Wendy's Heisman nominees told

Eric Walther and Samantha Valerius of Carson High School have been nominated for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award.

The program celebrates the nation's top high school seniors who best exemplify a well-rounded citizen-scholar-athlete, and is awarded in conjunction with the collegiate Heisman.

"We believe it's important to celebrate success in all facets of life," said Carson High School Principal Fred Perdomo who nominated the students. "The Wendy's High School Heisman is the ultimate way to showcase students' diverse achievements for all to see."

Created in 1994 through a partnership between Wendy's and the Heisman Memorial Trophy, the Wendy's High School Heisman program has rewarded youth excellence for 12 years.

Valerius and Walther were nominated for this program based on the following accomplishments:

Valerius has a 4.0 grade-point average and Walther has a 3.48 average.

They are both involved in sports, clubs and community events, and have won awards.

"These students are truly in a league of their own," says Archie Griffin, the only two-time winner of the prestigious Heisman Memorial Trophy and program spokesperson. "Each student nominated for the award has gone above and beyond expectations to help those in need, enhance their education and pursue their dreams."

Also nominated from area school districts are Joshua Aaker of Dayton High School, Cherry Davis and Damian Escobedo of Silver State High School in Silver Springs and Cody Griffin of Virginia City High School.

To track a student's progress throughout the competition or to find out more about it, go to www.wendysheisman.com on the Internet.

The Wendy's High School Heisman Program is comprised of five phases Ð nomination, state finalists, state winners, national finalists and national winners.

Twelve national finalists are invited for an all-expense paid trip to New York City on Dec. 9 Ð11, to participate in the Heisman weekend festivities. ESPN2 will feature all 12 national finalists during the Wendy's High School Heisman Awards Ceremony that will air on Dec. 11.