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. From an applicant pool of nearly 42,000 high school scholar-athletes graduating with the class of 2019, Spencerport’s Erin Coykendall was one of 10 students named National Finalists in the 25th year of Wendy’s High School Heisman scholarship competition.
Since 1994, Wendy’s and the Heisman Trophy Trust have honored more than 650,000 of the nation’s most esteemed students. This year, Wendy’s celebrates the accomplishments of thousands of the best high school seniors, awarding winners in five phases.
Wendy’s High School Heisman recognized Erin Coykendall, Olivia Wall and Vanessa Watson from Spencerport High School for their dedication to never cutting corners by naming them School Finalists.
“These students are known by their teachers and friends for their commitment to excellence. We are excited and honored that a program like Wendy’s High School Heisman is also recognizing their hard work,” said Spencerport athletic director, John Pelin.
Coykendall, a four sport athlete, progressed through the competition phases being named School Winner, State Winner and National Finalist. She will receive a $1,000 college scholarship.
As part of the Spencerport lacrosse, soccer, basketball and bowling teams,
Coykendall is no stranger to national accolades. In June, she was named the female athlete of the year for the 2nd Annual
MaxPreps Semper Fidelis High School Athlete of the Year Award, presented by the United States Marine Corps.
Coykendall isn’t only a standout on the field, but also in school and in the community. In school, Coykendall is a 4.0 GPA student, a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society and the CHOICES Program. Through this program, she takes part in leadership around the school and volunteer opportunities in the community. Coykendall is also a volunteer assistant coach for youth lacrosse and soccer teams in her town. She finds time in her busy schedule to attend practices each week to mentor young athletes. A big animal lover, Coykendall volunteers with an animal rescue group, fostering and often bottle-feeding puppies and kittens.
“I am honored to have been nominated and selected as one of ten National Finalists out of 42,000 applicants for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. I would like to thank my family and community for their support throughout my high school career. I hope to make them proud of me when I attend Northwestern in the fall of 2019,” Coykendall said.
One male and one female athlete from the 10 Wendy’s High School Heisman National Finalists were named National Winners on November 9 – Sunjay Chawla of Greenwood, Mississippi and Lauren Eccles on Dandridge, Tennessee.
To learn more about Wendy’s High School Heisman, visit www.wendysheisman.com.
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