Wendy's High School Heisman

The 2013 application is opening within the next few weeks! And we’re excited to enter another year where we will honor the most esteemed high school seniors across the country for their contributions in athletics, academics, and service to both their school systems and communities. To assist you in preparing for the application, we’ve compiled these quick tips on what you need to do beforehand as well as what you need to know.

What You Need to Do:

• Get Reminded! Simply click here, provide us your email address and we’ll send you an email alerting you to begin the application process once available.
• Align a Reviewer. All applications submitted must be reviewed by a school official. Before completing your application, talk to a teacher, counselor, or administrator to let them know you’ll need their help. This is critical as we’ll be sending them an email with instructions on how to go about the review process.
• Collect What’s Important.Gather together all of the information you will need to begin the application process. Focus on gathering these materials within one or two days to make the application process easier for you:
  • The name and address of your high school and the full name of your principal
  • The full name and email address of your reviewer
  • The approximate population of your high school’s geographic area
  • Your high school’s sports division or class
  • Your graduation class size and rank
  • Complete transcript and GPA for grades 9-11
  • ACT and/or SAT test scores and dates, if you’ve taken those exams
  • Information on Honors, AP, IB, or College Credit Courses offered by your school
  • Details of your academic honors, athletics activities and records, school activities, employment, volunteer activities, and community club or organization participation in grades 9-11

What You Need to Know:

• Every School Will Have a High School Heisman. The Wendy’s High School Heisman program begins recognizing winners at the school level with every school who has applicants in the program being recognized with both a male and female High School Heisman winner. All school winners will then have the potential to continue advancing through the program receiving additional awards along the way with the chance to be named one of two (male and female) National Winners live in New York City during Heisman Week. Learn more about the various stages and awards.
• Results Begin in October: Beginning October 23, we will announce the school winners for the 2013 program. We then announce state finalists, state winners, and national finalists weekly thereafter. The 12 national finalists will be invited to New York City where the two national winners will be announced nationally on ESPN2 on December 13. Learn more about the full program timeline.
• Early Bird Gets the Worm. Be one of our first 25,000 applicants and receive a $10 Wendy’s giftcard to use on your next Frosty, Baconator, Dave’s Hot N’ Juicy, or whatever else on our menu happens to be your favorite.

Going to school is a test of endurance, but it is the challenge the makes it compelling. The key to high school leadership awards is to move beyond the studies. That all sounds great but what does it mean? Get involved to make school something you didn’t see coming – an adventure.

Choosing the Right Activity
The right activity provides opportunity for enrichment and advancement, as well as entertainment. So, what interests you? Sports, chess, math, drama – this is all starting to sound like extracurricular activities. Let’s break it down further. Sports, do you like to play or watch them? What do you like about chess: competition or strategy? Make a list of things you like to do and why they appeal to you.

High School Leadership Awards through Extracurricular Activities
Once you have an idea of what drives you, examine the list of extracurricular activities available. If you are a player, we are talking about sports, check to see what teams might still have tryouts. It is too late for football, but baseball season is coming. If you are more of a spectator, consider pep club or sign up to volunteer. Free road trips, are a definite perk. Extracurricular activities improve your college options, look good on resumes and provide hands-on training that you don’t get debating the teachers.

Nothing Rewarding Here
If you don’t see a club that appeals to you, start one. Let’s say you like graphic design. Well, chances are there are other aspiring graphic designers within your school as well. Coordinate a team interested in the club, and begin a conversation with a teacher or administrator to get it started.

Run for Office
Since we are talking about college, let’s talk about government. Student government is an adventure that allows you to make a difference. From campaigning to participating in an election, to planning events, to informing school leaders and student council of emanating ideas, student government has it all. It’ll also keep you connected to your classmates for years to come with the planning of class reunions. If you don’t want to run, think about volunteering to support someone you believe is the right candidate.

Tutoring
Tutoring puts you on the fast track to rewards. You can make a friend, help another student and learn all at the same time. Check at the office for tutoring opportunities or ask a teacher if you can help.

How do you get involved? It won’t happen if you are sitting in front of the TV or playing the latest RPG game. By definition, involved means you are doing something. Pick an activity and make it work – find you own brand of success this year that will lead you to a high school leadership award.