EAST BAY — As the competition narrows for the 2009 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award program, 20 of Rhode Island's top scholar-athletes were announced today as state finalists. Over 50,000 seniors applied nationwide and from that group, 10,848 school winners were selected. The 20 Rhode Island state finalists were chosen from these winners. These finalists embody the Heisman spirit of hard work and dedication through their outstanding achievements in athletics, academics and community/school leadership.

Rhode Island’s Wendy’s High School Heisman State Finalists include:

Brian McLaughlin Barrington High School

Austin Demers Chariho Regional High School

Bryan Poston Chariho Regional High School

Amber Charette Shea High School

Jenna Denice East Greenwich High School

Brian Doyle East Greenwich High School

Elizabeth Costa East Providence High School

Scott Lincoln East Providence High School

Jessica Burr LaSalle Academy

Joseph Dellasanta LaSalle Academy

Taylor Mceldowney Mount Saint Charles

Robert Yates Mount Saint Charles

Robert Castellucci North Providence High School

Alex Taratuta North Smithfield High School

Katherine Corsi Scituate High School

Stephanie Beaudette St. Mary Academy-Bay View

Samantha William Tiverton High School

David Pimentel Tiverton High School

Steven Sylvia Westerly High School

Kayla Cullerton Woonsocket High School

Just as the collegiate Heisman is known for being the most prestigious award in college football, the Wendy’s High School Heisman, now in its 16th year, is one of the most prestigious awards at the high school level. Twenty of Rhode Island’s top scholar-athletes are now in the running to become state winners of The 2009 Wendy's High School Heisman Award.

On Nov. 7, one male and one female from Rhode Island will be named state winners, and will go on to compete for the national winner title in New York City on Dec. 11 national finalists will be featured during a televised ceremony on ESPN2, and will receive a gold medal and $2,000 award for their high schools. One male and one female national winner will receive a Wendy's High School Heisman trophy and Wendy's will donate $10,000 to each winner's respective high school. Additionally, the winners will be recognized during the collegiate Heisman Trophy broadcast on ESPN, Dec.12.

Created in 1994 in partnership with the Heisman Memorial Trust, the Wendy's High School Heisman has recognized outstanding and well-rounded students for 16 years. National finalists are judged by a panel including past Wendy's High School Heisman winners as well as leaders in education, business, athletics and community service.