Update: This past year, Abby and her husband Eugene celebrated their one year wedding anniversary and she decided to go back to school to continue pursuing her career in health and wellness. This past year, Abby was a writer for the Las Vegas Review Journal. Additionally, she became a motivational speaker and inspiring mentor to many high school cross-country runners and coaches. Abby has been involved in a lot of volunteer work and philanthropic events within her community and has stayed active and healthy by recreationally participating in sports and teaching private swimming lessons.

What did winning the Heisman mean to you?

"Being named the Wendy's High School Heisman 1999 National Female Winner has been one of the most momentous and unforgettable highlights of my life. Ever since I won the award, I have striven to become an influential and motivating role model, charismatic leader, and trusting mentor to high school students and to our spirited future leaders of tomorrow. I feel very grateful to now be a member of the Wendy's High School Heisman alumni and family."

What advice do you have for this year's finalist and their families?

"To all of this year's finalists: remember to never give up hope in any situation, always strive to do your best, maintain a positive attitude, cherish the genuine and wonderful friendships that you make this weekend in New York, and always feel grateful for who and what you have in your lives. Your future lies in your ability to dream. For what you dream, you can create. And what you create, you can become. Finally, follow the words of Mahatma Gandhi: 'Be the change that you would like to see in the world.'"

Barrett Brandon

Update: After completing his Master's in Business Administration with an emphasis in Strategic Management from the University of Nebraska in the fall of 2007, Barrett embarked on a career as a professional triathlete. Through the sport of triathlon, he has been fortunate enough to travel and compete all over the world while chasing the Olympic dream. This next year, Barrett will contain more triathlon adventures as he begins to focus on the London 2012 Olympic qualification. During the winter, he is an assistant coach for the Fort Worth Area Swim Team and works with swimmers from ages 8-12.

What did winning the Heisman mean to you?

"The first word that comes to mind when I think Wendy's High School Heisman is family. When I won the award 10 years ago, I had no idea the impact it would have on my life to this day. What started out as recognition for the work I did in high school, has come to mean so much more. It is a family of like-minded peers who share a common desire to be excellent in all their endeavors. Each year this family continues to inspire me and spur me on to live up to the Heisman name and its ideals."

What advice do you have for this year's finalist and their families?

"This weekend is about recognizing your incredible achievements, hard work, and sacrifices...so you should enjoy every minute of it! As you finish your senior year and move on toward your college life, I encourage you to continue to strive for excellence. In life, you do not know where certain paths or choices may take you, but if you continue to embody the qualities you have shown throughout the past four years, you will undoubtedly continue your successes into the future."