Photos by Katie Turpen
SPHS High School Heisman
Spain Park High School senior Will Freeman, left, is currently qualified for the fastest swim meet in the country. He is one of the top 12 national finalists for the 2013 Wendy’s High School Heisman. SPHS senior Madoline Held, right, is a long-distance runner and one of the two Alabama finalists for the 2013 Wendy’s High School Heisman.
Two Spain Park High School seniors, Madoline Held and Will Freeman, have been announced as the 2013 Wendy’s High School Heisman winners for Alabama. It is the first time in the history of the national program that two state finalists are from the same school.
“Over 48,000 students went through this process,” Spain Park High School Principle Dr. Ken Jarnagin said. “To have two state winners from the same school is a really big deal.”
The national program selects students based on their academics, athletics and community service. Applicants must have a cumulative high school grade point average of a B (3.0) or better, participate in an eligible sport and demonstrate leadership in community service activities.
At the school-wide assembly on Nov. 20, both students were recognized for their achievements and awarded silver medals by a Wendy’s High School Heisman official, who also announced that out of 102 state finalists, Will Freeman has been selected one of the 12 National Finalists.
“It’s pretty crazy. I’m excited to go to New York City,” Freeman said. “I owe a lot of this to my parents. They taught me to have a great work ethic.”
Freeman is a swimmer, currently qualified for the fastest meet in the country, the 2014 Phillips 66 Summer National Championship. He plans to swim next year at the University of Alabama. Held is a long distance runner and has been accepted at both the University of Alabama and Auburn University.
Freeman, along with the other 11 national Heisman finalists will compete in New York City on Dec. 13 and one male and one female national winner will each receive a crystal Wendy’s High School Heisman trophy, a $500 Wendy’s gift card and a donation from Wendy’s in the amount of $10,000 to their respective high school. The winners will also be recognized during the collegiate Heisman Trophy announcement on Dec. 14.
Freeman is thankful for his award and hopes to continue his service throughout his college years.
“I really just want to continue to give back to the community,” Freeman said.
Spain Park High School will receive $2,000 from the Wendy’s Heisman program. In the national program’s history, three other Heisman winners have come from Alabama.
For more information on the Wendy’s High School Heisman, visit WendysHeisman.com
