Skip to main content
Southeast Missouri State University
Audience  Search  Menu 

You are here:

  1. Home
  2. news
  3. rockwood-summit-high-school-student-wins-southeast-jack-buck-scholar-leadership-award

Rockwood Summit High School Student Wins Southeast Jack Buck Scholar-Leadership Award

Continue to main content
  • Campus,
  • Admissions
Published: April 20, 2018

Share Options

  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Linkedin
Jacob Wesley, a Rockwood Summit High School senior, has been named the recipient of the 16th annual Jack Buck Scholar-Leadership Award by Southeast Missouri State University.The award was presented April 20 at Union Station in St. Louis, Missouri.Dr. Debbie Below, vice president for enrollment management and student success atSoutheast, said the University is pleased to continue its partnership with KMOX Radio to offer this award. The award is the result of Southeasts successful relationship with the radio station over the years in sponsoring the annual KMOX/Southeast Missouri State University Student of Achievement Awards Program in St. Louis.The St. Louis Metro Area is home to scores of outstanding students who excel in academics, community service, athletics, music, theatre and many other activities, Below said. Southeast Missouri State University is pleased to continue to be a part of this celebration of academic achievement. Today, we are proud to add Jacob Wesley to this list. He is a remarkable young man who emulates the outstanding character for which Jack Buck was known. He was a model of excellence for all who knew him. We are sure Jack Buck would be very pleased to call Jake and all of todays finalists winners.Jacob WesleyWesley is the son of Troy and Estee Wesley of High Ridge, Missouri. Wesley is a standout student at Rockwood Summit High School, where he is a scholar-athlete. A three-time captain of the varsity soccer team and a member of the baseball team, Wesley has won two leadership awards for soccer, has been named to the Honor Roll and is president of the Rockwood Summit DECA Chapter. He has participated in FBLA and Link Crew and serves as sports director of the school radio and newspaper. He is a Major League Baseball credentialed journalist and has served as a tutor and mentor to ensure underclassmen at the high school are successful in school and in life. In addition to his success at Rockwood Summit, he also has been employed as a batboy for the St. Louis Cardinals, head of player development for the Adidas Surge Baseball Club and has served as the Rockwood Summit freshman baseball coach.Wesley is known among his peers and teachers for his uncompromising commitment to excellence, He hopes to pursue a career as a teacher and coach, and also is considering a role in public service. He plans to double major in secondary education and political science at Southeast.Jake truly exemplifies the leadership and service qualities we hope all students will strive to achieve, said Lenell Hahn, director of Admissions at Southeast. With his positive attitude, enthusiasm and his commitment and dedication to excel in all he does, we know he has the will to do to succeed at Southeast. We are excited to have him joining the Southeast Class of 2022 this fall.In 2003, Southeast teamed up with KMOX Radio in the establishment of the Jack Buck Scholar-Leadership Award. The award, which was the first scholarship to be established in memory of Buck, recognizes a student in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area who has demonstrated outstanding character, academic achievement and the potential to be a leader in the community. The award covers tuition and general fees for the equivalent of up to 30 credit hours per academic year at Southeast and residence hall fees for fall and spring semesters in a standard, double-occupancy room. The award, which is effective with the fall 2017 semester, also provides a 15-meal per week board plan.Students from the St. Louis Metro Area, including St. Louis County and City, St. Charles County, Franklin County and Jefferson County were eligible to apply for the award. High school counselors from the metropolitan area were asked to nominate one deserving applicant from their high school.For nearly 50 years, Buck was the voice of the St. Louis Cardinals to generations of sports fans. He passed away in 2002. He was widely admired by his colleagues in the world of broadcasting and by the players whose feats he announced for fans around the world. Buck worked tirelessly in support of charitable organizations and was committed to his family and his community.Five other finalists for the award also were recognized today. Each finalist receives a Jack Buck Regents Scholarship, which covers tuition up to 30 hours per academic year for up to four consecutive years, and a one-time $500 Jack Buck Leadership Award to be applied to housing expenses. Finalists are:Jacob AbbottJacob Abbott is the son of Kelly Abbott of St. Louis, Missouri. He excels in and out of the classroom at Lindbergh High School. He is passionate about computers taking them apart and putting them back together and is interested in developing applications that one day might be the next big app. In addition, he has played ice hockey for four years, serving as captain and being named most improved. He also played volleyball and was named junior varsity most valuable player. Abbott has participated in Link Crew; the All Suburban City Band; Renaissance, in which he received the Gold Level Award; Rake-a-thon; St. Vincent de Paul service activities; and the German Exchange Program, both hosting a German exchange student and studying abroad with his German exchange partner. He plans to major in biomedical science at Southeast.Lauren KohnLauren Kohn is the daughter of Barbara and Timothy Kohn of Fenton, Missouri. At Cor Jesu Academy, Kohn has demonstrated a commitment to service and meeting the needs of the poor. She has participated in the Appalachia Service Project to rebuild houses and provide emotional support for people in need, and closer to home, she has purchased and delivered food to a local food pantry. She also has participated in cross country, Spanish Club, Youth Group and the Principals Council. At Southeast, she plans to major in finance and minor in business administration.Alen NoviAlen Novi is the son of Zoran and Sladana Novi of St. Louis and a student at Hancock Place High School. There, he has participated in varsity soccer, serving as captain and having been named second team all-conference. He also has been active in DECA, Varsity H, National Honor Society, Student Council, Thespian Society, Hi-Step, Special Olympics and Senior Service Day. He also serves as a senior mentor. He hopes to pursue a career as a pharmacist.Emma ReinagelEmma Reinagel is the daughter of Christine and Daniel Reinagel of St. Louis, Missouri. Reinagel is passionate about music performing at a variety of events as a member of a local band, songwriting and teaching. At Oakville High School, she has participated in several choral groups, has participated in state solo and ensemble competitions and serves as a piano and voice teacher. Reinagel also has participated in Drama Troupe, has performed in several school productions and in community theatre, been named to the Tri-M Musical Honor Society and All-State Choir and has been active with the French Honor Society. She also is a member of the International Thespian Society Troupe, has won the Journalism STL Award, receiving an excellent rating for new inside page design, and has volunteered with a number of community organizations. She hopes to pursue a career as an actress.Kayla WallaceKayla Wallace is the daughter of Juanita Wallace of Florissant, Missouri. Science is at the center of who she is, and she naturally excels in science at Hazelwood West High School. Wallace is a self-described environmental advocate and committed steward of the earth who aspires to be an environmental microbiologist. She has served as an intern with the Shaw Institute for Field Training, working with scientific researchers at the Tyson Research Center. She is a co-leader, activities coordinator, outdoor classroom committee head of the Botany-Ecological Engineering Club, where she has led a composting initiative. She has participated in Students as Garden Educators (SAGE), serving as an educator for sustainability at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Wallace also is a Grace Student Ministry and Haiti Mission Trip volunteer and has been an active member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Life-Saver and Women of West and Ambassadors Club. She has won severl academic awards and has participated in the Missouri Leadership Seminar, Missouri Legislative Black Caucus Emerging Leaders Conference, Teen Summit on Race, the General Federation of Womens Clubs Sophomore Pilgrimage to Jefferson City and the Washington University in St. Louis Institute.**Photo Caption: At left is Jacob Wesley, recipient of the 2018 Jack Buck Scholar-Leadership Award. Presenting him the award, at right, is Dr. Debbie Below, vice president for enrollment management and student success at Southeast.

Related News

More News

Site Menu

Southeast Missouri State University

Secondary

  • Apply
  • Visit
  • Request Info
  • Give

Site

  • Academics
    • Program Finder
    • Undergraduate
    • Graduate
    • Online
    • Early College Programs
    • Study Abroad
    • Research
    • Honors Program
  • Admissions & Aid
    • Admission Requirements
    • How to Apply
    • Paying for College
    • Visiting SEMO
    • Admission Events
    • Meet the Team
  • Life at SEMO
    • Living on Campus
    • Dining
    • Student Life
    • Events
    • Traditions
    • Cape Girardeau
  • Student Support
    • Academic Support
    • Career Support
    • Health & Wellness
    • Financial Services
    • Dean of Students
    • Military & Veteran Services

Secondary

  • Apply
  • Visit
  • Request Info
  • Give

Quick Links

  • About
  • News
  • Blog
  • SEMO Online
  • Economic & Workforce Development
  • Colleges & Departments
  • Offices & Services
  • People Directory
  • Athletics
  • University Foundation
  • En Español
  • Institutional Data

Audience Links

Southeast Missouri State University

Resources for you.

  • Current Students
  • Parents & Families
  • Accepted Students
  • Counselors
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Donors
  • Community Partners

Info For:

  • Current Students
  • Parents & Families
  • Accepted Students
  • Counselors
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Donors
  • Community Partners

Current Students Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Canvas
  • mySEMO
  • Email
  • SupportNET
  • University Calendar
  • Campus Map
  • Office Directory
  • People Directory
  • People Search
  • University Closings

Academics

  • Program Finder
  • Academic Calendar
  • Academic Advising
  • Academics
  • Course Catalog
  • Register for Classes
  • Registrar
  • Help Desk
  • Kent Library

Paying for College

  • Pay My Bill
  • Financial Services
  • Student Employment
  • Financial Calendar

Student Life

  • Apply for Housing
  • Residence Hall Association
  • Student Transportation
  • Dining
  • Dean of Students

Career Services

  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Handshake Jobs
  • Resources
  • Events

Parents & Families Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Family/Parents
  • Family Weekend
  • About Southeast
  • Campus Map
  • Academic Calendar
  • Office Directory
  • People Directory

Your Student

  • Admissions
  • New Student Programs
  • Opening Week
  • Financial Services
  • Residence Life
  • Academic Support
  • Health and Wellness
  • Dean of Students
  • University Police Department

Accepted Students Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Admissions
  • Camp Redhawk
  • Fearless in 4
  • First Step
  • Hello SEMO
  • New Student Programs
  • Textbook Rental
  • University Calendar

Academic Advising

  • Academic Calendar
  • Program Finder
  • Schedule an Appointment

Career Services

  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Handshake Jobs

Paying for College

  • Financial Aid
  • Scholarships
  • Payments

Student Life

  • Apply for Housing
  • Residence Life
  • Dining
  • Student Orgnizations

Counselors Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Office of Admissions
  • Find My Admissions Counselor
  • Counselor Resources
  • Early College Programs

Applying to SEMO

  • Admissions Requirements
  • How to Apply
  • Deadlines
  • Test Optional

Financial Aid

  • FAFSA
  • SEMO Scholarships
  • Cost and Affordability

Launching Careers

  • Academics
  • Outcomes
  • Career Services

Alumni Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Alumni Association
  • Update Your Information
  • Share Your Story
  • Employment
  • Office Directory
  • Southeast News
  • People Directory

Get Connected

  • Alumni Events
  • Campus Events
  • Show SEMO Spirit

Give Back

  • Giving to SEMO
  • Get Involved
  • Annual Fund

Faculty & Staff Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Profile Spotlight Form
  • Offices and Services
  • People Directory
  • People Search
  • mySEMO
  • Email
  • Academic Calendar
  • University Calendar
  • Campus Map
  • SupportNET
  • Kent Library
  • Human Resources
  • Training and Development
  • University Closings
  • SE Alerts
  • Web Change Request
  • Southeast News

Faculty Resources

  • Faculty Senate
  • Canvas
  • Center for Teaching and Learning

Staff Resources

  • Professional Staff Council
  • CTS Staff Council

Facilities

  • Work Order/Order Supplies Request
  • Central Receiving

Donors Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Giving to SEMO
  • University Foundation
  • Office Directory
  • People Directory

Making an Impact

  • Student Stories
  • Ways to Give
  • Student Emergency Fund
  • Get Involved

Connecting with SEMO

  • Alumni Association
  • Alumni Events
  • Academics
  • Redhawk Athletics

Community Partners Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Economic and Workforce Development
  • Workforce Development
  • About Southeast
  • Career Services
  • University Foundation
  • University Communications
  • People Directory
  • People Search

Workforce Development

  • Small Business and Technology Development Center
  • SEMO Online
  • Regional Professional Development Center
  • Alumni Association

Community Service

  • Southeast Serves
  • Office of Campus Life
  • Office of Greek Life
  • Redhawk Athletics

Media Inquiries

  • Southeast News
  • Redhawk Sports Information

One University Plaza Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

(573) 651-2000
Contact Us

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

Campuses

  • Cape Girardeau
  • River Campus
  • Kennett
  • Sikeston

Campus Links

  • News
  • Athletics
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Accreditations
  • Show Me Center

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

Footer

  • Employment
  • Accessibility
  • Nondiscrimination Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosures
  • Sunshine Law

© 2025 SEMO