FOOTBALL

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS: BRING YOUR "A" GAME!

Wendy's High School Heisman Award Open to All Deserving Seniors

Dublin, Ohio (Aug. 22, 2007) — The 2007 Wendy's® High School Heisman® (WHSH) search is on and more students than ever before have a chance to get involved.

For the first time in the program's 13-year history, Wendy's is opening up the nomination process to recognize all seniors who excel in academics, in athletics and in their communities. Eligible seniors now can submit applications online at www.wendysheisman.com. In previous years, an administrator would nominate one male and one female student from each school.

The program celebrates students who serve as role models in their schools and communities and is deeply rooted in the Heisman ideals of excellence.

"We're excited to offer all top high school scholar-athletes a chance at Heisman glory," said Archie Griffin, two-time collegiate Heisman Memorial Trophy winner. "Every high school has standout students, and this year we're inviting all these students to tell us why they are Heisman-worthy. Now, the ball is in their court."

All eligible seniors may submit an application online for consideration through October 1, 2007. The first 36,000 applicants will receive a free Wendy's gift card valued from $5 to $50. From the completed applications, one male and one female winner will be chosen from each high school. The names of all applicants and school winners will be posted on the Wendy's High School Heisman Web site in early October. For more information, students can visit www.wendysheisman.com, call (800) 205-6367 or contact their local high school principal, guidance counselor or athletic director.

The WHSH program, awarded in conjunction with the collegiate Heisman, is a joint program between Wendy's and the Heisman Memorial Trust (host of the College Heisman Memorial Trophy since 1935.) Just as the collegiate Heisman is known for being the most prestigious award in college football, the WHSH award is known for being the most prestigious award at the high school level.

Created in 1994, the Wendy's High School Heisman program has celebrated youth excellence for 13 years. The program consists of six phases – applicants, school winners, state finalists, state winners, national finalists and national winners. Entries initially will be evaluated by ACT Assessment during the applicant, state finalist and state winner phases, then passed on to a panel of distinguished judges.

Twelve national finalists will be invited to participate in Heisman Weekend festivities during an all-expense-paid trip Dec. 7-9 to New York City. ESPN2 will feature all 12 national finalists during the Wendy's High School Heisman Awards Ceremony, which airs Dec. 9.

(Wendy's International, Inc.)