By Staff
Dowagiac's Brent Swisher joined a number of local area students who have been nominated for the coveted Wendy's High School Heisman Award. Similar to the collegiate Heisman recognition, this award honors the nation's top high school seniors who best exemplify a supreme "scholar-citizen-athlete."
Also among the nominees were Stephen Cerven and Kiirsta Mead of Decatur, Andrew Churchill and Balie Maak of Marcellus, and Anna Glassman and Brice Wolff of Eau Claire.
These promising leaders were recognized for their academic aptitude, athletic talent and tremendous display of commitment to their communities.
Now celebrating 10 years of commitment to youth and education, this program was created through a partnership between Wendy's, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and the Heisman Memorial Trust, in 1994.
Principals from approximately 24,000 high schools across the country were invited to nominate one male and one female student who fulfill the program requirements. Students are judged on academic and athletic achievements in addition to community service.
All nominees were posted on the Wendy's High School Heisman Web site in early October. To track a student's progress or to find out more about the program please log on to www.wendyshighschoolheisman.com or call 1-800-244-5161.
The Wendy's High School Heisman Program is comprised of five phases – Nomination, State Finalists, State Winners, National Finalists and National Winners. Entries are initially evaluated by the scholastic review service, ACT Inc. during the State Finalist and State Winner phases and then passed on to a distinguished panel of judges – including past Heisman Memorial Trophy recipients, and education, business and community leaders – to elect the National Finalists and National Winners.
Twelve National Finalists will receive the opportunity to fly to New York City on Dec. 12-14, to participate in Heisman weekend festivities. ESPN will feature all 12 National Finalists during the Wendy's High School Heisman Awards Ceremony that will air before the live broadcast of the College Heisman Memorial Trophy Awards on Dec. 13.
The presentation will be made by Wendy's President and COO, North America, Tom Mueller, program spokesperson Archie Griffin and NASSP Executive Director, Dr. Gerald Tirozzi.