Press Release Archives - #653-96 Honors Wendy's HS Heisman Winners

Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 13, 1996

Release #653-96

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972

MAYOR GIULIANI HONORS WENDY'S HIGH SCHOOL HEISMAN WINNERS

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today attended the 3rd Annual Wendy's High School Heisman Award Ceremony at the Downtown Athletic Club, honoring the nation's top male and female high school seniors for their academic and athletic achievements.

Joining the Mayor at this evening's ceremony were Dave Thomas, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wendy's International, two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, Dr. Timothy Dyer, Executive Director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, Francis Powers, President of the Downtown Athletic Club and Carmine Ragucci, Chairman of the Heisman Committee.

"Since its inception three years ago, Wendy's High School Heisman has sought out the very best high school seniors from throughout the country," Mayor Giuliani said. "Rather than focus exclusively on athletics, the High School Heisman recognizes those students who exemplify all around excellence in athletics, but also in the classroom and in their communities. Too often we only hear negative news about today's young people. But events like this help to turn the tables on that negative message by publicizing the really outstanding achievements of our nation's most committed students. I congratulate this evening's 12 finalists, who are winners both on and off the field."

The Mayor also took time out to thank Wendy's founder Dave Thomas. "Dave has made a tremendous commitment to America's young people," Mayor Giuliani said. "Earlier today, Dave joined me for a public service announcement promoting adoption. He has devoted a great deal of time, effort and resources, and he has taken a national leadership role on behalf of that very worthy cause. The High School Heisman is yet another example of his determination to build a better future for America by advocating for and promoting the young men and women who are our future. "

The Wendy's High School Heisman Award Ceremony honors high school seniors throughout the United States for their achievements in academics, community involvement and athletics. Earlier this year, the Heisman Committee and the National Association of Secondary School Principals asked principals nationwide to nominate one male and one female scholar-athlete to represent their school. From the national pool of nominees, the field was narrowed to 1,020 State Finalists. From the 1,020 State Finalists, 102 State Winners were chosen. This evening's 12 Finalists, six men and six women, were selected from the pool of 102 State Finalists.