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, Sarah Bennion and Garrett Adcock:
Sarah Bennion, 2011 National Finalist. Sarah defines a well rounded contributor to society. Not only was she a three sport athlete competing in track & field, cross country, and soccer, she helped lead her Cross Country team a State Championship while earning all the Johnny Carpenter Award for Oregon’s Prep Athlete of the Year presented by the Oregon Sports Awards. Off the field Sarah served as ASB president, the highest point of student leadership within her school. During that time she navigated her schools 5th Oregonian Cup which her school received from the OSSA for excellence in academics, activities, and athletics. She also started The Medford Food Project, a local benefit where she collected 14,000 lbs. of food to provide to the local food pantry. And during her remaining free time, Sarah served as a youth counselor at her church camp where she participated in her first musical production. To learn more about Sarah, watch her highlight reel from the 2011 Heisman Weekend in New York City.
Garrett Adcock, 2011 National Finalist. Also a three sport athlete, Garrett was a force on the field competing in football, track & field, and basketball. In football, Garrett set his school Deadlift record of 675 lbs., earned All-State honors in 2010 and a State Championship in 2008. In track & field, Garrett continued his success earning All-State honors in 2010 and another State Championship team in 2009. Off the field, Garrett sets the stage for how a role model should lead. After a mission trip to Africa with his family, Garrett wanted to do more. In March of 2011, with the help of his mother, he opened a hospital with a health clinic week in Atieku, Ghana. Chris also assisted with the Special Olympics where he didn’t only help, he learned a life lesson, and gained a friend for life. His partner was Donald, a Special Olympian who took what life handed him in the most enthusiastic way. Through Donald, Garrett learned it didn’t matter what place you finish. It’s about being in the moment, being able to compete, and being able to finish. To learn more about Garrett, watch his highlight reel from the 2011 Heisman Weekend in New York City.