In order to earn the Wendy’s High School Heisman distinction, whether at the school level or national level, it involves a never ending commitment to leading those around you, educating yourself in all aspects of life, and performing to your fullest whenever called upon. Since 1994, the Wendy’s High School Heisman program has honored over a quarter million High School Heisman winners for their achievements both on and off the field. Each High School Heisman embodied these unique set of characteristics—characteristics that when exhibited, not only landed an elite few in New York City for Heisman week in December, but on a path toward life achievement.
Take two stories from our most recent set of National Finalists, Chris Madaffari and Cheyenne Becker:
Chris Madaffari, 2011 National Finalist. Early on in Chris’ life he was labeled as a “slow learner” and didn’t learn to read until the second grade and was not able to tie his shoes until the third grade. Through his own competitive nature and determination for success, Chris was able to make the best of every situation. Among his many achievements, through the help of a mentor Chris learned he had different ways of learning and ended up finishing high school ranked 2nd in his class, was voted 4-year Class President, set his high school’s 1-mile track and field record (4:32), and earned 2010 Junior Olympic All-American honors in Cross Country. To learn more about Chris, watch his highlight film from the 2011 Heisman Weekend in New York City.
Cheyenne Becker, 2011 National Finalist. Cheyenne’s determination towards athletic and personal achievement has never faltered, though her path has. With a promising basketball career in front of her, Cheyenne was instantly faced with her doctor informing her she could never play the sport again after two ACL reconstructive surgeries. Not the type to let bad news get her down, Cheyenne was determined to pursue other interests to become a well-rounded individual. Not only did she pick-up Cross-Country and Track & Field where she earned All-State honors 3-years in a row in both sports, she also took home the gold in the state meet. Off the field Cheyenne earned her Certified Nurses Aid Certificate, was named the National Honor Society’s Top Volunteer two years in a row, and joined Big Brothers Big Sisters among other things. To learn more about Cheyenne, watch her highlight reel from the 2011 Heisman Weekend in New York City.
If you’re a current high school senior, and exhibit the qualities of a High School Heisman and haven’t applied, click Apply Now at the top of this page to start your application today. The first 25,000 applicants will receive a $10 gift card to Wendy’s.