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Each year, the Post-Dispatch honors an athlete from each area high school in the Scholar Athlete program. The athletes are chosen by each school, and all area schools are invited to participate. For biographical information on any athlete, click on their name.

DeSmet

Academic rank: 19 of 278

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: cross country, track

Academic bio: National Honor Society ... First Honors.

Athletic bio: cross country all-state ... Post-Dispatch All-Metro cross country ... cross country district champ ... two-time cross country team MVP ... track team MVP ... track Rookie of the Year.

Activities: Student government ... student body secretary ... Incarnate Word Life Teen ... team blog: The Milk Table, Life as a DeSmet Distance Runner ... Christian Life Community ... Boy Scout ... retreat leader.

Favorite book: Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling

Favorite musician: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Favorite subject: History. "Because I enjoy learning about events and how they relate to each other. The stories of historical people are interesting and exciting."

College: Drury (undecided)

Goal: "Our motto at DeSmet is 'Men for Others.' I would like to make a contribution to society by having a positive impact on other people by simply being the 'Man for Others' I am called to be."

Role model: "Albert Pujols. He is a driven and extremely hard working player who constantly strides to be at his best for the sake of his team. He is talented and successful yet takes nothing for granted..."

De Soto

Academic rank: 32 of 204

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: volleyball, soccer, basketball

Academic bio: National Honor Society ... Honor Roll ... multiple Student of the Month Awards ... academic all-state volleyball.

Athletic bio: volleyball all-conference, all-district, all-region ... volleyball team captain ... volleyball 110-percent Award ... soccer, all-conference.

Activities: HS secretary ... volunteer at sports camps and Special Olympics.

Favorite book: Pretty Little Liars series, by Sara Shepard

Favorite musician: One Last Night (Kenny Chesney), All Time Low and Jason Derulo

Favorite subject: Anatomy. "There is so much to learn about the human body."

College: Missouri Baptist

Goal: "Helping people and creating something new."

Role model: "My brother, Cory. He has always wanted to be a doctor, and now he works hard every day at college to get closer to his goal. He is passionate about everything he does."

Duchesne

Academic rank: school doesn't rank

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: soccer, basketball

Academic bio: President's List ... 4.0 GPA ... basketball, academic all-state ... soccer, academic all-conference.

Athletic bio: basketball, all-conference second team ... soccer, all-state second team ... St. Charles County ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Amateur ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Hall of Fame Outstanding Senior Athlete Award.

Activities: Duchesne Key Club, which involves volunteer work for food pantries, aiding the blind, yard work for elderly, parties for mentally disabled, cancer benefits, etc.

Favorite book: The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Favorite musician: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Favorite subject: Chemistry. "It interests me to see the chemical breakdown of everyday objects. I also like composing experiments."

College: Missouri (undecided)

Goal: "I would like to contribute more green technology to the world because it is vital that we make the most of our resources."

Role model: "My parents, because they have always been supportive of me. They have a major influence on my outlook of the world, which taught me to be persistent in achieving my goals."

Dupo

Academic rank: 12 of 52

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: softball, volleyball, basketball

Academic bio: National Honor Society ... Honor Roll ... Sophia and Elmer Oreter Foundation Award.

Athletic bio: ference three years.=

Activities: Student council vice president ... class president ... Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering ... Christian Youth Organization ... Dupo Outreach Program ... Shop with a Cop ... bible school volunteer.

Favorite book: House Rules, by Jodi Picoult

Favorite musician: Carrie Underwood

Favorite subject: "Web Page Design. I like being able to troubleshoot and create code."

College: Murray State (psychology)

Goal: "To help improve the Dupo community, and just to help end some people's problems if I can."

Role model: "I consider my mom a role model ... because she is very caring, giving and helpful. If anybody needs something she will drop anything that she is doing and help them before she helps herself."

Edwardsville

Academic rank: 73 of 575

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: volleyball, basketball, softball

Academic bio: National Honor Society ... all-state academic team nominee.

Athletic bio: all-Southwestern Conference in volleyball, basketball and softball ... all-area performer in three sports ... all-state basketball third team ... co-captain all three sports.

Activities: Fellowship of Christian Athletes ... volunteer coach for middle school softball ... volunteer for summer camps in volleyball, basketball and softball ... volunteer for fundraisers, including St. Jude's and Rotary Club.

Favorite book: My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult

Favorite musician: Rascal Flatts

Favorite subject: Math. "Because it's challenging and I enjoy it."

College: McKendree (secondary education)

Goal: "I want to be a teacher and a coach because I want to give back what I have been given, and I want to make a difference."

Role model: "My mom, because she has always been there for me and she's a great example. I hope to be like her one day."

Elsberry

Academic rank: 1 of 54

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: cross country, basketball, track

Academic bio: National Honor Society (president)

Athletic bio: four-time cross country all-conference ... Class 1 state meet 22nd place ... two-time all-conference basketball ... Class 2 state meet 12th place 1,600 meters.

Activities: Future Business Leaders of America ... Family, Career and Community Leaders of America ... Speech and Drama Club ... Meals on Wheels ... marching band ... concert band.

Favorite book: Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen

Favorite musician: Ludo

Favorite subject: English. "I really enjoy reading and writing."

College: Maryville (occupational therapy)

Goal: "I hope that through my work I will be able to give back to society by helping improve the lives of others."

Role model: "The person I look up to more than anyone is my older sister Hannah. My sister can do anything when she puts her mind to it and isn't afraid of going after her dreams. She has taught me so much about never giving up and seeing things through other people's eyes."

Eureka

Academic rank: 7 of 422

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: softball, track

Academic bio: National Honor Society ... Character Cat Award for Cooperation ... math student of the year ... Gold Standard Award of Excellence ... National Merit Commended Student ... Board of Education Award of Outstanding Achievement.

Athletic bio: softball team rookie of the year ... softball Wildcat Award ... softball all-conference honorable mention 2008, 2009 ... softball all-conference second team 2010 ... academic all-state softball, 2010 ... track, Best Freshman Award, 2008.

Activities: Legion of Doom select softball team

Favorite book: The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini

Favorite musician: Lifehouse

Favorite subject: "Math has always been my best subject, although it's a love-hate relationship."

College: Washington University or Truman State (undecided)

Role model: "I consider my coaches as role models because they push me to do what I don't want to do so that I can be the person and athlete I've always wanted to be."

Festus

Academic rank: 1 of 241

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: cross country, volleyball, track

Academic bio: National Honor Society (treasurer) ... ALA state delegate ... Sophomore Pilgrimage delegate ... DAR Good Citizen Award ... Rotary Club student of the month ... academic all-state volleyball.

Athletic bio: all-conference, all-district and all-state cross country ... all-conference, all-district and all-state track ... all-conference volleyball ... St. Louis Track Club all-metro ... Class 3 fourth place 3,200 meters ... Class 3 third place 1,600 meters.

Activities: Fellowship of Christian Athletes president ... TREND treasurer ... Gold and Black Pack ... vacation bible school and fall festival volunteer.

Favorite musician: Toby Mac, Mercy Me

Favorite subject: Anatomy/physiology. "Because it interests me to learn about the human body. Learning about the organs, bones, tissues and systems is fun because it applies directly to me since all of those things are inside me."

College: SIU Carbondale (elementary education)

Goal: "As a school teacher, I would like to inspire children to enjoy learning and grow up to contribute to society themselves."

Role model: "I consider Ryan Hall a role model. He is an amazing runner and keeps strong in his faith in God. He competed in the marathon in the 2008 Bejing Olympics and placed 10th."

Fort Zumwalt East

Academic rank: top 10 percent

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: Honor cross country, swimming, track

Academic bio: roll four years ... all-academic

Athletic bio: three-time all-state cross country ... Post-Dispatch All-Metro cross country second team ... four-time state qualifier in cross country and swimming, and once in track.

Activities: Yearbook ... fundraising for Special Olympics .. volunteer at school events.

Favorite book: Mind Gym, by Gary Mack

Favorite musician: John Mayer

Favorite subject: English. "I enjoy writing and being creative in my assignments."

College: Southeast Missouri (dietetics)

Goal: "I hope to find a job in dietetics and reach out to the public about health and nutrition and get people on the right track to a healthier lifestyle."

Role model: "My sister, Bethany, and my cross country coach, Coach Putnam, are my role models because they both are admirable and inspirational people and have taught me so much about life. I can only hope to be half the person they are when I'm older."

Fort Zumwalt North

Academic rank: 10 of 315

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: cross country, swimming, track

Academic bio: National Honor Society ... all-conference academic in softball, cross country, swimming and track ... Honor roll ... multiple academic pins ... Wendy's High School Heisman (academic and athletics).

Athletic bio: swim team captain ... team diver of the year ... track team captain.

Activities: Math club ... A+ tutoring ... fifth-grade camp counselor.

Favorite book: Palindrome, by Stuart Woods

Favorite musician: Drake, Rascal Flatts

Favorite subject: Spanish. "Because it is always an interesting challenge to learn and practice a foreign language."

College: U.S. Naval Academy (biology/pre-med)

Goal: "I would love to become a doctor and travel the world to help sick people in countries who live in poverty and cannot afford medical help."

Role model: "I feel like Oprah Winfrey is a role model because she has a lot of money and she makes a positive impact with what she does with it. She contributes a great deal to society."

Fort Zumwalt South

Academic rank: 11 of 299

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: basketball

Academic bio: Honor Roll

Athletic bio: three-time all-conference first team ... Post-Dispatch Athlete of the Week ... Arby's Player of the Week ... Fox 2 News Player of the Week ... GAC South Player of the Year.

Activities: Volunteer training and coaching kids

Favorite book: Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls

Favorite musician: Martina McBride

Favorite subject: Math. "Because it makes you think, but there is an exact answer most of the time."

College: Lindenwood (education)

Goal: "I would like to make the world a more well-rounded environment and teach kids how to play the game of basketball, so that eventually they will love the game like I do."

Role model: "I consider my father a huge role model because he has taught me how to be ruthless, but yet a kind, young lady all at the same time. He shaped me into the young woman I am today."

Fort Zumwalt West

Academic rank: 17 of 523

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: swimming

Academic bio: two-time USA swimming scholastic all-American ... multiple academic letter winner ... accepted into physical therapy direct-entry program at Evansville.

Athletic bio: five-time Missouri swimming state champion, 11-time medalist ... state qualifier in all 11 events each of four years ... Post-Dispatch Athlete of the Week ... Post-Dispatch All-Metro swimmer of the year ... Fox 2 Athlete of the Week.

Activities: biking, water skiing, music.

Favorite book: Peter and the Star Catchers, by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

Favorite musician: alternative rock, such as Kings of Leon and Skillet

Favorite subject: Anatomy and physiology. "Because it is the most interesting, and learning more about the human body allows me to be a better athlete."

College: Evansville (physical therapy)

Goal: "I would like to heal injured athletes as a physical therapist, and I also want to be a swim coach."

Role model: "My older brother Brad, because he not only pushed me to be a better athlete but also a better person. No matter how old I get, I will always look up to him."

Fox

Academic rank: 5 of 423

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: golf, soccer, basketball

Academic bio: National Honor Society

Activities: DECA ... senior class secretary

Favorite book: East of Eden, by John Steinbeck

Favorite musician: Journey

Favorite subject: Calculus. "Because everyone loves pi!"

College: Missouri S&T (engineering)

Goal: "I want to live my dreams so that others may live theirs."

Role model: "My mother, because she taught me to live life with a kind heart, coupled with respect and a passion for life."

Francis Howell

Academic rank: 140 of 418

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: football, baseball

Academic bio: 3.43 GPA ... academic all-conference

Athletic bio: Rising Star Award ... two-time all-state baseball ... all-state football ... Post-Dispatch All-Metro third-team QB ... two-time all conference baseball and football ... Arby's Athlete of the Week ... KSDK Athlete of the Week ... Post-Dispatch Athlete of the Week.

Activities: Fellowship of Christian Athletes ... DECA

Favorite book: Crazy Love, by Francis Chan

Favorite musician: Tim McGraw

Favorite subject: Math. "It is challenging, and I have been pretty good at it."

College: Missouri (undecided)

Goal: Spreading my Christian faith, and helping those less fortunate.

Role model: "Darin Cissell, because he has been through my experiences and really helps me get through everything."

Francis Howell Central

Academic rank: 34 of 447

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: basketball, tennis

Academic bio: National Honor Society ... Silver Shield Award ... 4.0 luncheon ... Arete Pillar for Academics ... all-academic tennis and basketball.

Athletic bio: all-conference honorable mention tennis ... state tennis qualifier ... basketball team captain.

Activities: Fellowship of Christian Athletes ... senior mentor ... student ambassador ... Arete committee ... Principal's Council.

Favorite book: The Metamorphosis, by Frank Kafka

Favorite musician: "All country singers, specifically Brad Paisley and Jason Aldean."

Favorite subject: Calculus. "Because I enjoy problem solving. I like the challenge that calculus gives me; therefore, I plan on pursuing a career in math."

College: Truman State (math)

Goal: "I would like to pursue my education in the hopes of becoming a successful adult. I hope to have a career that allows me to support myself and raise a family. With my success, I hope to become an active leader and mentor to children with disabilities."

Role model: "I consider my two older sisters role models because they set the bar high for me. They are both very intelligent and make good decisions, which carries down to me. I feel that they are always there for me and I learn how to live life to the fullest through them."

Francis Howell North

Academic rank: 30 of 490

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: soccer, basketball

Academic bio: National Honor Society ... Honor Roll ... Knights of the Round Table ... 4.0 GPA luncheon nominee.

Athletic bio: all-conference basketball honorable mention ... two-time all-conference soccer second team.

Activities: DECA ... Knights of Excellence.

Favorite book: Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger

Favorite musician: Akon

Favorite subject: "Marketing I. My teacher makes the class fun, and I have learned so much about marketing."

College: Missouri State (undecided)

Goal: "I would really like to be able to help young athletes to appreciate the game of soccer as much as I have throughout my life."

Role model: "Brooke Oostendorp is my role model because she has had to go through two hip surgeries to be able to play soccer and is still determined to play in college and to come back a stronger athlete."

Freeburg

Academic rank: 7 of 159

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: volleyball, basketball, track

Academic bio: Illinois State Scholar ... National Honor Society

Athletic bio: all-conference volleyball ... Belleville N-D all-area volleyball second team ... all-state volleyball honorable mention.

Activities: Student council (treasurer) ... St. Liborius Youth Ministry (president) ... art club ... Spanish club.

Favorite book: My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult

Favorite musician: I like all kinds of music

Favorite subject: Biology. "I enjoy learning about the body and how it works. I also enjoy laps and doing dissection."

College: SIU Edwardsville (nursing or pharmacy)

Gibault Catholic

Academic rank: 2 of 54

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: baseball, cross country

Academic bio: Illinois State Scholar ... Honor Roll ... Outstanding geometry student, sophomore year.

Athletic bio: cross country team captain.

Activities: Student council executive board president ... class president 2008, 2009, 2010 ... Model United Nations ... Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering ... math team ... volunteer tutor ... youth ministry.

Favorite book: The Harry Potter series, by J. K. Rowling

Favorite musician: Blink 182

Favorite subject: "Science classes are my favorite, especially biology, because I feel they are the most challenging to understand, but they are also the study of the world around us."

College: St. Louis University (undecided)

Goal: "I would like to contribute to society by donating to charities, participating in my community, wherever that will be, and by becoming the best person I can possibly be."

Role model: "I think Albert Pujols is a perfect role model because he is a great person without even considering his athletic ability. He donates a lot of money and supports people with Down Syndrome. If you add athletic ability, he is the greatest baseball player in the world."

Grandview

Academic rank: 1 of 89

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: football

Academic bio: National Honor Society (president) ... academic all-state junior and senior years.

Athletic bio: all-state defensive line second team ... all-conference defensive MVP ... first team defensive line all-conference, all-region, all-district.

Activities: Future Business Leaders of America ... student government ... Spanish Club president.

Favorite book: Last of the Breed, by Louis L'Amour

Favorite musician: Justin Moore

Favorite subject: Math. "It provides me with a nice challenge."

College: Truman State (biology/pre-med)

Goal: "I want to be able to help people continue on with their lives after a serious injury, much like my doctors did for me after breaking my leg."

Role model: "My father is my role model because he has always been there for me. If I can be half the man he is I will be just fine in my journey through life."

Granite City

Academic rank: 36 of 423

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: volleyball, basketball, softball

Academic bio: I Dare You Award ... Elks Student of the Month ... character trait of the month for citizenship ... Honor Roll.

Athletic bio: ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵmanship Award

Activities: National Honor Society ... Varsity Club ... Renaissance ... Science Club ... Future Educators of America ... math peer tutoring ... Alpha ... Saturday Scholars

Favorite book: Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway

Favorite musician: The Band Perry.

Favorite subject: Anatomy and physiology "I love learning about the human body."

College: Southeast Missouri State (nursing)

Goal: "I would like to help out our society by becoming a nurse and helping others"

Greenville

Academic rank: 1 of 138

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: cross country, track

Academic bio: National Honor Society

Athletic bio: track team MVP, 2010 ... conference champ 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, long jump ... conference record holder in 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles ... sectional champ 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles ... Class 1A state runner-up, long jump, 2010 ... Class 1A state fifth place, 300 hurdles, 2010 ... Class 1A state seventh place, 100 hurdles, 2010.

Activities: ational Art Honor Society ... Fellowship of Christian Athletes ... Student council president

Favorite book: To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee

Favorite musician: Jessie James and Lil Wayne

Favorite subject: Spanish. "Because I have a great teacher who is always energetic and into class."

College: DePaul (digital cinema)

Goal: "I will have achieved everything I desire if I can make a positive change in just one person's life. If I am lucky enough to be able to help/change many people's lives, I will be grateful and hope to be a positive influence to all."

Role model: "My dad. He is the hardest worker I have ever seen, and I always know that he will be there for me no matter what."

Hancock

Academic rank: 14 of 116

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: softball

Academic bio: District honor choir, alto ... Selected to audition for all-state honor choir

Athletic bio: four-time team MVP ... two-time all-conference pitcher ... two-time all-district pitcher ... conference player of the year.

Activities: School musicals ... female lead, Daisy Mae, in the production of "Lil' Abner." ... role of the witch in the production of "Into The Woods."

Favorite book: Oh, the Places You'll Go!, by Dr. Seuss

Favorite musician: The Ambassadors of Harmony

Favorite subject: Music. "It's something I have a passion for and enjoy doing. I love singing and playing my clarinet."

College: Maryville (undecided)

Goal: "I would like to help people appreciate the value of the arts."

Role model: "I consider my high school softball coach Nikki Herman a role model. She is a strong and confident woman, and I know that I can look to her for advice on and off the softball field."

Hazelwood Central

Academic rank: 41 of 588

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: football, basketball

Academic bio: National Honor Society ... Honor Roll ... Teacher's Choice Award

Athletic bio: Post-Dispatch All-Metro first team ... all-state first team ... all-conference first team ... St. Louis American all-area ... team captain ... Hawk Award ... No. 22 on Post-Dispatch Super 30 recruiting list

Activities: League Of Elders president ... Young Men Of Excellence ... student council ... Fellowship of Christian Athletes president ... Student Advisory Team ... Mr. CHS runner-up ... prom king ... A+ Tutor ... praise dancer (lead dancer/ instructor).

Favorite book: The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Favorite musician: Musiq Soulchild

Favorite subject: Math. "It has always come easy to me, and also it is the basis of computer programming, which I will need for my career goal."

College: Eastern Illinois (computer science)

Goal: "I would like to use my creativity to develop new technology in the gaming and/or movie industry."

Role model: "I consider my parents to be my role models because they have been an example to me in many ways, such as staying positive, working hard, making good decisions, and having a kind personality."

Hazelwood East

Academic rank: 12 of 392

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: wrestling

Academic bio: Academic Award for Communication Skills ... Academic Award for Practical Arts ... Academic Pin ... 3.75 GPA or Higher Award ... all-conference academic ... ... A+ Student four years.

Athletic bio: Best Newcomer Award ... all-conference second team ... Most Improved Wrestler ... district champion ... conference champion.

Activities: GEAR UP St. Louis ... Superior Support Services ... National Society of Black Engineers, current treasurer ... Men of Empowerment ... volleyball manager ... Achievers Club.

Favorite book: The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini

Favorite musician: "My favorite genres are rhythm & blues, political rap, and gospel."

Favorite subject: Science. "Everything in life can be broken down back to science. There are so many components, laws, and theories that define science, but each one ties into the other."

College: Missouri-St. Louis (biomedical, civil, or industrial engineering)

Goal: "I would like to make progress in developing a deeper bond between medical and technology, try to help with our energy crisis, and oil efficiency problem."

Role model: "I consider my mother my role model. She has had many hardships but through her determination and bravery continues to push on. She instilled in me the morals and values, that giving up is never an option, and success is earned not given."

Hazelwood West

Academic rank: 11 of 594

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: swimming, tennis

Academic bio: National Honor Society ... All-academic for swimming and tennis ... Best of West ... academic achievement ... Wendy's High School Heisman winner.

Athletic bio: Wildcat Award for Character ... all-conference swimming first team ... all-conference tennis second team.

Activities: VIPs ... youth group

Favorite book: To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee

Favorite musician: Thompson Square

Favorite subject: Psychology. "I find the brain to be very interesting!"

College: Missouri State (education)

Goal: "I want to be the kind of teacher that makes children excited to come to school and eager to learn."

Role model: "My parents are my role models. They raised seven wonderful children and are as happy as can be. They taught me everything I will ever need to know. ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ work hard and rarely complain. And they are faithful Cardinals fans."

Herculaneum

Academic rank: 1 of 103

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: basketball, golf

Academic bio: ranked first in class all four years ... KMOX St. Louis Radio Student of Achievement Award.

Athletic bio: Athlete of the Month Jan. 2009 and Jan. 2010 ... basketball team captain.

Activities: Student Council executive president ... Herculaneum Youth Promoting Excellence and Responsibility president ... Foreign Language Club president.

Favorite book: The Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling

Favorite musician: "I listen to as much music as possible, ranging anywhere from oldies to hip hop."

Favorite subject: Anatomy and physiology. "I really enjoy this class because it has allowed me to begin preparing myself for a career in medicine."

College: Alabama (biology)

Goal: "I plan on contributing as much time as possible to giving back to the community. I would like to spend time as a basketball coach, teaching kids a sport that will teach them life lessons."

Role model: "I have so many great role models that it is hard to choose just one. My parents and grandparents are definitely the most influential role models in my life."

Highland

Academic rank: 11 of 242

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: golf

Academic bio: National Honor Society ... Illinois State Scholar ... Spanish National Society ... Prairie State Achievement Award for Math and Reading ... Top 1-percent Award for Math, Science, and Consumer Education.

Athletic bio: team MVP ... Metro Area Golf Coaches Association first team ... All conference.

Activities: Future Medical Careers Club ... Spanish Club ... Community Service Program ... mentor for middle school students ... Special Olympics volunteer ... middle school golf volunteer.

Favorite book: Gone With The Wind, by Margaret Mitchell

Favorite musician: Taylor Swift

Favorite subject: AP Chemistry. "I like the combination of math, science and lab work. I have a great teacher, Mrs. Basden!"

College: Mississippi (pharmaceuticals)

Goal: "I chose a career in pharmacy so that I could help people. I also plan to continue my volunteer work with the Special Olympics."

Role model: "My golf coach, Mrs. Hirsch; AP chemistry teacher, Mrs. Basden; and AP biology teacher, Mrs. Ramsey, are three exceptional role models. They truly care about the students they teach."

Hillsboro

Academic rank: 5 of 275

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: golf, soccer

Academic bio: National Honor Socieity ... Renaissance ... A+ Program ... ,Wing Team (student ambassador program)

Athletic bio: low-scoring season average, 2010 ... first place best-ball team at Mid-East Tournament ... all-conference second place.

Activities: Synergy youth group ... summer mission trips

Favorite book: Paper Towns, by John Green

Favorite musician: Dashboard Confessional

Favorite subject: Anatomy and physiology. "I love anatomy because it is applicable to everyday life. I love science, and anatomy is using science to explain how your body works. I find it very challenging and interesting."

College: Undecided (engineering physics)

Goal: "I would like to help society by discovering new ways of integrating technology in the human body for the advancement of medicine."

Role model: "Phil Mickelson. He is a great golfer, but also a very smart individual who is an even better family man. "

Incarnate Word

Academic rank: school doesn't rank

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: basketball, softball

Academic bio: National Honor Society (president) ... Honor Roll ... Danforth "I Dare You" Leadership Award ... St. Louis County Outstanding Leader Award

Athletic bio: senior captain, basketball and softball ... Skippy Keefer ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵmanship Award nominee ... all-conference basketball second team ... basketball Iolani Classic all-tournament team ... Vizitation Christmas Tournament basketball second team

Activities: IWA peer leading ... Leadership Advisory Counsel ... mission committee ... CYC soccer.

Favorite book: Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen

Favorite musician: Michael Buble

Favorite subject: Physics. "It's very challenging and always interesting."

College: Maryville (physical therapy)

Goal: "I'd like to use my physical therapy degree to help rehabilitate veterans and amputees."

Role model: "I consider my Northstar AAU basketball coach, Danny Blackshear, to be one of my many role models because he taught me so much about the game and how to play it with intelligence and class."

Jennings

Academic rank: 4 of 149

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: softball, soccer

Academic bio: National Honor Society ... 110% Club ... Student of the Month, Sept. 2009

Athletic bio: team rookie of the year ... Perseverance Award.

Activities: Student council executive committee class president three years ... prom queen ... publications ... basketball manager

Favorite book: The Twilight series, by Stephanie Meyer

Favorite musician: Drake

Favorite subject: Math. "Because you can approach a problem a number of different ways and still receive the same answer."

College: Missouri-Kansas City (nursing)

Goal: "I would like to become a coach and help students thrive on and off the field."

Role model: "Jada Pinkett-Smith. I love her evolution as a young lady to a woman. She is a hard worker, family orientated and extremely talented."

Jerseyville

Academic rank: 26 of 243

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: volleyball, softball

Academic bio: National Honor Society ... Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award

Athletic bio: Two PAC Pride Awards ... Leadership Award ... all-state academic team nominee

Activities: Student council president ... class council ...Link Crew ... Blue Crew ... volunteer waitress at church dinner ... volunteer for the Salvation Army and local food pantry ... boating and skiing

Favorite book: Dear John, by Nicholas Sparks

Favorite musician: Justin Moore

Favorite subject: Math. "I have always loved crunching numbers and learning how to do real-world math."

College: Lewis & Clark (elementary education, mathematics)

Goal: "I want to be able to say that I have helped make society a better place. I also want to help with cancer awareness and help try and find a cure."

Role model: "I consider my mother to me a role model. She has always told me to be the best I could be. I might not be the best player on the court or field, but I am being the best player I can be."

John Burroughs

Academic rank: school doesn't rank

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ: football, wrestling, track

Athletic bio: two-time all-conference football ... all-state football second team ... two-time all-conference wrestling ... three-time wrestling state medalist (6th, 3rd, 2nd) ... Post-Dispatch All-Metro wrestling second team ... All-St. Louis team, 285-pound weight class.

Activities: school play ... Aim High.

Favorite book: Catch-22, by Joseph Heller

Favorite musician: Eminem

Favorite subject: Science. "It explains how everything in the world works."

College: Williams College (undecided)

Goal: "I would like to find a way to fix the public education system in the inner city so we can educate children to the level necessary to be able to help further the advancement of our society in more efficient, sustainable ways."

Role model: "Mark Nicholas, our football team's defensive coordinator and history teacher, because I admire the balance of athletics, education and strong morals that he has maintained throughout his life."