Maplewood Richmond Heights senior John Barron has been named the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete for the 2011-2012 school year for MRH.

Athletic success and academic performance for the past four years are considered in the decision.

Barron led the Blue Devils soccer team with 39 goals and 11 assists in his senior year. Then for the first time in his life he played football, starting as a placekicker. He averaged almost 50 yards a kickoff.

He's planning on studying biology at Missouri State, and thinking about walking on the football team to kick.

"Hopefully I'll be able to earn a scholarship," he said. "If kicking doesn't work out, I'm hoping to go back to Spain for sophomore year."

He spent most of the previous summer in Spain, living and playing soccer.

Each St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete in the metro area is chosen by each school’s administration and coaching staff.

Barron said he'd like to thank those who decided he deserved the award.

Barron was invited to the 46th Annual Post-Dispatch Scholar Athletic Recognition Ceremony, to be held at Busch Stadium on May 2. The event includes a pre-game reception, an on-field appearance for the athletes, and tickets to see the St. Louis Cardinals play the Pittsburgh Pirates.