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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FREEBURG COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WINS JACK BUCK SCHOLAR-LEADERSHIP AWARD

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., April 17, 2003 -- A Freeburg Community High School student who has excelled both in and out of the classroom was named the recipient today of the first Jack Buck Scholar-Leadership Award by Southeast Missouri State University.

Carole Buck, widow of legendary St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck, presented the award today to Jay Hubert of Smithton, Ill. The award was presented at the annual "Southeast Salutes" Awards Luncheon at the Royal Orleans, 2801 Telegraph Road, in St. Louis.

Buck's children and grandchildren were on hand for the presentation, along with several of his colleagues from KMOX Radio. Also in attendance were members of the Southeast Missouri State University St. Louis Alumni Association and several St. Louis Metropolitan Area high school guidance counselors.

Kenneth W. Dobbins, president of Southeast Missouri State University, said, "Southeast Missouri State is very fortunate to have the Jack Buck Scholar-Leadership Award associated with our institution. Jack Buck was a man of impeccable character, a humble gentleman who went about his business quietly, but whose humility and professionalism left a lasting impression of excellence. We think these qualities are similar to those of Southeast, which has been cited nationally as a hidden treasure -- a University with sound academic programs that is committed to our students and the values of our region. We think Jack Buck would call this award in his name 'a winner.'"

Hubert, son of Richard and Barbra Hubert, was the 2002 Belleville Area Outstanding Youth Leader of the Year. He will graduate near the top of his class and has achieved an ACT score of 32. He has been recognized as a National Merit Commended Student, an All-American Scholar and an Illinois State Scholar. He was captain of his football team during his senior year and has been actively involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Hubert has volunteered in his community as a basketball, soccer and baseball coach, earning him an appointment to the National Council on Youth Leadership. He has been described by one of his teachers as "brilliant, mature, positive, and enthusiastic, and as demonstrating strong initiative, morals and values." He plans to major in business administration.

Earlier this year, Southeast Missouri State University teamed up with KMOX Radio in the establishment of the award. The new award and 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 their community.

The award covers incidental fees (tuition) and general fees for the equivalent of up to 32 credit hours per academic year at Southeast Missouri State University and residence hall fees for fall and spring semesters in a standard, double-occupancy room. The award, which is effective with the fall 2003 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, Jefferson County and the Metro East area in Illinois were eligible to apply for the award. High school guidance counselors from the metropolitan area were asked to nominate one deserving applicant from their school.

For nearly 50 years, Buck was the voice of the St. Louis Cardinals to generations of sports fans. He passed away last year. He was widely admired by his colleagues in the world of broadcasting and by the players whose feats he recounted for fans around the world. Buck worked tirelessly in support of charitable organizations and was committed to his family and his community.

Four other finalists for the award also were recognized today. All finalists will receive a Regent's scholarship, which covers incidental fees (tuition) up to 32 hours per academic year for up to four consecutive years and a one-time $500 Leadership Award to be applied to housing expenses.

They are:

Emilie Eggemeyer

Emilie Eggemeyer, of Waterloo, Ill., daughter of Lee and Karen Eggemeyer, has been active in academics, athletics and the performing arts at Waterloo High School. She is an Illinois State Scholar, a 2002 KMOX Student of Achievement and has been a St. Louis Cardinals/Dobbs Athlete of the Week. Eggemeyer is a pitcher for the St. Louis Chaos, St. Louis Illusions and the Waterloo High School softball teams. She is a volunteer for the Missouri History Museum, the Waterloo Sister Cities program and vacation bible school. She plans to major in historic preservation.

Diane Riley

Diane Riley, of St. Louis, daughter of Brad and Nancy Riley, has excelled academically at Lindbergh High School, earning her several awards, including the Renaissance Platinum Award all four years, designation as a United States Achievement Academy All-American Scholar, and a nomination to the Missouri Scholars Academy. She has participated in several school sports and has volunteered since her freshman year for Special Olympics and at the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. Riley plans to major in historic preservation.

Tony Trotter

Tony Trotter, of Mascoutah, Ill., son of Timothy and Tracy Trotter, is an All American Scholar and an Illinois State Scholar from Mascoutah Community High School. He has served as the student body vice president, captain of his varsity soccer and baseball teams, and has been actively involved in Mascoutah's vocal music program. Most recently, he played the lead role in his school's spring musical. Trotter plans to major in business administration.

James Wells

James Well, of Affton, Mo., son of Carla Thornhill, attends Bayless High School, where he received the Bayless Choice Award and has been nominated to attend Boys' State of Missouri. Wells is vice president of his senior class and has been actively involved in Student Council, marching band, show choir and varsity soccer, as well as several other school organizations. He served as anchor for the Bayless closed circuit television station earlier this year.

 

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