TWO MEADOW HEIGHTS STUDENTS ARE HONORED WITH WENDY'S HIGH SCHOOL HEISMAN AWARDS

DUBLIN, OH -- If the Heisman Trophy comes to Patton, chances are Mariah Bollinger and Troy Hays will have something to do with it. That's because the Meadow Heights High School seniors were nominated for the 1999 Wendy's High School Heisman Award. Along with more than 12,000 of the nations most accomplished scholar-citizen-athletes honored in the program, they now set their sights on the state, and possibly, national competition.

Instituted in 1994, the Wendys High school Heisman established a goal of recognizing the top senior students across the country who have achieved excellence in academics, community involvement and athletics. To date, more than 42,000 students have participated in the program."These young people truly are special. What they've accomplished so- early in life is both commendable and inspiring," said Dave Thomas, Wendy's founder and television spokesperson. "Each year our program finds the country's 'best of the best.' We're proud to recognize each one of them."Bollinger, a Lady Panther volleyball stand-out, is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Frank Bollinger of Sedgewickville. Hays, son of Mr. & Mrs. James Hays of Patton, plays basketball.

Selecting the BestLast spring, a "Call for Nominations" packet was distributed to principals and guidance counselors at more than 23,000 high schools nationwide, encouraging them to nominate one male and one female scholar-citizen-athlete for the awardTo be eligible, students must have:*completed their junior year of high school*maintained at least a B+ grade point average*participated in one of 31 sports officially sanctioned by the National Federation of State High Schools Association*demonstrated active involvement in community service projects.

To be a part of a program with such tradition and renown is something that these students never will forget," said Archie Griffin, program spokesperson and the only two-time College Heisman Memorial Trophy winner.

In late September, all nominees will be evaluated by the education testing service of CTB/McGraw-HW to narrow the field to 1,020 State Award Finalists. By the end of October the field will be narrowed again, this time to 102 State Award Winners (including the District of Columbia).A distinguished panel of judges, comprised of former Heisman Trophy winners, top educators, business professionals and community leaders, then selects 12 National Finalists in November. The Finalists - one male and one female representing six geographic regions - are invited to New York City to participate in the Heisman Weekend festivities at the Downtown Athletic Club, Dec. 12. There, one male and one female will be selected as the National Winners and honored during ESPN's five broadcast of the College Heisman Memorial Trophy presentation on Dec. 11. Former College Heisman Trophy winners and other distinguished guests will be among those who honor the winners.

Heisman HeritageThe Wendy's High School Heisman is the only program in existence to share the "Heisman" name, and was founded on the most noble criteria and principles - dedication, determination and a desire to succeed.

As a governing body for the prestigious College Heisman Memorial Trophy, arguably the most coveted and distinguished award in intercollegiate athletics, the Downtown Athletic Club is a Program Partner along with Wendy's and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)."The level at which these students excel is remarkable," said Dr. Gerald Tirozzi, NASSP executive director. "That is a defining factor as to why this award grows in prestige and honor."NASSP is the largest school leadership Organization, representing more than 42,000 middle level and high school principals and assistant Principals. It administers the National Honor Society, the National Association of Student Councils and the National Alliance of Middle Level Schools. TheNational Alliance of High Schools, an organization of school-based teams across the country, is working with Principals to implement recommendations in NASSP's reform report, Breaking Ranks: Changing an American Institution.