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Wendy's High School Heisman winners hail from Missouri, Illinois

Wendy's announced the national winners of its 22nd annual High School Heisman.

December 15, 2015

Wendy's honored Taylor Campos of Lemont, Illinois, and Zach Hughes of Town and Country, Missouri, as national winners of its 22nd annual  High School Heisman, which recognizes high school seniors who excel in sports, academics and community involvement.

A panel of judges selected Campos and Hughes from 10 finalists, five senior males and five senior females. Wendy's honored the finalists at an awards ceremony at the PlayStation Theater in New York City this past Friday, according to a company press release.

Wendy's High School Heisman recognizes high potential seniors who excel not only in their academics and athletics, but also demonstrate outstanding leadership skills through their efforts within the community. The award was inspired by Wendy's founder, Dave Thomas, who was an advocate of education and deeply committed to providing opportunities for students.

"Taylor and Zach are wonderful examples of the perfect balance between student, athlete and community member, as they represent the National Honor Society, hold leadership roles on their sports teams, and volunteer their time to community service. Both winners demonstrate a diligent work ethic that has lead them to this spot today," said Archie Griffin, two-time collegiate Heisman Memorial Trophy winner. "Congratulations to Taylor and Zach, and all of our 2015 national finalists. Their outstanding achievements are inspirational, and we're proud to recognize a job well done."

Taylor Campos, Lemont High School    

Hometown: Lemont, Illinois

Campos is a four-year varsity letter winner in cross country and a three-year varsity letter winner in track and field. She holds school and conference records in both sports, along with receiving honors as All-District and All-Conference. In the classroom, Campos is an AP Scholar with Honors, and an officer for the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society. She is also involved in her community as president of the Interact Community Service Club, tutor of STEM Special Education and serves as a volunteer at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.
 

Zach Hughes, Westminster Christian Academy     

Hometown: Town and Country, Missouri

While playing three sports in high school, Hughes was named Academic All-State in football. He was also a three-year varsity letter winner in football and a two-year varsity letter winner in basketball, in addition to earning the role of captain of both the football and track and field teams. He has been on the Academic Honor Roll all four years, and is a member of the National Honor Society. His community involvement includes volunteering for Special Olympics, counseling and mentoring peers, and leading the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Hughes is also involved in Thrive, where he speaks at high school assemblies about making positive life choices.

Campos and Hughes each received 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 will be awarded to each of their high schools in their names. They also appeared on the ESPN national telecast of the collegiate Heisman Memorial Trophy presentation on Saturday.

"At Wendy's, we believe in putting quality in everything we do," said Emil Brolick, Wendy's president and CEO. "This is why we've stayed committed to honoring high school students who feel the same as we do, putting quality into their studies, athletics and extracurricular activities to improve communities throughout the country."