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2016 Wendy's Heisman HS Winners

The Clay Local School District Salutes Outstanding Student Applicants and School Winners in the Race for the 2016 Wendy's High School Heisman

Clay High School is extending special congratulations to Cole Gilliland and Alaina Stowers who were named the school winners for the prestigious Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. To be eligible for this award, students must display academic aptitude, athletic talent, and community leadership.

Wendy’s High School Heisman program, awarded in conjunction with the collegiate Heisman, celebrates the achievements of the nation’s top high school seniors both in and out of the classroom.  Just as the collegiate Heisman is known for being the top award in college football, the WHSH award is known for being the most prestigious award at the high school level. The award encourages future leadership by recognizing well-balanced lifestyles at an early age.

"Cole and Alaina are future leaders and will represent their school well in the next phase of judging,” said Archie Griffin, the only two-time winner of the prestigious Heisman Memorial Trophy and Wendy’s High School Heisman program spokesperson.  “I’m proud to be involved with an award that embodies the spirit of the Heisman tradition of hard work, dedication, and an outstanding record both on and off the field.”

"Cole and Alaina have shown throughout their high school careers that they have embodied Wendy’s High School Heisman lifestyle,” said Todd Warnock, CHS principal.  “This award is the perfect way to celebrate their achievements and showcase the outstanding talent at Clay High School.”

Cole, the son of Craig and Melanie Gilliland of Rosemount, has participated in basketball, baseball, and golf during his fours years at Clay.  He is also a member of the Clay HS National Honor Society and Student Council.

Alaina, the daughter of Susan Runyon and Ryan Stowers of Portsmouth, has participated in tennis and cheerleading during her four years at Clay.  She is also a member of Student Council and of the Clay HS National Honor Society.

Created in 1994, Wendy’s High School Heisman program has celebrated youth excellence for twenty plus years.  The program consists of six stages – applicants, school winners, state finalists, state winners, national finalists, and national winners.  Entries are initially evaluated by ACT Assessment during the Applicant, State Finalist, and State Winner phases, and then passed on to a distinguished panel of judges. Known for the ACT college entrance exam, ACT is a non-profit organization offering educational measurement and research services.