Award Program Seeks the Nation's Top Citizen-Scholar-Athletes

DUBLIN, Ohio, Sept. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The 2008 Wendy's(R) High School Heisman(R) (WHSH) race is on!

Celebrating its milestone 15th anniversary, Wendy's has begun the quest to find the next class of High School Heisman recipients -- students who excel in academics, athletics and community involvement. Through October 1, 2008, eligible seniors can submit applications online at http://www.WendysHeisman.com. Last year marked the first time in the program's history that the application process was put into the hands of the students and opened up to self nominations.

'Wendy's High School Heisman is more than just an award -- it's a lifestyle,' said Archie Griffin, two-time collegiate Heisman Memorial Trophy winner. 'The program is a stepping stone towards higher achievement in school and community leadership. With college admissions becoming more selective than ever, a national award of this caliber can really help a student stand out.'

All eligible seniors may submit an application online through Oct. 1, 2008. The first 41,000 applicants will receive a free Wendy's gift card randomly valued from $5 to $50. From the completed applications, one male and one female winner will be chosen from each high school. The names of all applicants and school winners will be posted on the Wendy's High School Heisman Web site on Oct. 22, 2008. For more information, students can visit http://www.WendysHeisman.com, call (800) 205-6367 or contact their local high school principal, guidance counselor or athletic director.

The WHSH program, awarded in conjunction with the collegiate Heisman, is a joint program between Wendy's and the Heisman Memorial Trust (host of the College Heisman Memorial Trophy since 1935.) Created in 1994, WHSH has set the standard for high school student-athletes and gained tremendous prestige in its own right. To date, more than 180,000 high school students have represented their schools and been touched by the Heisman glory.

The program consists of six stages -- applicants, school winners, state finalists, state winners, national finalists and national winners. Entries initially will be evaluated by ACT, Inc.