C. Milton Wright senior Danielle King was all smiles Tuesday morning when the school and ESPN surprised her with the announcement that she is one of 12 national finalists for the 2011 Wendy's High School Heisman award.
King, 18, arrived at the school's cafeteria a little after 7 a.m. under the impression her field hockey team was having a breakfast, but was confused when she saw cameramen and her parents in the room.
Principal Marlene Molter took the podium in front of the cafeteria's mustang mural, commenting that the award was created in 1994 for "students who excel in academics, athletics and in their community," and she was proud to recognize the students who met this criteria and will "go on to the next level." Molter called King's name, who looked on in disbelief while people applauded.
"I wanted to thank you in person for your incredible efforts," Molter said of King, who has a weighted GPA of 4.2, has won multiple field hockey awards and honors and has participated in the student government association.
Rick Borchers, chief operating officer for Wendy's, told King she was one of 102 state finalists and presented her with a silver medal for her accomplishments. He then surprised her one more time with the announcement that she had made it to the national finals and film crews from ESPN were there to capture the moment and interview her later. The room cheered.
King will go on to the collegiate Heisman ceremony in New York on Dec. 9, when the two winners will be announced. If she's selected, the Bel Air teen will win a trophy, $500 Wendy's gift card and $10,000 will be awarded to the school in her name. If King doesn't win, she doesn't go home empty-handed — she'll still win a $100 gift card and a $2,000 donation to the school.
For those who know King, it wasn't much of a surprise to learn that her drive and determination had led to national recognition.
Heather Hartman, guidance counselor for C. Milton Wright, helped King with her college transcripts, which looks more like an impressive resume with numerous awards, accomplishments and extracurricular activities.
"To me, she's the type of person who knows what it means to be excellent," Hartman said. "She's fearless. She knows what it takes to be a winner."
There's no doubt that King is a winner, regardless if she wins the Heisman award — she ranks second out of 330 students, and first when her un-weighted GPA (honors and advanced placement courses count for more than regular classes) is taken into account.
Art teacher and King's field hockey coach Jana Thomas has known the senior since her freshman year and called her "the sweetest girl." She described King as polite, kind and very focused.
"She's a perfect candidate," Thomas said of the honor. "We've been blessed to have her for four years."
After the brief ceremony, King posed for pictures with her family and teachers.
"I was completely shocked when I saw everyone here," she said of the surprise.
When asked how she manages all of her responsibilities, King said playing on various sports teams growing up has helped her keep her balance.
After she graduates, King will be attending Davidson College, a Division I school in Charlotte, N.C., to play field hockey.