Every year, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch recognizes a group of students attending high schools all over St. Louis based on their prestige in academics and athletics. This year, senior Henry Wild was chosen on April 11 as a scholar athlete of the year for his drive to excel in these categories.

Over the past four years, Wild has committed to captain positions on both the varsity soccer and varsity baseball teams while also maintaining an outstanding academic record. 

“The most important thing [as a captain] is putting your teammates first [by] trying your best to lead by example,” Wild said. “You have to be a good teammate and a good player.”

Wild is an honors student, accredited for taking challenging courses during high school and maintaining a GPA above 4.0. Wild prioritized planning and maintaining balance in the classroom.

“[Finding the balance between schoolwork and sports] is difficult. A lot of the time, [I] don’t get home until 7:30 p.m., so there [are] some late nights. You have to plan everything out [and] write out when you have tests [and] assignments due [instead of waiting until] the night before to cram,” Wild said. “You [have] to balance and spread out your school work throughout [and] take advantage of the downtime you have.”

To be selected as a scholar athlete, the program requires students to have lettered in at least one varsity sport, be in good standing at their school and be in the top 25% of their graduating class. Athletics director Jeff Taggart nominated Wild for this honor. 

“From afar, [Wild] stands out as the center of communication and leadership for the team. He’s outspoken and able to [communicate] a positive message [for] his teammates at the right times. That’s what sets him apart,” Taggart said. 

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete is the highest honor that Parkway West’s activities office can give. Wild’s leadership, demonstrated throughout high school, contributed to his recognition as a scholar athlete.

“The example that [Wild] provides to younger athletes as far as what work ethic is, how you should communicate with your teammates [and] how you should accept coaching from your coach makes an impact on younger people. They may not even know it at this point, but that example is so important,” Taggart said. “It’s something to be very proud of [for the] high school student who receives [it and their] extended family. [It] is a well-deserved honor, and we’re incredibly proud of [Wild].” 

Soon to be graduating, Wild plans on attending Washington University in St. Louis, playing Division III baseball.

“Next year, I get to continue playing baseball, which I love. I’m undecided on [my] major right now, but I’m excited for the opportunity,” Wild said. “[The] most important lessons I’ve learned is how to become a team and how to work together. You can’t win if you’re not working well with your teammates. You [have] to keep your head held high, and you [have] to lead.”