Two Outstanding Scholar-Athletes Named 2011 Wendy's High School Heisman National Winners

NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Graduating high school seniors are members of a class recognized for completing their primary education. This year, seniors Selena Pasadyn and Garrett Gosse aren't just celebrating joining the ranks of graduates across the country – they're celebrating joining a prestigious group of high school seniors recognized as Wendy's High School Heisman award recipients!

Pasadyn and Gosse took their place as the 18th annual recipients of the prestigious award this evening at the Wendy's High School Heisman awards ceremony in New York City. Wendy's honored them as the national winners of the prestigious award, which selects exceptional students who exhibit excellence in academics, athletics and community service. The two winners were chosen from nearly 48,000 applicants:

Selena Pasadyn, Brunswick High School

Hometown: Brunswick, OH

Selena Pasadyn is a Cross Country and Track and Field standout performer. She holds the school record for Ohio's Division 1 Cross Country State meet and is a four-year member of the varsity swim team. In addition to her athletic achievements, Pasadyn has also been named Brunswick High School Student of the Year and earned perfect ACT and SAT scores in mathematics. After high school, she plans to run Cross Country and Track and Field at Yale University.

Garrett Gosse, The Meadows School

Hometown: Las Vegas, NV

Garrett Gosse is a triple threat as a Class 2A first-team all-state selection in football, basketball and baseball. Quarterback of his team, Gosse has earned record-breaking stats, including 448 passing yards in a single game. As Vice President of his class, he organized a tutoring program at an underprivileged school and volunteers his time mentoring younger students. After graduation, Gosse plans to continue playing football at a top university.

Pasadyn and Gosse were selected from an exceptional group of national finalists, made up of six male and six female students from six U.S. regions, representing a variety of sports and extracurricular activities. Tonight's award ceremony will air on ESPN2 on Sunday, December 18 at 2 p.m.

"These high school seniors have not only excelled in athletics, but they've become inspirations to those around them," said Archie Griffin, two-time collegiate Heisman Memorial Trophy winner. "We're honored to have Selena and Garrett enter the esteemed ranks of Heisman greatness. They embody every bit of what Wendy's High School Heisman recognizes – leadership, service, and scholarship."

This year's two national winners will each receive a crystal Wendy's High School Heisman Trophy, a $10,000 donation to their respective high schools and recognition during the collegiate Heisman ceremony in New York City on Saturday, December 10. 

The other 10 Wendy's High School Heisman national finalists are:

About the Wendy's High School Heisman Program

Created in 1994 by Wendy's and the Heisman Memorial Trust, the Wendy's High School Heisman Award recognizes outstanding high-school seniors nationwide who excel in athletics, academics and in the community.  Students can nominate themselves for the award online, in addition to being recommended by principals, teachers, guidance counselors and coaches.  The most exceptional students are then selected to advance during extensive judging processes conducted at both state and national levels.

About Wendy's International, Inc.

Wendy's is one of the world's most successful restaurant companies with more than 6,600 restaurants worldwide.  More information about The Wendy's Company is available at www.wendys.com, or www.aboutwendys.com.

Contact
Christyne Redecker
Ketchum Public Relations
[email protected]
(404) 879-9031

The Wendy's name and design, and the Wendy's High School Heisman and design are trademarks of Oldemark LLC and are licensed to Wendy's International, Inc.  The Heisman name and Heisman Trophy statuette are registered trademarks of the Heisman Trophy Trust, used with permission.

SOURCE Wendy’s International, Inc.