Local senior to represent AZ in Wendy's High School Heisman competition | News

A local Tucson senior is honored with distinguished recognition as a state winner of the 2012 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award.

Sarah Macdonald of Pusch Ridge Christian Academy, and Dallin Merrell of Snowflake High School in Snowflake were chosen to compete for the national award, which celebrates their hard work, dedication and exceptional records in not only athletics but academics and community leadership as well.

“Colleges want well-rounded students and with admissions growing more selective, a national award like the Wendy’s High School Heisman can really help students stand out,” said Archie Griffin, two-time collegiate Heisman Trophy winner, in a recent news release. “Sarah and Dallin are inspirations to others in their school and community, and we’re honored to welcome them into the Heisman family.” 

This is the 19th year the Wendy’s High School Heisman has been awarded in conjunction with the College Heisman.  Both awards set the standard for athletics both in high school and college. 

Macdonald and Merrell were chosen from over 45,000 applicants, in Arizona; both surviving several rounds that narrowed all participants to one female and one male from each school and then sent those on to Arizona’s group of 20 State finalists.

Both will now compete against winners from regions across the U.S. for the chance to be named one of the 12 National Finalists.  Once these 12 National finalists are chosen, they will compete for the National Winner title in New York City on December 7. 

National Finalists will be featured during a televised ceremony on ESPN and each will receive gold medals and $2000 for their high schools.  One male and one female National Winner will receive a crystal Wendy’s High School Heisman trophy, a $500 Wendy’s gift card and a $10,000 donation from Wendy’s to their respective high school.  The National winners will also be featured on the collegiate Heisman Trophy broadcast on December 8, on ESPN2.

For more information about the High School Heisman program and to view all the state winners and finalists, visit www.WendysHeisman.com.