A Heisman award has yet another Greater Cleveland connection.
Brunswick senior Selena Pasadyn won the female Wendy's High School Heisman during a ceremony Friday night in New York City.
Brunswick High will receive a $10,000 donation from trophy sponsor Wendy's. Pasadyn does not receive any scholarship or financial awards.
"I'm thrilled, honored to be able to win this award among such an amazing group of people I've been able to meet this weekend," Pasadyn said in a telephone interview.
"When my name was announced the first thing I did was start screaming. I was so happy. I was so proud to be able represent my community and my school."
The High School Heisman is based on athletic and academic achievement and community involvement. Pasadyn, who lives in Hinckley Township, was one of 12 national finalists, six males and six females.
Pasadyn, 16, skipped two years of elementary school, and blazed a stellar academic and athletic career despite entering high school at age 12. She is ranked No. 1 in her senior class with a 4.74 grade-point average.
Pasadyn helped lead Brunswick to the Division I state cross country state championship in October. She holds individual school records in cross country, two swimming events and two track events, and is a captain of all three teams. She is involved in numerous church and community activities.
She is being recruited to run in college by several Ivy League and other highly regarded schools, including Case Western Reserve.
Pasadyn is the first Greater Clevelander and the first Ohio girl to win the High School Heisman.
Among the college football Heisman Trophy winners have been Clevelanders Desmond Howard and Troy Smith and Elyria's Vic Janowicz.
The High School Heisman was created in 1994 and, like the college football trophy, named after famed college coach John Heisman, who was from Cleveland.
Today in New York, the Heisman Trophy will be awarded to the top college football player, and Pasadyn and the male winner are to be recognized during the broadcast on ESPN.
"I think that's really awesome," Pasadyn said.
The High School Heisman ceremony will be broadcast on ESPN2 on Dec. 18 at 2 p.m.
Ad Choices