Two of Florida’s most outstanding high school seniors were honored with distinguished recognition as State Winners of the 2011 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. Collin Myrick of Freeport High School in Freeport and Devin McDermott of Lakewood Ranch High School in Bradenton will now go on to compete for the national award that celebrates their hard work, dedication and exceptional records in athletics, academics and community leadership.
“The Wendy’s High School Heisman Award celebrates high school seniors across the country who excel in academics, athletics and community service,” said Archie Griffin, two-time collegiate Heisman Trophy winner. “Collin and Devin are inspirations to others in their school and community, and we’re honored to welcome them into the Heisman family.”
Awarded in conjunction with the collegiate Heisman, the Wendy’s High School Heisman, now in its 18th year, has set the standard for high school student-athletes and gained tremendous prestige among universities and colleges nationwide.
Myrick and McDermott were chosen from 48,000 applicants, surviving rounds that narrowed contenders to one male and one female winner from each school, and then to Florida’s respected group of 20 State Finalists.
Myrick and McDermott will compete against winners from other regions across the country for a chance to be named one of 12 National Finalists in Wendy’s annual quest to find the nation’s top scholar-athletes. These 12 outstanding students will go on to compete for the National Winner title in New York City on Dec. 9. National Finalists will be featured during a televised ceremony on ESPN networks and will receive gold medals and $2,000 awards for their high schools. One male and one female National Winner will each receive a Wendy’s High School Heisman trophy and a donation from Wendy’s in the amount of $10,000 to their respective high school. Additionally, the winners will be recognized during the collegiate Heisman Trophy broadcast Dec. 10 on ESPN.
Collin Myrick was honored with a surprise ceremony on Nov. 7 as part of Homecoming Week at Freeport High School.
Freeport principal Shirley Foster introduced the award in front of the student body with Superintendent Carlene Anderson and school board members Faye Leddon, Sharon Roberts and Mildred Wilkerson in attendance.
Myrick, who has competed in golf, cross country, basketball, baseball and football at Freeport High School, to name a few, was stunned at the announcement. He was presented a silver medallion as his parents, Mike and Patsy Myrick, and his sister, freshman Mary Kate Myrick, watched with glee.
Myrick, who has a 4.0 GPA and plans to attend Auburn University in the fall, helped the Freeport baseball team to the Region Final in May and is one of the top returning scorers for the boys basketball team, which will begin play for the 2011-12 season later in November.
“I am not usually speechless, as Mrs. Foster can attest,” Myrick said in addressing the crowd. “I didn’t even know I was a finalist. It was certainly a humbling and heart-warming experience.”
Collin’s father, Mike, said after the ceremony. “Coach Jim Anderson said Patsy and I had to be here, so I new something was up. But not this. We couldn’t be more proud. He has worked hard and still has a good part of his senior year ahead of him.”