Two Outstanding Scholar-Athletes Named 2010 Wendy's High School Heisman National Winners

NEW YORK, Dec. 10, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- High school seniors treasure several milestones their last year in school: acceptance into college, their last high school prom, graduation day. But two outstanding high school student athletes from Midlothian, Va., and Tucson, Ariz., have another moment in time worth celebrating. Gabrielle Badura and Rexford Woodbury sealed their name in Heisman history 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 55,000 applicants – one of the highest entry pools in the award program's 17-year history:

Gabrielle Badura, Clover Hill High School

Hometown: Midlothian, Va.

Gabrielle Badura is a cross country All-American who holds several school records.  Off the field, she's president of her class and has been recognized as Student of the Year and a National Merit Scholar. She also dedicates her time tutoring students and leading a service group that's offered relief to hurricane victims in Haiti. After graduation, she plans on hiking several national parks and attending a top engineering university to pursue a career in biomedical engineering.

Rex Woodbury, Catalina Foothills High School

Hometown: Tucson, Ariz.

Rexford Woodbury prides himself on his passion for sport and for others. He holds records in the 800 and 1600 meter runs and is the only track athlete in his school's history to be a top scorer for 3 consecutive years. Rexford also uses his love of running to advocate for causes supporting medical research and youth. He currently holds a 4.0+ GPA and is a National Merit Semifinalist and AP Scholar. After graduation, he hopes to claim a NCAA title at a top university and continue serving his community.

Gabrielle and Rex 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. The award ceremony will air on ESPNU on December 12, 2010 at 9 p.m. EST.

"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 Gabrielle and Rex 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 11.  

The other 10 Wendy's High School Heisman national finalists who deserve recognition:

About Wendy's High School Heisman

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.

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.