Kathy Kroeger Wins High School Heisman

Published December 18, 2008

Independence High School senior Kathy Kroeger has won many awards in her day, but none have as much name recognition as the one she received this month. On December 12, Kathy was named the winner of the 15th annual Wendy's High School Heisman Award. The prestigious honor is given to the top male and female high school student-athletes in the nation who excel in athletics, academics and community service.

As the only four-time cross country state champion in Tennessee history, Kathy has proven herself to be a phenomenal athlete.

But she's also an exceptional student. In addition to being a National Merit Semifinalist, Kathy is a member of student council and ranked first in her graduating class. So it really came as no surprise when Kathy was named one of six female finalists for the Wendy's High School Heisman award out of a pool of 34,000 applicants.

The award ceremony was held December 12 in New York but Kathy was unable to attend. Instead, she was in San Diego for the Foot Locker Cross Country National Championships when she heard the good news. "I was very surprised and honored to be selected for this award," says Kathy. "Wendy's support of high school athletics and recognition of students with a balance of athletics, scholarship and service is commendable."

And while she's happy to have won the award, Kathy is even more thrilled to know that Wendy's High School Heisman will make a generous donation to Independence High School. "I am excited because my school will receive $10,000 as part of the award," says Kroeger.

After high school, Kathy plans to attend either Duke or Stanford University, leaving behind one of the most illustrious careers in the history of Tennessee high school athletics.