From STAFF REPORTS

AMERICUS — There are some students who set the bar. They work harder, show more passion and lead by example — in the classroom, on the field, and within the community. Recently, Wendy’s High School Heisman recognized Jada Boyd from Americus-Sumter High School and her dedication to never cutting corners by naming her a School Winner.
“Miss Boyd is known by her teachers and friends for her commitment to excellence. We are excited and honored that a program like Wendy’s High School Heisman is also recognizing her hard work,” said Kimothy Hadley, principal of Americus-Sumter High.
Since 1994, Wendy’s and the Heisman Trophy Trust have been running the same play to perfection: honoring more than 600,000 of the nation’s most esteemed students. This year, Wendy’s will celebrate the accomplishments of thousands of the best high school seniors by awarding winners in five phases. School winners will receive a certificate and a Wendy’s High School Heisman Patch.
Upon receiving the honor, Boyd said, “I am honored to be the ASHS Wendy’s Heisman Winner. Throughout my four years of high school, I have dedicated myself to my academics, sports, and any other extracurricular activities I could be involved in. I owe all of the awards I have received and accomplishments I have made to my mother, Georgia Boyd. Her unconditional love, compassion, and support has fueled my undying ambition and work ethic.”
About Wendy’s High School Heisman
The Wendy’s High School Heisman was created by Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas in 1994. Dave Thomas dropped out of high school when he was 15 years old in order to work full-time, then went on to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs in history. While this nontraditional path led to his prosperity, it always worried Thomas that others would follow in his footsteps and expect to achieve similar fame and wealth by not finishing high school or attending college.
Faced with this dilemma, at 61 years old, Thomas enrolled at Coconut Creek High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and received his General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Inspired by this moment and with a desire to celebrate the outstanding achievements of youth in America, he launched the Wendy’s High School Heisman program.
Twenty-two years later, Wendy’s High School Heisman has honored more than 600,000 of the nation’s most esteemed high school seniors who share Wendy’s values of giving back to the community, treating people with respect, continuing education and excelling on the athletic field.
The Wendy’s High School Heisman is a joint program between Wendy’s and the Heisman Trophy Trust, host and custodians of the Heisman Memorial Trophy®.