Two of North Carolina’s most outstanding high school seniors were honored with distinguished recognition as state winners of the 2012 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award.

Kaitlyn Kent of South Iredell High School in Statesville and John Twomey-Kozak of Orange High School in Hillsborough 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.

“Colleges want well-rounded students and with admissions growing more selective, a national award like the Wendy’s High School Heisman can really help students stand out,” said Archie Griffin, two-time collegiate Heisman Trophy winner. “Kaitlyn and John 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 19th year, has set the standard for high school student-athletes and gained tremendous prestige among universities and colleges nationwide.

Kent and Twomey-Kozak were chosen from 45,000 applicants, surviving rounds that narrowed contenders to one male and one female winner from each school, and then to North Carolina’s respected group of 20 State Finalists.

Kent and Twomey-Kozak 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 December 7. 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 crystal Wendy’s High School Heisman trophy, a $500 Wendy’s gift card, 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 December 8 on ESPN2.

For more information about the High School Heisman program and to view all the state winners and finalists, visit www.WendysHeisman.com.