Kaylee Jamison, who signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the University of Minnesota women’s swimming and diving team next fall, won the 2006 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award last week. Jamison, one of six finalists from thousands of nominations, was announced the winner at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square, New York last Friday.

Jamison, hailing from St. Charles, Ill., completed her senior season with the St. Charles North High School team this fall. A first-team All-American and second team all-state honoree, Jamison was a U.S. Junior National Qualifier and a U.S. Sectional Finalist. She also was a U.S. Junior National Triathlon Championship finalist. A team captain and varsity letterwinner, Jamison is the school recordholder in the 100 butterfly and the 200 individual medley. She was also the district recordholder in the 400 medley and free relays. Along with being a standout swimmer, Jamison is a member of the track and field team and is a second-team all-district honoree in the distance events.

Jamison also earned her award for her academics and her service within the community. Ranking third in her class of 520, Jamison is a National Honor Society officer as well as a member of the peer leadership and the Key and Ambassador Clubs. Her community service activities include volunteer work at Delnor Community Hospital, the Lazarus House homeless shelter and working with the Special Olympics.

Created in 1994 by Wendy’s and the Heisman Memorial Trust, the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award recognizes high-school seniors nationwide who excel in athletics, academics and in the community. Principals, teachers, guidance counselors and coaches from high schools across the nation are asked each year to nominate one male and one female student for the award and the national winners are selected after an extensive judging process conducted at both state and national levels.