Jacob Wesley, a senior at Rockwood Summit High School, has been named the recipient of the 16th annual Jack Buck Scholar-Leadership Award by Southeast Missouri State University.
Below emphasized that the St. Louis metropolitan area is home to many outstanding students who excel in academics, community service, athletics, music, theatre, and other activities, and expressed pride in adding Wesley to this distinguished group. She described Wesley as a remarkable young man who reflects the outstanding character for which Jack Buck was known. Wesley is the son of Troy and Estee Wesley of High Ridge, Missouri, and is recognized as a scholar-athlete at Rockwood Summit, where he has served as a three-time captain of the varsity soccer team, played baseball, and earned two leadership awards in soccer.
At Rockwood Summit, Wesley has been named to the Honor Roll, serves as president of the DECA chapter, and has participated in FBLA and Link Crew. He is sports director of the school radio and newspaper and has gained experience as a Major League Baseball credentialed journalist, as well as working as a tutor and mentor to support underclassmen. Beyond school, he has been employed as a batboy for the St. Louis Cardinals, head of player development for the Adidas Surge Baseball Club, and freshman baseball coach at Rockwood Summit. Wesley is known by peers and teachers for his strong commitment to excellence and plans to pursue a double major in secondary education and political science at Southeast, with aspirations to become a teacher, coach, and possibly a public servant.
Lenell Hahn, director of Admissions at Southeast, stated that Wesley exemplifies the leadership and service qualities the University hopes all students will develop. Hahn highlighted Wesley’s positive attitude, enthusiasm, and determination to excel as indicators of his potential for success at Southeast and welcomed him to the Southeast Class of 2022. The Jack Buck Scholar-Leadership Award, established in 2003 in partnership with KMOX Radio, was the first scholarship created in memory of Jack Buck and recognizes a St. Louis area student who demonstrates outstanding character, academic achievement, and leadership potential.
The award provides tuition and general fees for up to 30 credit hours per academic year, residence hall fees for fall and spring in a standard double-occupancy room, and a 15-meal-per-week board plan, effective beginning with the fall 2017 semester. Eligible applicants include students from the St. Louis metropolitan area, and high school counselors may nominate one deserving student from each school. Jack Buck, who passed away in 2002, was the longtime voice of the St. Louis Cardinals and was widely respected for his broadcasting career, community service, and dedication to family and charitable causes.
Five additional finalists for the Jack Buck Scholar-Leadership Award were also honored and each received a Jack Buck Regents Scholarship, covering tuition for up to 30 hours per academic year for four consecutive years, along with a one-time $500 Jack Buck Leadership Award for housing expenses. Jacob Abbott of Lindbergh High School is an academically strong student and technology enthusiast who has participated in athletics, band, service, and exchange programs and plans to major in biomedical science at Southeast. Lauren Kohn of Cor Jesu Academy has demonstrated a strong commitment to service through work with the Appalachia Service Project and local food pantries and plans to major in finance with a minor in business administration.
Alen Novi of Hancock Place High School has been active in varsity soccer, student organizations, and service activities and intends to pursue a career in pharmacy. Emma Reinagel of Oakville High School is passionate about music and theatre, participating in choral groups, competitions, teaching, and community and school productions, and hopes to become an actress. Kayla Wallace of Hazelwood West High School is devoted to science and environmental stewardship, has engaged in field research, sustainability education, and numerous leadership and service activities, and aspires to become an environmental microbiologist.