Wendy’s Seeks Top High School Athletes
Ladies and gentlemen: take your mark, get set, go! The 2009 Wendy’s((R)) High School Heisman((R)) (WHSH) race has begun!
Celebrating the competition’s 16th anniversary, Wendy’s is looking for the next class of High School Heisman recipients – exceptional students who bring excellence in academics, athletics and community service. Through October 1, 2009, eligible seniors can submit applications online at www.WendysHeisman.com.
“We all know that there’s the Big Ten, the Big 12, and the Big East. But there’s also the Big Three: school, sports, and community service,” said Archie Griffin, two-time collegiate Heisman Memorial Trophy winner. “As a former student-athlete, I know how challenging it can be to excel on the field and in the classroom. Wendy’s High School Heisman recognizes the most esteemed high school students who demonstrate stewardship at school, sportsmanship on the field and service in their communities. It’s an incredible juggling act and a true testament to their indelible work ethic and commitment to excellence.”
All eligible seniors may submit an application online through Oct. 1, 2009. The first 41,100 applicants will receive a free Wendy’s gift card randomly valued from $5 to $50. From the completed applications, one male and one female winner will be chosen from each high school. The names of all school winners will be posted on the Wendy’s High School Heisman Web site on Oct. 22, 2009. For more information, students can visit www.WendysHeisman.com, call (800) 205-6367 or contact their local high school principal, guidance counselor or athletic director.
The Wendy’s High School Heisman, awarded in conjunction with the collegiate Heisman, is a joint program between Wendy’s and the Heisman Memorial Trust (host of the College Heisman Memorial Trophy since 1935.) Created in 1994, WHSH has set the standard for high school student-athletes and gained tremendous prestige in its own right. To date, more than 188,000 high school students have represented their schools and been touched by the Heisman glory.
The Competition is Fierce
Given the economy and with the job market more competitive than ever, top universities are receiving record numbers of applications. The bar is being raised and it’s important for high school students to separate themselves from the pack. Wendy’s High School Heisman 2008 National Winner Brett Leibowitz knew he’d need to showcase a diverse list of activities and achievements if he wanted to be accepted into his top choice school.
“I’ve always loved sports and I work hard in the classroom, but it’s my community service involvement that’s been the most rewarding,” Leibowitz says. “When it was time to apply for college, I was able to highlight my successes and present myself as a well-rounded person who would be a valuable asset to the university’s community.”
The Selection Process
The Wendy’s High School Heisman program consists of six stages – applicants, school winners, state finalists, state winners, national finalists and national winners. Entries initially will be evaluated by ACT Inc. during the applicant, state finalist and state winner stages. The entries will then be passed on to a panel of distinguished judges. Known for the ACT college entrance exam, ACT is a nonprofit organization offering educational measurement and research services.
