary (sophomore, junior), vice president (senior); student council; National Honor Society; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; volunteer with the Joyce Ivy Foundation; Girls on the Run Running Buddy. College: Columbia University. Goal: “I want to do research as an astrophysicist and hopefully work at NASA or the Jet Propulsion Laboratory someday.” Favorite subject: Calculus. Favorite book: “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. Role model: My sister. “She’s a runner like me, and she’s dealt with many injuries in her career, but she always kept a positive attitude and kept working through the injuries. She’s been an inspiration to me in my running career, and life in general.”
NORTHWEST ACADEMY | KALI SNOW Academic rank: 1. Sports: Basketball; volleyball; soccer; track and field. Academic bio: Public High League scholar athlete; dual enrolled in SLPS/Harris Stowe Program. Athletic bio: Basketball: all-conference and all-district. Volleyball: all-conference. Activities: Student ambassador; Washington University intern through St. Louis Internship Program; volunteer monthly for our community mobile market. College, major: State Fair Community College, criminology. Goal: “I plan on working my way up through
SCHOLAR ATHLETES law enforcement with my ultimate goal of becoming a criminal investigator.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Bluford Series.” Role model: “I look up to people in law enforcement because they put their lives on the line every day putting others ahead of themselves. They do not have to choose this work but they do knowing they may not come home at the end of the day. They are selfless servants of the community and I hope as I progress in the field I can serve others as well.”
NORTHWEST CEDAR HILL | SARAH ROTH Academic rank: Top 5 percent. Sports: Softball, basketball. Academic bio: Cum laude. Athletic bio: Softball: first team all-conference and alldistrict (four years); second team all-state (2019); second team PostDispatch All-Metro (2020); state record for doubles in a season (25). Basketball: first team all-district and second team all-conference (2021). Activities: Baseball manager; power puff. College: Jefferson College. Goal: “I hope to become a successful high school physical education teacher. I also plan on becoming a high school softball coach to share my passion with the sport.” Favorite subject: Human anatomy and physiology. Favorite book: “Unbroken.” Role model: “My parents because of the time, money and sacrifices they have made in order for me and my siblings to be successful.”
NOTRE DAME | ABIGAIL YOUNGBLOOD Sports: Golf, basketball, soccer. Academic bio: Summa Cum Laude; National Honor Society. Athletic bio: Soccer: second team all-conference. Basketball: leadership and most improved player awards Activities: Future Investigators of America co-vice president; student council; Kairos leader; Vacation Bible School volunteer. College, major: Southwest Baptist University (honors program), biology. Goal: “I hope to become an orthopedic surgeon after graduating from college.” Favorite subject: Science. Favorite book: “The Selection” by Kiera Cass. Role model: My parents. “They have shown me what real sacrifice is. They have taught me some of the biggest lessons in life, and are always showing me how to be a better version of myself.”
OAKVILLE | KATIE LEEKER Sports: Field Hockey, basketball, swimming, soccer. Academic bio: Summa Cum Laude; National Honor Society; four-year Oakville Scholar Athlete award; received the JournalismSTL Broadcast Excellence Award (sports feature). Athletic bio: Field Hockey: first team all-conference (2020); second team all-conference (2019), honorable mention (2018); spirit of the game award; most improved award, 110 percent award. Soccer: defender of the year award. Activities: School activities: Leadership student; Broadcast Line producer; student council. Volunteer: Queen of All Saints Church youth group member/retreat leader; Special Needs Soccer Association (SPENSA). College: Fontbonne University. Goal: “I know that I want to pursue a career that allows me to help others and make a difference in the world.” Favorite subject: English. Favorite book: “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand. Role model: My brothers, Scott and Adam. “They were both highly successful during their high school careers, each taking significantly different paths. They inspired me to be my own person and dedicate my time and energy to the pursuits that interested me.”
O’FALLON | AUBREY MISTER Academic rank: 74 of 563. Sports: Basketball, soccer. Academic bio: Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society. Athletic bio: Basketball: second team all-conference (2021). Soccer: second team all-conference (2018); second team All-Metro, first team allconference, first team all-sectional (2019). College, major: University of Memphis, English. Goal: “I hope to become someone who is a good role model in every aspect of life.” Favorite subject: Psychology. Favorite book: “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini. Role model: Both of my grandmothers. “For my entire life they have showed me nothing but unconditional love and support. They both worked extremely hard to raise families and give my parents lives that set them up to give me the life I have.”
O’FALLON CHRISTIAN | MERCEDES SCHROER Sports: Soccer, cross country, track & field, basketball. Academic bio: English department award (ninth grade). Athletic bio: Cross country: state champion and two-time runner up. Soccer: state champion, all-conference. Track and field: state champion. Activities: National Honor Society; Eagle ambassador; JUMP camp counselor at St. Louis Family Church; volunteer: St. Louis Area Foodbank, St. Louis Family Church during winter to pack bags with groceries to give to people in need. College, major: Miami University of Ohio. Goal: “I want to go into the medical field, so I can help people.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “1984” by George Orwell. Role model: “My dad is one of the many role models in my life. He has taught me the importance of being a hard worker and standing
up for my beliefs.”
OKAWVILLE | CALEB UNVERFEHRT Academic rank: 3. Sports: Basketball, baseball, cross country. Academic bio: Illinois State Scholar; selected to Boys’ State. Athletic bio: Cross country: best newcomer. Basketball: most improved player. Activities: National Honor Society; Mu Alpha Theta; Student Leadership Team; FFA; Science Club; farmhand; Special Olympics volunteer. College: Illinois State University. Goal: “I hope to run my family farm.” Favorite subject: Agriculture. Favorite book: “Where the Red Fern Grows.” Role model: My dad. “Growing up I wanted to have his job and I still plan to.”
ORCHARD FARM | AMAYA ARBOGAST Academic rank: 1. Sports: Soccer, basketball. Academic bio: National Merit Finalist; Outstanding Female Math Student; Missouri Scholar 2019. Athletic bio: Sportsmanship Award; Team Mom Award. Activities: Student council; National Honor Society; HOSA; Quizbowl. College: University of Michigan. Goal: “I intend on becoming a surgeon. However, I’m really interested in all jobs in that field.” Favorite subject: Biomed program through PLTW. Favorite book: “All the Ugly and Wonderful Things.” Role model: “I consider all the coaches I’ve had to be great role models.”
PACIFC | CALLUM SITEK Academic rank: 10. Sports: Wrestling. Academic bio: Academic allstate. Athletic bio: State champion (2021); four-time district champion; three-time state finalist. Activities: Help my family work at our detailing shop. College: Campbell University. Goal: “I hope to become a registered nurse and help those in need.” Favorite subject: Anatomy and physiology. Favorite book: “Candide” by Voltaire. Role model: All of my coaches.
PARKWAY CENTRAL | ANDREW AHRENS Sports: Cross country, track and field. Academic bio: National Honor Society; Advanced Placement Scholar With Honor; academic all-state track (2019); Foreign Language Honor Roll. Athletic bio: Cross Country: all-state (2021), first team all-conference (2020, 2021), threetime state qualifier (2019-2021), MVP award (2020, 2021). Track: State qualifier in 1600 and 4x800 relay (2019), leaders committee (2019-2021). Activities: Student council student body executive; Senior Men and Women (volunteer group); Captains Council (2020, 2021); Strategic Alliance Homes For Homeless volunteer; youth group at Rooftop Church; childcare volunteer at Rooftop Church. College, major: University of Missouri, biology on pre-medicine track. Goal: “I hope to become a pediatric ear nose and throat physician who positively impacts the lives of everyone around me.” Favorite subject: Life sciences. Favorite book: “The Power Of One” by Bryce Courtenay. Role model: My parents. “Their work ethic, compassion for others and steadfast support for me and my siblings embody what I want to grow up to be like.”
PARKWAY NORTH | TAL DEAN Academic rank: Top 5 percent. Sports: Baseball, basketball, soccer. Academic bio: Dartmouth Book Award; AP Scholar; academic all-state soccer. Athletic bio: October Parkway athlete of the month. Soccer: first team all-Suburban Conference, academic all-state, all-region. Baseball: honorable mention all-Suburban Conference, all-academic team. Activities: National Honor Society; student council; Israeli Scouts; Special Olympics; orchestra. College: Truman State University. Goal: “I hope to discover new life forms and leave a lasting impact on the world.” Favorite subject: Science. Favorite book: “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggin. Role model: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
PARKWAY SOUTH | GRACE ELLINGTON Sports: Basketball, soccer. Academic bio: Summa Cum Laude; math student of the month; MBCA academic allstate. Athletic bio: Basketball: Finished career with second most assists in program history; first team all-conference, Mercy athlete of the month (2021); all-district team, all-conference defensive team (three times); second team all-conference (2018, 2020); all-conference sportsmanship (2019). Activities: National Honor Society, youth basketball coach; volunteer: Special Olympics, Red Cross Blood Drive, St. Joseph Manchester Alumni. College, major: Milwaukee School of Engineering, actuarial science. Goal: “I want to graduate college and become an actuary. I hope I am involved in some sort of basketball program, hopefully coaching, because I love the sport.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Harry Potter” series.
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • C7 Role model: My mom. “She is one of the kindest people I know and would do anything for my sister and (me). She’s taught me to try new things, be kind to others, and never let anything get in the way of your dreams.”
PARKWAY WEST | LEAH SELM Sports: Soccer, cross country, basketball. Academic bio: AP Scholar; scholar athlete, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honors Society). Athletic bio: Cross country: state team runner-up (2018, 2020); individual all-district and all-state. Soccer: all-conference, offensive MVP. Activities: Captains Council, Blue Crew, DECA, High School Heroes. Volunteer: Folk Life Festival, tutoring students at Parkway West, Special Olympics buddy. College, major: University of Missouri, civil engineering. Goal: “One of my dreams since I was a young girl is to become a professional athlete. I hope after my college career I can get the opportunity to play at that next level.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand. Role model: My older brother, Blake. “He is outstanding not only in the classroom, but also in sports and everyday life. Having such a strong role model has helped me to become a compassionate person that is dedicated to my sports and studies.”
PATTONVILLE | KAELI BENEDICT Academic rank: 15 of 347. Sports: Soccer, basketball. Academic bio: Most Valuable Pirate, all-academic team, Pattonville Scholar Activity award, Pattonville Citizenship award, Pattonville Academic Letter. Athletic bio: Soccer: first team all-conference (twice); regional co-offensive player of the year, first team all-state (2019). Activities: Student council, Roe Kappa, National Honor Society. College: Missouri State University Goal: “I want to become a pediatric physical therapist.” Favorite subject: Science, specifically human anatomy. Favorite book: “Red Queen” series. Role model: My parents. “They both work their hardest to be the best at whatever they are doing and they push me to never give less than my best.”
PIASA SOUTHWESTERN | BRIANNA ROLOFF Academic rank: 1. Sports: Softball, volleyball. Academic bio: Silver Medallion; President’s award; Illinois State Scholar. Athletic bio: Softball: allconference (first team, 2019; third team, 2018). Volleyball: all-conference (third team); all-Macoupin County tournament (twice); other tournament honors. Activities: National Honor Society; Spanish Club; Community Service Club; Freshman Mentor; select softball; volunteer: middle school softball and volleyball programs. College: Kaskaskia College. Goal: “I hope to work in the sports management field as an adult. I also hope to accomplish all the goals I set for myself in the future.” Favorite subject: Computer design. Favorite book: “Wonder” by R. J. Palacio. Role model: My coach, Ashlyn Robinson. “She has always taught me the importance of hard work.”
PRINCIPIA | JACOB WARRICK Academic rank: Top 5. Sports: Wrestling, football, track and field. Academic bio: National Spanish Honor Society, Paul Brown Chemistry award, Rensselaer Medal award, National Merit Scholarship Letter of Commendation, Cum Laude. Athletic bio: Principia Scholar Athlete, athlete of the Week. Football: most valuable defensive player, most valuable player, Honor Core Value award. Wrestling: Garrett Moulton award. Activities: Dominican Republic Service Trip, Simunye Service Trip. College: Principia College. Goal: “I hope to one day become an aerospace engineer and to work on designing rockets and planes.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: The Bible. Role model: My dad. “He exemplifies excellence in everything he does.”
PRIORY | BRODY WHALEN Sports: Cross country, track and field. Academic bio: 4.5 student; 1st Honors (freshman-senior); Joel Huelsmann Award (sophomore); Annual Catholic Appeal Scholarship (junior); Dartmouth College Award (junior); Notre Dame Club of Saint Louis Scholarship (senior). Athletic bio: Cross Country: conference champion (2020-21); all-state, school record (2020); first team all-Metro League (four times); first team all-district and state qualifier (2018-20); newcomer of the year (2017). Track: all-Metro League (1600 and 3200); sectional qualifier in 3200 (2019). Activities: Cooking Club president; Youth Leadership Saint Louis; Mercy Hospital St. Louis volunteer; Tutoria president; Chess club; Diversity club; Junior Classical League; Student Ambassador; Math Madness; Scholar Bowl; theater; Medicine and Science Club; swim team. College: University of Notre Dame. Goal: “I aspire to reach a point in life wherein I can harmoniously serve my community, provide for my family, lead those who seek guidance, and of course, run.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Role model: My dad. “I have seen him in an exhausted state many times, and he still always manages to put others’ desires before those of his own.”
C8 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
RITENOUR | GUADALUPE RICO Academic rank: 10 of 381. Sports: Volleyball, soccer, swimming. Academic bio: Mu Alpha Theta (president), National Honor Society, 4.0 and top 10 (all four years). Athletic bio: Best offensive player (20172018), MVP award (2019-2020), varsity captain (2020-2021). Activities: Work at Panda Express. “I also have a small business where I sell personalized keychains.” College, major: Maryville University, nursing. Goal: “I want to become a nurse and work in the NICU or delivery room.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Runaway Twin.” Role model: My mom. “She has done so much for my five siblings and me. She has pushed us all to become better people and continue to dream big and accomplish our goals.”
RIVERVIEW GARDENS | SHARINA FOWLER Academic rank: 3. Sports: Volleyball. Academic bio: AP classes; top 10 (four years); proficient on every EOC; National Honor Society; Summa Cum Laude; student of the month (twice); Senior Class president. Athletic bio: Sportsmanship by other schools on behalf of SPHSAAA. Activities: Scored a 2 on violin solo and a 2 on choir solo; speech and debate team historian (2018-19); College Ambassador; student council; JSLT president; Gateway 2 Change; ETS; more than 30 community service hours; Link Crew leader. College: Western Illinois University. Goal: “I hope to make it through college. I hope to graduate at the top of my college class. Then soon after join the Navy, where I can gain background experience with my degree. Then after I hope to be able to go to Quantico in Virginia and graduate from there.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “The other Wes Moore” by Wes Moore. Role model: My mother. “Her strong words of encouragement, and her dedication, and drive to make sure her children are great and successful is what motivates me.”
SCHOLAR ATHLETES Role model: My mom. “She has helped me with my academics and has always been my biggest supporter in athletics.”
SOLDAN | FRANCESKA PETERSON Academic rank: 8 of 123. Sports: Volleyball. Activities: “I am a very creative person, so when I’m not playing volleyball I make jewelry such as bracelets.” College: St. Louis Community College. Goal: “I want to able to become my own boss so I can give people a chance to better themselves to get wherever I am.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park. Role model: My dad. “He taught me that to get to get to the finer things in life you have to put in the work.”
STEAM ACADEMY AT MSBERKELEY | CHEYENNE MELVIN Academic rank: 5. Sports: Volleyball, track and field. Academic bio: Honors courses; HOBY Leadership Seminar winner. Athletic bio: Track and Field state champion. Activities: Student council; HOBY Leadership volunteer; running. College: Arkansas State. Goal: “Neonatal nurse practitioner and possibly a professional athlete” Favorite subject: Chemistry. Favorite book: “So B. It” by Sarah Weeks. Role model: American middle distance runner Athing Mu.
ST. CHARLES | TREY WARD
Tube videos. College: Undecided. Goal: “A pro football player or YouTube creator.” Favorite subject: Biology. Favorite book: “The Lost Boy.” Role model: Kevin Garnett.
Sports: Wrestling, football. Academic bio: Academic all-conference (football, wrestling); academic all-state (wrestling). Athletic bio: Wrestling: Class 2 champion at 195 pounds, district champion, sectional champion and GAC wrestler of the year (2021); four-time state qualifier and three-time medal winner; Athletic Certificate of Recognition from Missouri House of Representatives. Football: School’s single-game rushing record holder; all-GAC North first team offensive athlete and defense, secodn team running back. Activities: Working out, wrestling, long distance jogging. College: Central Methodist University. Goal: “I set myself up to be able to choose multiple paths, like continuing in school to become a homicide detective, along with possibly continuing in wrestling and try for the Olympics.” Favorite subject: Forensic science. Favorite book: “The Night She Disappeared” by April Henry. Role model: Coach Kinworthy. “He has so many accomplishments in the sport of wrestling, and that has been my inspiration since my freshman year.”
ROSATI-KAIN | HANNA AL-BAAJ
ST. CHARLES WEST | SAM PAPIN
Sports: Basketball, soccer, cross country. Academic bio: Missouri State All Inclusive Excellence Scholarship; Missouri State Academic Distinction Scholarship. Athletic bio: Basketball: conference offensive player of the year (2021); first team all-conference (three years); second team all-conference (one year); scores more than 1,000 points; Post-Dispatch player of the week (2018). Soccer: all-conference and second team all-state (two years). College: Missouri State University. Goal: “Neonatal nurse.” Favorite subject: Anatomy. Favorite book: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Role model: My sister, Salema. “She is 2 years older than me and I’ve looked up to her my entire life. She is intelligent, beautiful, kind and everything I strived to be.”
Academic rank: 5. Sports: Soccer, tennis. Academic bio: State contender in FBLA competitions (2018, 2019, 2020); Summa Cum Laude; Chosen Participant of Boys State (2020). Athletic bio: Soccer: Class 2 state runner-up team (2018); first team all-conference (2019, 2020); all-region and all-state honorable mention (2020); second team all-conference (2017, 2018); team rookie of the year (2017). Tennis: rookie of the year (2018); GAC No. 1 singles, third place (2019); GAC No. 3 doubles, third place (2018); GAC No. 5 singles, first place (2018). Activities: Future Business Leaders of America; Breakfast Club; NHS; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Key Club; robotics; El Salvador Mission Trip; high school youth group. College: Missouri S&T. Goal: “I hope to have and support a family and to be a devoted husband and father. I hope to coach my kids in sports and whatever activities they enjoy. I will be too competitive in yard games, slow pitch softball, and pickle ball, but I will still dominate when I am old.” Favorite subjects: Physics and robotics. Favorite book: “Unbroken.” Role model: My parents. “They have showed me the importance of faith and virtues in my life.”
ROOSEVELT | RICHARD LEWIS JR. Academic rank: 7. Sports: Football. Academic bio: Most Improved: ROTC, psychology, Spanish. Activities: Play sports, read, play video games, make You-
ROXANA | MACIE LUCAS Academic rank: 1. Sports: Soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country. Academic bio: Academic excellence (GPA 3.5 or better); presidents academic excellence (GPA 3.7 or better); RHS attendance award; Silver Medallion; National Honor Society; IHSA all-state academic honorable mention. Athletic bio: Cross country: county and conference team champion; volleyball: second and third team all-conference; soccer: conference and regional team champion (2018, 2019); first and second team all-conference; honorable mention all-sectional. Activities: Student council; class secretary; pep club; Busey Bank Financial literacy program; Mississippi Valley regional blood drive; youth volleyball helper; vacation Bible school; student council Kids Christmas. College: Columbia College. Goal: “My long-term goals are to graduate with my accounting degree, pass my CPA exam and contribute to the business world.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath. Role model: My sister. “I have learned so much from her and admire her for her determination for success, her ability to talk and be friends with anyone, and her kindness.”
SECKMAN | GRANT SALSMAN Academic rank: 30 of 401. Sports: Baseball, football. Academic bio: National Honor Society; Spanish National Honor Society; Beta Club; Academic letter. Athletic bio: Football: allconference. Activities: Letterman’s club; DECA; volunteer: food pantry, elementary classrooms. College: University of Missouri. Goal: “I hope to become a sports journalist at ESPN and cover major sporting events.” Favorite subject: History. Favorite book: “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.”
ST. CLAIR | ALLY NEWTON Sports: Volleyball, basketball, track and field, soccer, golf. Academic bio: Renaissance Gold Card. Athletic bio: Sportsmanship of the year award; two-time defensive player of the year; most improved player. Activities: Pep Club. Goal: “My future plans are to attend college to become a pediatric physical therapist. I want to graduate college, have a successful job and a happy family.” Favorite subject: Science. Favorite book: “Tuesdays with Morrie.” Role model: My parents. “They are the strongest, most hardworking people I know.”
ST. DOMINIC | ASHLEY MARTINEZ Academic rank: 11. Sports: Soccer. Academic bio: National Honor Society. Athletic bio: AAA first team, AAA newcomer of the year, all-state first team and offensive player of the year, Region 2 first team and player of the year (all during the 2018-2019 season). Activities: Ambassadors Program president and Head of House in St. Dominic House System; volunteer: Crisis Nursery, St. Vincent de Paul, SPENSA; also a soccer coach for younger children with St. Louis Scott Gallagher. College, major: University of Wisconsin, biology with plan to pursue a medical degree. Goal: “If doors open, I would love to continue my soccer career after college; however, I also hope to become a successful pediatric surgeon and donate my time and efforts to giving
back to others.” Favorite subject: Science. Favorite book: “The Great Gatsby.” Role model: My grandpa. “Due to his resilience, determination, and fight. He taught me to never give up on anything, and I am so grateful for the impact he had on my life.”
ST. LOUIS U. HIGH | J. DANIEL HOGAN Sports: Cross country, track and field. Academic bio: First honors in Scholarship (all semesters). Athletic bio: Conference champion, first team all-district (senior year); SLUH team awards: The Wall Award (freshman and junior years); The Linhares Award (senior year). Activities: Class Pastoral team, Senior Advisor for Freshmen, Sodality Of Mary, Student Teacher Association for Racial Studies (STARS), Men for Life (addresses issues affecting social justice and human life). College: University of Mary (Bismarck, N.D.). Goal: “I’m not sure yet, but I hope it combines athletics, great books and service to others.” Favorite subject: English. Favorite book: “’Til We Have Faces” by C. S. Lewis. Role model: Eric Liddell.
ST. MARY’S | CODY CORNELL Academic rank: Top 5 percent. Sports: Football, wrestling. Academic bio: Mu Alpha Theta and Beta Chi Pi (math and science honors); National Honor Society (voted Officer of the Society); Annual Catholic Appeal Scholarship award; Renaissance awardGold (academic achievement); Fr. Richard O’Shaughnessy Award. Accepted into following groups in and out of St. Mary’s: St. Mary’s Leadership Team, Focus Youth Leadership St. Louis (YLSL), Missouri Boys State. Athletic bio: Football: all-state academic award, all-conference first team and second team all-district offensive line. Activities: Theater, campus ministry, youth ministry, ambassador program; volunteer: Fr. Bob’s Outreach Food Shelter, Val Community Garden, and the Dutchtown South Community Corporation; 145 logged and confirmed service hours both internal and external from St. Mary’s. College, major: Western Illinois University, agriculture and pre-law. Goal: “I want to become a lawyer that helps and serves the people that are around me.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck. Role model: Ronald Reagan.
ST. PIUS X | HANNAH SCHAPPE Academic rank: 1. Sports: Cross country, soccer. Academic bio: National Honor Society; Jefferson County Honors Band. Athletic bio: Cross country: third place team at state (2020); state qualifier (two years). Activities: Executive Council Member (four years); campus ministry (four years); Common Sense Society/Debate Club vice president (senior); vice president of the Class of 2021 (sophomore); Pro-Life Club (senior); Science Club/Titration Team (junior); co-creator of Show-Me Weights video contest winner (sophomore); Junior Achievement volunteer (junior); St. Joseph’s Ignite Retreat counselor (two years). College: St. Louis University. Goal: “I hope to become a dentist. My ultimate goal is to be able to serve those in my community that cannot afford dental care. I would love to give back to my high school in any way possible. My best friend and I have told our cross country coach that we are taking over his position when he retires. I want to continue to grow in my faith and make time for my friends and family.” Favorite subject: Science. Favorite book: “The Vanishing Half.” Role model: My mom. “She was the first person in her family to attend college and she earned her EdD in Educational Leadership. She is now the Dean of the School of Education at Maryville University. My mom taught me the value of hard work and the power of education.”
STAUNTON | LYDIA ROLLER Academic rank: 1 of 88. Sports: Cross country, track and field. Academic bio: Illinois State Scholar; Silver Medallion Recipient; National Honor Society; IHSA all-academic first team. Athletic bio: Cross country: Class 1A state runner-up (2018, 2019); Post-Dispatch All-Metro runner of the year (2019); PostDispatch All-Decade first team selection; Class 1A 17th-place finish (2017). Track: Class 2A 1600-meter state runner-up and 3200 fourth place (2019); Post-Dispatch All-Metro first team (2019); 2A 1600 sixth place and 3200 fifth place (2018). Activities: Bulldog Business Club; Bulldog Betterment Club; Marching Band; Model UN; Scholastic Bowl; Municipal Band. College: University of Missouri. Goal: “My goal is to become a rural healthcare physician and work to eliminate the disparities in the rural healthcare field.” Favorite subject: Chemistry. Favorite books: “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho and “When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi. Role model: My sister. “Everything she does is with the intent of achieving perfection.”
SULLIVAN | HANNA JOHANNING Academic rank: 4 of 157. Sports: Softball, basketball, track. Academic bio: Rotary Top 10; Renaissance Teachers Choice; Post-Dispatch “A” Student Program; Outstanding Attendance; Rotary Bernard Schmidt Award for Outstanding Character; National Honor Society secretary; softball 4.0 academic excellence, all-conference and all-state; basketball 4.0 academic excellence, all-conference; track
M 1 • THURSDAY • 05.20.2021 4.0 academic excellence, all-conference. Athletic bio: Softball: Post-Dispatch All-Metro first and second teams; all-conference, alldistrict, all-region and all-state first teams; team MVP, offensive and defensive player of the year; players Choice Award; conference player of the year. Basketball: Sportsmanship and players choice awards; team defensive player of the year; all-district; all-conference second team. Track and Field: state qualifier; team most outstanding jumper; first team allconference and all-district. Activities: Chamber Choir; Show Choir; Pep Club; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; student council; Link Crew; A+ program. Volunteer: Homers 4 Hope; academic tutoring underclassmen; singing national anthem at sporting events, political gatherings, and city and county events; singing solos/duets for Veterans concert; bell ringing for Salvation Army; 5-Kaden; Special Olympics; High Five Friday at Primary School with basketball and softball teams; summer camps for basketball and softball; sports boosters 3 on 3 basketball tournament and golf tournament fundraiser; Christmas cookie baking and delivery; MercyBlood Drive. College, major: Florida International University, elementary education. Goal: “My goal is to make a positive impact in every child’s life that I get to be a part of.” Favorite subject: History. Favorite book: “Legend” by Marie Lu. Role model: Assistant softball coach Heidi Blankenship. “She cares so much about her athletes.”
SUMMIT | TY BRUNK Sports: Wrestling (four years), football (one year), lacrosse (three years). Academic bio: Academic Falcon Award (twice); highest GPA on football team (2017, 2018); Gold Scholastic Athletic Achievement (four years); Falcon Flight (2021). Athletic bio: All-conference first team (2021), second team (2020); wrestling: two-time state qualifier and Class 3 fourth-place finish at 160 pounds; 111 career victories; only two-time RISE Award winner in school history. Activities: Wrestling Leadership Council (four years); Play Hard/Eat Smart (four years); Wrestling Mentor (two years); volunteer coach for Rockwood Lindbergh wrestling (2019); ref for youth flag football (2019); ref for youth wrestling (2020); assistant teacher for 1-yearold through school-age children. College, major: Purdue University, engineering. Goal: “I hope to graduate with my undergrad in engineering and then possibly proceed to a master’s degree in business. I am also interested in international study as well as multilingual opportunities.” Favorite subject: History. Favorite book: “Scythe.” Role model: “My dad, Jason Brunk, is my life coach and role model because I see him as a person that has the attributes and achievements like I want to become.”
SUMNER | DONNYELL GREEN Academic rank: 7. Sports: Basketball. Academic bio: St. Louis Public Schools scholar athlete (2019). Activities: Baseball, football. College: University of Missouri. Goal: “Becoming an NBA player.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Malcolm X.” Role model: “My parents because they push me to become greater than them.”
THOMAS JEFFERSON | MARISSA PANETHIERE Sports: Volleyball, soccer, basketball. Academic bio: Summa Cum Laude; Gold Medalist, National Italian Exam; Highest Honors, National Greek Exam; Wellesley College Book Award; ITS President’s Scholar; AP Scholar with Honor. Athletic bio: Soccer: team MVP. Volleyball: second team and honorable mention allconference. Activities: Veterinary Technician Assistant at Brentwood Animal Hospital; founder of SafeTee PPE; school yearbook editor; school newspaper copy editor; captain of Mock Trial. College: University of Notre Dame. Goal: “I know that whatever I do, I want to serve my community and change the world for the better.” Favorite subject: “Being at one of the few high schools in the country to teach Ancient Greek, I got the rare opportunity to find a class that truly engage me both linguistically and philosophically. Learning Greek and getting to unpack ancient languages within the classroom was an invaluable experience that I hope I continue in my undergraduate study.” Favorite book: “A River Runs Through It” by Norman MacLean. Role model: “I truly admire so many of my coworkers at the animal hospital where I work because of their constant dedication in doing very difficult jobs to ensure the safety and health of the animals that we see every day. Working alongside them has really shown me what it means to be a selfless human being.”
TIMBERLAND | ZACH RENZ Academic rank: 13 of 467. Sports: Soccer. Academic bio: Academic allstate and all-conference. Athletic bio: United Soccer Coaches all-region; team MVP, first team all-region and allstate (twice); first team all-conference (three times); Timberland athlete of the month (twice). Activities: Superintendent Student Advisory Council; ACT Counts; Spanish Club. Goal: “I hope to become a mechanical engineer, but hopeful to become a professional soccer player.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Harry Potter” series. Role model: My parents. “They showed me why you have to stay motivated to achieve what you want in this life.”
05.20.2021 • THURSDAY • M 1
SCHOLAR ATHLETES
TRIAD | GRACE GIACOLETTO
URSULINE | SHELBY MEAD
Academic rank: 4 of 298. Sports: Soccer. Academic bio: English and History Awards of Excellence; Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; Spanish Honor Society; Academic Letter; Student Appreciation Award, Summa Cum Laude. Athletic bio: Class 2A team state third place (2019). Activities: Student council treasurer; Link Crew leader; Math Team; Brighter Futures; Students for Systemic Solutions; Academic Challenge Team; boys soccer broadcaster; Spirit Club. College: Appalachian State University. Goal: “I plan to become a psychiatrist, specifically research and work in oneirology, which is the study of dreams.” Favorite subjects: Math, science. Favorite book: “Alaska” by John Green (and anything written by my grandma, Loretta Giacoletto).
Sports: Dance. Academic bio: 2021 Missouri Top 100 Scholar, Bausch and Lomb Scientific Achievement Award, First Honors. Athletic bio: State Dance Competition- Division 4a 4th place (2020, 2021); 2020 NDA Nationals finalist. Activities: President of Ursuline Academy’s National Honors Society, Studio C Competition Line, Mu Alpha Theta. College: Colorado State University. Goal: “I hope to be an environmental scientist.” Favorite subject: Science, especially physics and anatomy. Favorite book: “Twilight.” Role model: My theology teacher, Sister Mary Ann Dooling. “She inspires me to live out my values of social justice.”
TRINITY | LAUREN SWINDLE Academic rank: 10. Sports: Volleyball, swimming, basketball, soccer. Academic bio: National Honor Society vice president; outstanding achievement in Math, FACS, Spanish and Religion. Athletic bio: Volleyball: first team all-district (2020); honorable mention all-district (2019). Soccer: honorable mention all-conference (2018). Activities: Student council (four years), student ambassador, member of campus ministry. Volunteer: More than 220 hours of Christian service throughout high school. College: Rockhurst University. Goal: “I aspire to be a kind, responsible, and well-educated individual who can have a positive effect in our society.” Favorite subject: Spanish. Favorite book: “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. Role model: My mom. “I admire her for her perseverance during times of struggle, her compassion for those around her, and her efficiency when there is a lot going on.”
TROY BUCHANAN | GRIFFIN ST. PIERRE Academic rank: 89 of 388. Sports: Golf, basketball. Academic bio: Academic allconference (four years); A+ Student; TBHS scholar athlete award (2017-2021). Athletic bio: Basketball: GAC South player of the year (2021); first team all-GAC South (2020); all-district (2020, 2021). Golf: first team all-GAC South, all-district (2018, 2019, 2021); state qualifier (2019, 2021). Activities: Troy FFA, GROUP Mission Trips, First Christian Church, The Key volunteer, Buddy Bags volunteer. College: McKendree University. Goal: “I hope to be able to work for a professional sports team.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “The Jordan Rules” by Sam Smith. Role model: My dad. “He has taught me the value of hard work and how to be successful, but also how to remain humble while doing so.”
UNION | REAGAN RAPERT Academic rank: Top 10 percent. Sports: Basketball, softball, track and field. Academic bio: National Honor Society; Varsity Club; academic all-conference; Outstanding Student award. Athletic bio: Basketball: Post-Dispatch AllMetro second team (2020, 2021); Class 5 third-place team finisher at Union (2021); Miss Show-Me Finalist (2021); district MVP (2020, 2021); Four Rivers Conference MVP (2021); first team all-state, first team all-conference (2020); Class 2 Arkansas player of the year, state champion and all-state tournament team (2019); all-state tournament team, allstate, final four team qualifier (2018). Softball: first team all-district, first team all-conference (2020); final four team, all-state (2019); allstate (2018). Track: state champion team, allstate (2019); all-state (2018). Activities: Volunteer: nursing homes, after school child care, Relay for Life charity fundraiser for American Cancer Society. Hobbies: any outdoor activities. College: Wofford College. Goal: “I want to wake up every morning knowing that I get to go to a job that I love.” Favorite subjects: Math, English. Favorite book: “Make Your Bed,” by William H. McRaven. Role model: My parents. “I have looked up to them since I was little because of the examples they have set for me.”
UNIVERSITY CITY | MERRICK HOEL Academic rank: 6. Sports: Cross country, track and field, soccer. Academic bio: Golden Lion award. Athletic bio: Cross country: all-state finisher (12th, 2018, 16th, 2019); three-year state qualifier; team MVP (three years). Track: all-conference, 1600 and 3200 (2019); top newcomer. Soccer: allconference (2018). Activities: Students On the Go; Sports Medicine Club; Diversity Awareness Program; Youth Ambassador. Volunteer: Ucity in Bloom. Hobbies: fashion/thrift shopping, photography, drawing. College: Occidental College. Goal: “I am looking for a career path that will challenge me, keep me interested, and make a positive impact on the world.” Favorite subject: Psychology. Favorite book: “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer. Role model: “My cross country and track coach, Ms. Bromberg, is the most kindhearted and caring person that I have come across. She provides tremendous support for me and my team, and is a role model I know will have my back for whatever advice I need in the future.”
VALLEY PARK | KENZIE CRADER Academic rank: 17 of 63. Sports: Softball, basketball, track and field. Academic bio: Gold Scholar Athlete Award for basketball (2020, 2021); softball (201720) and track (2018, 2019); Silver Scholar Athlete Award for basketball (2018, 2019). Athletic bio: Track: school record in shot put; SCAA team champion (2018, 2019). Softball: SCAA team champion (2017-2019). Activities: FBLA, NBHS, NHS; select softball for the Southside Prospects ‘03; volunteer: Valentines for Canines Dog Food Drive; NHS Blood Drive; gathered and donated snacks for First Responders. College: Lincoln University. Goal: “I will pursue a career in law enforcement.” Favorite subject: Social justice and law classes. Favorite book: “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah. Role model: Dolly Parton.
VALMEYER | JACOB ROWOLD Academic rank: 7 of 45. Sports: Baseball, basketball (four years each). Academic bio: Valmeyer High School Student of Character Award (ninth-10th grades); Daughters of the American Revolution Award (2020). Athletic bio: Valmeyer athlete of the week (baseball and basketball; sophomore and junior); Gateway Bruins fall 2020 player of the year and 2020 organization player of the year; all-conference (basketball, 2019-21; baseball, 2019). Activities: National Honor Society; Model UN member; Fellow Christian Athletes; Future Educator of America. College: Southwestern Illinois College. Goal: “I hope to follow my dreams of playing baseball at the college level and beyond.” Favorite subject: U.S. History. Favorite book: “The Hobbit.” Role model: “My role models are twofold. One answer is my parents, Kelly and Jeff Rowold. They have taught me about perseverance, humility, loyalty and most importantly about love. The second role model is someone I have never personally met but know of due to his amazing career and what he was like as a human being ... Stan Musial. I also have a huge amount of respect and have always looked up to Michael Jordan.”
VASHON | CHRISSY DUDLEY Academic rank: 1. Sports: Volleyball, basketball, soccer. Academic bio: National Honor Society. Goal: “I hope to accomplish becoming a professional business person and make good decisions.” Favorite subject: Math. “I like (the) different ways you can teach it.” Favorite book: “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas. Role model: Eric Thomas. “He is a great motivational speaker and his words just speak to me and motivate me.”
VIANNEY | NICK LEDWON Sports: Football. Academic bio: Bright Flight Scholarship; George Washington Carver award; Science, Spanish, Math Honor societies; National Honor Society; Order of the Griffin; Marianist Award. Athletic bio: First team all-district; second team all-conference; academic all-state (twice). Activities: Vianney High School Griffin of the Year (2021); school youth group leader; blood drive organizer; student ambassador; Link crew leader; Special Olympics volunteer. College: Benedictine College. Goal: “I hope to double major in finance and international business, get my master’s in business administration, and become a financial analyst.” Favorite subject: Mathematics, especially calculus. Favorite book: “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Role model: My grandpa. “He has worked extremely hard his entire life to support his family and succeed while also remembering what is most important in life. He is extremely patient and kind to those around him while still being one of my number one supporters.”
VILLA DUCHESNE | LIZZIE BARLOW Sports: Tennis, soccer (four years). Academic bio: National Spanish exam national recognition (three years). Athletic bio: Tennis: Class 1 singles state champion and team champion; Post-Dispatch All-Metro first team (2021). Soccer: second team all-MWAA. College, major: St. Louis University, speech and language scholars program. Goal: “I hope to become a speech and language pathologist.” Favorite subject: Anything in the sciences. Favorite book: “Hidden Figures.” Role model: Older brother, Tom Barlow. “He taught me that you cannot always be the best
but you can be the hardest-working person out there.”
VISITATION | SOPHIA MCLELLAN Sports: Tennis. Academic bio: National Honor Society; St. Michael’s College Book Award; Missouri Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish). Athletic bio: Class 2 state doubles champion and team state champion (2020); No. 1 player on team (four years); Post-Dispatch All-Metro first team (2019, 2020); Class 1 doubles state finalist (2019); Class 1 doubles seventh place and team state finalist (2018); Class 1 doubles fifth place (2017). Activities: National Honor Society executive; Spanish Club co-president; volunteer: Meals for a Million and the Cinderella Project. College: University of Missouri (honors college). Goal: “I hope to continue my passion for both academics and athletics, grow in my faith and create lifelong memories.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio. Role model: My mom. “I have never met someone so determined and positive, and I am lucky to be her daughter.”
WARRENTON | KENNADY ESTES Academic rank: 2 of 238. Sports: Softball. Academic bio: Academic allconference (four years) and all-state (two years). Athletic bio: First team allGAC North and all-district (2019, 2020); first team all-region (2020). Activities: National Honors Society (secretary); French Club; yearbook editor; student council (historian); Key Club; A+ Program; Link Crew; select softball for St. Louis Stix. College: Illinois Wesleyan University. Goal: “I plan to earn a doctorate degree in physical therapy and own my own physical therapy practice.” Favorite subjects: Chemistry and physics. Favorite book: “Relentless” by Tim Grover. Role model: My high school softball coach, Chad Berrey. “He has taught me how to put others first and work hard for what I want.”
WASHINGTON | MIA REED Academic rank: 28 of 300. Sports: Cross country, wrestling, track and field. Academic bio: Four-time renaissance recipient; Spelling Bee champion. Athletic bio: Cross country: Four-time state qualifier, three-time state medalist; three-time all-GAC. Wrestling: threetime state qualifier, two-time state medalist; three-time GAC champion. Track: State qualifier in six events; one state medal, one state championship. Activities: CAPS program; volunteer: at church as a PSR teacher and helping with church breakfasts and dinners. Hobbies: reading, sewing. College: Missouri Baptist University. Goal: “I hope to have a successful running career in college and get my degree in accounting and eventually become a CPA.” Favorite subject: Math. Favorite book: “Scythe” by Neil Shusterman. Role model: My sister, Mikayla Reed. “She does whatever she can to help others and always pushes me to be my best.”
WATERLOO | BREEYN GARRETT Academic rank: 13 of 188. Sports: Cheerleading, volleyball, soccer. Academic bio: National Honor Society; 4.0 club; highest GPA on cheer team (2018). Athletic bio: Cheerleading: all-conference (2020); most improved (2019). Activities: Student council class and board officer (class secretary board event and fundraising coordinator). Volunteer: school blood drive, decorated nursing home for Christmas, Pumpkin Fest. College: University of Missouri. Goal: “I want to create a happy, healthy lifestyle for myself where I genuinely enjoy my career and have the freedom to travel and explore the world with friends and family.” Favorite subject: English. Favorite book: “Modern Romance.”
WEBSTER GROVES | KELLY COLLINS Sports: Softball. Academic bio: National Honor Society; Top Hat Award (2021); Renaissance Award (four years); scholar athlete (four years); academic allState (three years). Athletic bio: Post-Dispatch All-Metro second team, first team all-state, Class 4 state team champion, Statesmen Award (2021); first team all-district (three years); second team all-conference (two years). Activities: Athletic Training Club; PACERS. College, major: Lake Forest College, biochemistry. Goal: “I’m hoping to go into forensic toxicology or work on an evidence response team.” Favorite subject: Chemistry. Favorite book: “The Queens Gambit.” Role model: My parents. “My dad has an amazing work ethic and puts a lot of time into a job he cares a lot about. He is a great coach and always makes time to hit me ground balls or throw front toss, and to travel all over for my tournaments almost every weekend. My mom has been to every single one of my games. She is always there for me and is such a caring and loving person who is always there to listen.”
WESCLIN | LUKE SERRANO Academic rank: Top 10. Sports: Basketball, golf, football, baseball. Academic bio: National Honor Society. Athletic bio: All-Cahokia Conference. Activities: FCA; Knights of Columbus; volunteer: helping at my Parish’s dinners and church picnic; Special Olympics. College: Southwestern Illinois College. Goal: “I hope to mold into a figure that my co-workers and everyone around me can look up to.” Favorite subject: Math.
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH • C9 Favorite book: “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.” Role model: My mother. “I hope to someday obtain her work ethic. She does not complain when life gets hard, she adapts and overcomes the issue. She is very unselfish. She has always put my brother and I first.”
WESTMINSTER | EMMA VOLDING Sports: Volleyball, lacrosse. Academic bio: AMC 10B test high scorer (top 25 percent nationally and top score in school). Athletic bio: Academic allstate. Activities: Peer counselor, National Honor Society. College, major: Clemson University, bioengineering. Goal: “I hope that no matter what I end up doing that I can help improve the lives around me.” Favorite subject: Biology. Favorite book: “The Glass Castle.” Role model: My older sister, Maddie Volding. “She is so hardworking, and just a great example through her academics, athletics and faith.”
WHITFIELD | LOGAN FERRERO Academic rank: Top 25 percent of class. Sports: Wrestling. Academic bio: Academic all-state (four years); 2020 KMOX/SEMO student of achievement; 3.88 GPA. Athletic bio: Two-time individual state champion; four-team team state champion; Class 1 District 1 wrestler of the year (2019); PostDispatch All-Metro first team. Activities: Volunteer: Ronald McDonald House; various youth wrestling tournaments. College: Duke University. Goal: “I hope to become an orthopedic surgeon.” Favorite subject: Biology. Favorite book: “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand. Role model: My dad. “He’s been a big reason I am where I am today. He introduced me to wrestling when I was 6 years old and it has brought me to places I would’ve never dreamed of. He’s taught me work ethic, perseverance, and determination.”
WINDSOR | PIPER MONTGOMERY Academic rank: Summa Cum Laude. Sports: Softball, basketball, soccer. Academic bio: Academic allstate; National Honor Society; French Honor Society; Missouri Association of Student Councils Distinguished Student Leader. Athletic bio: Softball: JCAA co-offensive player of the year; first team all-state, allconference, all-district, all-region. Basketball: first team all-conference, all-district. Soccer: first team all-district. Activities: Student Council, Character Council, Spanish Club, Special Olympics Ambassador, Windsor C-1 Student Ambassador. College, major: SIU Edwardsville, biological sciences. Goal: “To pursue an occupation in the medical field.” Favorite subject: Anatomy and physiology. Favorite book: “Just Look Up” by Joe Beckman. Role model: Michelle Obama.
WINFIELD | CHLOE KAIMANN Academic rank: 5. Sports: Volleyball, basketball. Academic bio: Winfield High scholar athlete of the month (2018); academic all-conference (four years). Athletic bio: Volleyball: first team all-conference (2019, 2020); first team all-district (2020); second team all-district (2019); second team all-conference, honorable mention all-district (2018). Activities: FFA, National Honor Society, Student Council, FCA; hobbies include painting, baking, raising show cattle. College, major: Quincy University. Goal: “I hope to graduate college with a nursing degree and have a successful career as a nurse.” Favorite subject: Anatomy. Role model: My mom, Jessica Kaimann. “My mother loves and supports our family very much and is someone I can always count on. I look up to my mom and strive to have these same qualities.”
WOOD RIVER | JAYDEN ULRICH Academic rank: 27. Sports: Track and field, basketball, tennis. Academic bio: National Honor Society. Athletic bio: Three-time AllAmerican; 2019 Class 2A state champion in shot put, state runner-up in discus; Illinois shot put state record holder. Activities: Working out, lifting weights. College: Indiana University. Goal: “I would like to become a wildlife conservationist.” Favorite subject: Physical education. Favorite book: “Life as We Knew It” by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Role model: My coach, Russ Colona. “He has pushed me to do my best and has always been a person I can rely on heavily.”
WRIGHT CITY | FLORIAN MULLER-WILLIAMS Academic rank: 1 of 106. Sports: Cross country, track and field, soccer. Academic bio: National Honor Society; student of the month (four times); student of the year (once). Athletic bio: Most improved in cross country 2019. Activities: Student Leadership Council, Marching band, Jazz band, Concert band, donations for various causes. College, major: Missouri S&T. Goal: “I hope to become an engineer.” Favorite subject: Physics. Favorite book: “Red Rising.” Role model: My cross country coach, Mr. Billy Garrett. “Being the only person I had as both a teacher and a coach in some of my most challenging classes, he taught me how to push myself both as a scholar and as an athlete.”
C10 • ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
SCHOLAR ATHLETES
M 1 • THURSDAY • 05.20.2021
Swindle unexpectedly filled need in Trinity’s final basketball season
PARTING
SHOTS RANDY KEMP, SPECIAL TO STLHIGHSCHOOLSPORTS.COM
Lauren Swindle is Trinity Catholic’s final Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete. Swindle was a four-sport athlete her senior year, including an unplanned season on the basketball team. BY DAVID KVIDAHL
STLhighschoolsports.com
Lauren Swindle never intended to play four varsity sports her senior year at Trinity. Her plan — she always has a plan — was to continue in volleyball in the fall, swimming in the winter and then savor her final soccer season in the spring after losing her junior season to the coronavirus pandemic. For a brief moment this winter, she considered joining the girls wrestling team, the first in school history, but ultimately decided against it. “I was tempted,” Swindle said. “I could do that.” It wasn’t until Trinity girls basketball coach Connor Grumich came to her and made his pitch that Swindle changed her plan. With five girls on the team, the Titans needed at least one more to have any sort of legitimate chance at a season. Swindle played on the junior varsity as a freshman, but gave it up to swim as a sophomore and junior. Now, Grumich was asking her to sacrifice for the greater good. Trinity needed her. Swindle couldn’t refuse. “I decided to be full time for basketball and come to swim meets when I could,” Swindle said. “I really enjoyed playing basketball.” It would have been easy to be miserable. Trinity lost its first 16 games and finished the sea-
son 1-18. The Titans scored 20 or fewer points eight times. On January 26, they lost to Cardinal Ritter 56-2. Swindle, 18, made the most of it. At 5-foot-4 she’s on the smaller side for guards. At Trinity she was one of the taller girls on the roster and played in the post. She averaged 10.1 rebounds per game and hauled in a career-high 19 against Valley Park. “We fought every game,” Swindle said. “That’s all we could ask for.” Mere days after the basketball season ended, the Archdiocese of St. Louis announced Trinity would close at the end of this school year. It was a gut punch for the community, but it landed particularly hard on Swindle. “It’s like when someone dies, the seven stages of grief,” Swindle said. “We’ve all accepted it and are moving on.” Trinity’s roots are Swindle’s roots. Trinity was formed when St. Thomas Aquinas, Mercy and Rosary high schools were merged into one in 2003. Two of Swindle’s siblings, her mother, aunt, two uncles and six cousins all attended Trinity or the schools that became Trinity. “My whole dad’s side went to Mercy or Aquinas-Mercy, my mom’s side were all Rosary,” said Emily Seithel, Swindle’s older sister and Trinity’s volleyball coach the last two years. “(Lauren) wanted to go there and excel
and make a name for herself, even more so than my brother and I.” Swindle has done that and then some. Trinity’s Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete, Swindle has become the face of her school in her time. Literally. Swindle was featured prominently in promotional materials for Trinity. She’d show up in the mail box, in email inboxes, on Facebook and Twitter. If you’re connected to Trinity you have seen Swindle. “It’s endless,” Seithel said with a laugh. “She’s everywhere.” Swindle has accumulated 220 service hours in high school. She volunteered at open houses, trivia nights and auctions at Trinity. Academically, Swindle aggressively pursued the most rigorous classes she could handle. As a junior, she took Spanish, history, math and literature courses that count toward college credit. As a senior, she took another round of Spanish, math and literature for more college credits. When she arrives on campus at Rockhurst University in the fall she’ll have banked enough credits she’ll practically be a sophomore. Swindle had the inklings of this plan back in eighth grade. She knew she wanted to maximize her opportunities at Trinity. If there was a chance to get college level credits without having to pay a full college rate, she was going to make
it happen. “You’re able to get things done at a cheaper cost,” Swindle said. Aside from school and sports, Swindle has had a steady job most of her time in high school. She worked at Dairy Queen for more than three years, did a stint at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center and briefly at a golf course. She recently started a new job with Old Navy. “She’s absolutely unbelievable,” Trinity soccer coach Don Schmidt said. “Her work ethic, morals and attitude, for a kid today it’s remarkable.” Swindle has played varsity soccer all four years at Trinity. She started as a striker, but this year the team needed her to move into the midfield. She did so without hesitation and has continued to be an offensive spark as she’s scored eight goals and handed out six assists. Schmidt knew Swindle was unique when she was a freshman. He paired her with fellow freshman Jada Vence and hoped the two of them would develop the unspoken chemistry that comes playing together over time. At one point during that season, late in a game, Schmidt looked for his forwards only to find them laying on the field. They hadn’t asked to be subbed out. They hadn’t pleaded for a break. “They played to exhaustion,” Schmidt said. “They gave everything they had. That’s who she is.”
Swindle will continue pouring herself into school. She plans to double major in psychology and criminal justice with a minor in forensic science. She’s contemplating a career in law enforcement and has done a few ridealongs with the Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department and toured the local Federal Bureau of Investigation office. “It was really eye-opening and I think it was interesting,” Swindle said. “I’ve got an idea of what that career can consist of.” Her college coursework will come at a cost. Swindle plans to give up competitive sports. She had some opportunities to play volleyball in college as a libero. Schmidt is convinced she’d be a good soccer player at that level. But Swindle wasn’t all in on playing and she didn’t feel it was right to pursue it if she wasn’t committed to it. “I wasn’t in that head space, I wasn’t 100 percent sold,” Swindle said. “I wanted to make sure it was something I wanted to do. It’s definitely bittersweet. It’s going to be a new chapter.” Swindle’s new chapter will begin as the only school she ever wanted to attend is shuttered. To be part of Trinity’s final graduating class seems appropriate. Swindle is the walking embodiment of all the traits Trinity wanted its students to emulate. “It’s uncanny,” Schmidt said. “She is a Titan.”
FROM NEW HAVEN TO NEW YORK New Haven’s McIntyre ready to take on the Ivy League BY STEVE OVERBEY
STLhighschoolsports.com
NEW HAVEN — Emma McIntyre likes to step outside her sprawling farmland in Franklin County and glance around. The New Haven High senior still enjoys one thing about the bucolic view she has known all her life. “You can’t see another house for miles,” McIntyre said. “We’re right in the middle of nowhere.” That soon will change for the Shamrocks distance running standout. McIntyre has been accepted to attend Columbia University in New York City. Ranked No. 1 in her class of 45, McIntyre might be the smartest student to ever come out of New Haven, a tiny community of 2,089 nestled along the Missouri River a mere 63 miles southwest of St. Louis. Starting in August, McIntyre will call the prestigious Ivy League school her home for at least the next four years. From New Haven to New York — not a routine move both academically and culturally. “If anyone can handle it, she can,” New Haven senior running teammate Caroline Otten said. “She’s so smart. Around here we believe there’s nothing she can’t do.” The word smart isn’t strong enough to describe McIntyre. Academic genius is more like it. She has never gotten anything less than an A grade at any level. Her score of 35 on the ACT test, one short of perfection, is the highest ever recorded by a New Haven High student. McIntyre is so brilliant even
MICHAEL GULLEDGE, SPECIAL TO STLHIGHSCHOOLSPORTS.COM
Emma McIntyre, New Haven’s 2021 Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete, is headed for the Big Apple. A distance running standout for the Shamrocks, McIntyre is her school’s valedictorian and will move on to attend Columbia University in New York. teachers and administrators around campus have been known to come to her for advice. Now she is ready to flex her academic muscles in the Big Apple. “I know some people are concerned about a small-town girl going to a big-time school,” New Haven athletics director Jaime Hoener said. “She’ll be fine.” McIntyre always has wanted to expand her horizons, both educationally and socially. She considers the move up the population ladder to be a challenge. “I’m a little scared,” McIntyre said. “But I’m a lot more excited.” Although still a small town girl at heart, she yearns for a place with more culture and activity. The hustle and bustle of her new home will provide all of that.
“I’ve always kind of known that I would like a place like New York,” McIntyre said. “I think I’ll like living close to people, too.” McIntyre already has had a small taste of big city life. She spent a few days in Boston while attending a workshop at Harvard University a few years back. Last month, Hoener took members of the senior class on a trip to New York City and Washington, D.C. Although the major tourist attractions were shut down because of COVID-19 concerns, McIntyre got a preview of what’s to come. “She just had a big smile on her face from the second we got there to the time we left,” Hoener said. “She was embracing everything.” McIntyre captured first place in
the 3,200- and 1,600-meter races at the Class 2 District 2 meet on May 8 in New Haven. She crushed her personal best time in the twomile event by a whopping 23 seconds with a nifty clocking of 11 minutes, 53 seconds. A four-time all-state performer in cross country, she is hoping to go out in style at the state meet Friday at Jefferson City High. McIntyre is one of the most popular students in Franklin County. Her high intellect makes her the go-to person when it comes to problem solving. She readily assists classmates with issues from calculus to accounting. “I don’t mind helping them,” McIntyre said. “I’m glad they come to me.” McIntyre claims to get her
smarts from her parents, Jenny (a math major at Missouri S&T University in Rolla) and Dan (an engineering major at the same school). Her older sister, Julia, also was a valedictorian at New Haven and graduated in 2019. Emma has lupus, a chronic disease that slows down her immune system. She has limited her exposure to others during the pandemic. Jenny said it was obvious Emma would become a superstar in the classroom when she learned how to read a book before she even entered kindergarten. “For some reason, it just sort of comes naturally to me,” McIntrye said. “I work at it, but never really struggled picking things up.” The 18-year-old takes her studies seriously, although she has a playful side as well. “She used to talk back to us quite a bit,” Dan recalled. Added Otten, “You can tell she’s got a little sass in her.” There are situations when McIntyre is in a world by herself. Normally, she does not like to show off her intellect. Otten said there are instances where she simply tells her friend to dummy down. “We’ll be in a group and we’ll just tell her, ‘We have no idea what you’re saying — so just stop talking,’ “ Otten joked. McIntyre is hoping to become an astrophysicist and work for NASA down the road. No one is betting against her. “Her biggest strength is that she doesn’t really think she’s that smart so she works so hard all of the time,” Hoener said. “She’s not just book smart, but she’s got common sense.” McIntyre can’t wait to get to Columbia. She has been planning for college most of her life. “It’s going to be a challenge, but one I’m ready to take on,” McIntyre said.