Fort Zumwalt East High School is proud to announce that senior Maya West has been named a St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete. This prestigious award is reserved for the elite few who balance a top-tier academic ranking (top 25% of their class) with varsity athletic excellence.
While the criteria are strict, Maya didn’t just meet them—she shattered them. As a dual-sport captain and a school record holder, Maya has become one of the more decorated student-athletes in East High history.
A Legacy in the Water and on the Court
Maya’s athletic resume is defined by consistency and high-pressure performance. As a Varsity Swim Captain and Varsity Volleyball Captain, she led by example in every arena. Her swimming career, in particular, has left an indelible mark on the Lions’ record books:
Senior Year: All-State (7th in 500 Free), 1st Team All-Conference (200y Free), and 2nd Team honors in the 500y Free and 200y Free Relay.
School Record Holder: Current record holder in the 50 Free.
Career Consistency: A perennial 1st and 2nd Team All-Conference selection across her Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior years in the 200y and 500y Freestyle events.
Academic Mastery & Leadership
Beyond the pool, Maya’s intellectual and civic contributions are equally staggering. A member of the National Honor Society and a recipient of the Seal of Biliteracy, she has spent her senior year participating in the rigorous CAPS Program, preparing for professional life beyond graduation. Her leadership is felt across campus through her involvement in:
Student Governance: Senior and Junior Class Representative.
Culture & Mentorship: PPI (Peer Professional Inclusion), Traction, Leader League, and the Captain’s Club.
Community Service: Dedicated volunteer for the Special Olympics and East Elite.
Maya is a two-time recipient of the "Essence of PPI" award, an honor that speaks to her character and her ability to foster an inclusive environment for all students.
About the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete Award
For over five decades, this program has honored seniors who excel as much in the classroom as they do in the heat of competition. Candidates must be in the top quarter of their class and be recommended by their school’s athletic director for their leadership and varsity participation.
Congratulations, Maya, on a historic career at Fort Zumwalt East!