Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas supported the ongoing commitment to the advancement, development, and support of young people. He encouraged their aspirations to improve themselves and their communities. With this in mind, Dave created an award that recognizes today’s top scholars, athletes, and citizens among America’s high school students.

For eight generations, the Heisman name has signified excellence, determination, and prestige among college football’s elite. In 1994, a second level of outstanding achievers ensconced their names into Heisman lore when the Wendy’s High School Heisman (WHSH) program was created.

The WHSH program has set the standard for high school student-citizen-athletes, and gained tremendous prestige in its own right. Each fall, the program recognizes the nation’s most esteemed high school senior men and women for excellence in academics, community service, and athletics. It was created through a partnership between Wendy’s, the Heisman Memorial Trust and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

To date more than 110,000 high school nominated students have been touched by the Heisman mystique. Of them, 121 have progressed to the National Finalist level, with 20 earning the designation of Wendy’s High School Heisman National Award Winners. Each year, two new students officially join the prestigious Heisman family.