Recently on Friday, September 14th, I had the opportunity of a lifetime: take the field at Busch Stadium to be honored before the game against the Cubs. I was honored as the 2007 Jack Buck Scholar-Leadership Award recipient from Southeast Missouri State University, a scholarship that pays for all tuition, room and board, and incidental fees. The scholarship is in honor of Jack Buck, the legendary broadcaster who exemplified all the qualities of being a leader and an effective member of the St. Louis community.

As a Cardinals fan, it obviously was and still is a incredible honor to be given an award with Jack Buck's name. I was fortunate enough to meet Mrs. Carole Buck, Jack's wife and leader in the St. Louis community also. Sitting here in my dorm is a reality of this achievement and is finally starting to sink in. On the field Friday, I felt an overwhelming sense of blessing and accomplishment, but I know my journey is just beginning. Jack Buck is giving me an education, and I can only hope to become the leader that he came to be.

Special thanks to Scott Rovak, who's site can be found here, the gracious photographer who took my pictures.