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Wendy's announces National Finalists for 2015 Wendy's High School Heisman

Wendy’s has announced the names of the high school seniors who are competing for the 2015 Wendy's High School Heisman.

December 4, 2015

Wendy’s has announced the names of the high school seniors who are competing for the 2015 Wendy's High School Heisman. These 10 National Finalists are high school athletes who represent the Wendy's Heisman ideals — they exhibit academic excellence, a strong commitment to their communities and athletic talent, according to a company press release.

"From cross country to football to track and field, this year's class of National Finalists are not only scoring on the field, but also through giving back to their communities and excelling in the classroom," said Archie Griffin, two-time collegiate Heisman Memorial Trophy winner. "For more than 20 years, it's been my privilege to join Wendy's and honor incredible high school seniors not only for their achievements, but also for their exceptional character, drive and commitment to positively impact those around them."

Since 1994, Wendy´s High School Heisman has honored the successes of exceptional high school seniors throughout the nation. Wendy's founder, Dave Thomas, believed Wendy's should have a higher purpose to help high school students pursue their passions by providing a platform for continued growth and success, the release stated. Wendy's continues to honor his legacy by recognizing students' athletic accomplishments and celebrating the value of being well-rounded by judging his or her academic achievements and community leadership.

"Dave Thomas encouraged students to make education a priority and wanted to set an example of getting the most out of their high school experience," said Liliana Esposito, Wendy's chief communications officer. "After receiving his GED at 61 years old, he was inspired to create the Wendy's High School Heisman program to honor high school students who earn their reputation by the things they do every day."

The 10 National Finalists are listed below.

FEMALE FINALISTS

• Maggie Beazer, Stansbury High School, Stansbury, Utah
• Taylor Campos, Lemont High School, Lemont, Illinois
• Kayla Dobies, Dakota High School, Macomb, Michigan
• Seneca Friend, Long Reach High School, Columbia, Maryland
• Jada Dayne, Waunakee High School, Waunakee, Wisconsin

MALE FINALISTS

• Alek Parsons, Ogden High School, Ogden, Utah
• Zach Hughes, Westminster Christian Academy, Chesterfield, Missouri
• Sean Rausch, Longwood High School, Middle Island, New York
• Rick Basak, Hamden High School, Hamden, Connecticut
• Ian Saum, Central Cass High School, Casselton, North Dakota

One male and one female will be named the 2015 National Winners on Dec. 11 at the Wendy's High School Heisman Award Ceremony at the PlayStation Theater and will receive a Wendy's High School Heisman Trophy, a Wendy's High School Heisman National Winner patch, a $500 Wendy's gift card and a $5,000 donation awarded to the winners' high school in the student’s name. The National Award Winners will also receive special recognition during the ESPN national telecast of the collegiate Heisman Memorial Trophy presentation.  he eight National Finalists who do not go on to become the National Winners will receive a $100 Wendy's gift card and a $2,000 donation to each student's high school in the student's name.