Jacobs’ Lauren Van Vlierbergen Wins Wendy’s High School Heisman
Credit: wendyshighschoolheisman.com
Jacobs High School senior Lauren Van Vlierbergen’s has been named the national winner of the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award during a banquet at the Downtown Athletic Club in New York.
Van Vlierbergen was one of six female national finalists for the award.
Van Vlierbergen was selected for her outstanding academic and athletic achievements, and leadership within her community.
“We are so honored to have Lauren recognized as the nation’s top student athlete through this prestigious award,” says District 300 Board President Anne Miller.
For 20 years, the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award has recognizes the achievements of exceptionally well-rounded students. Like the collegiate Heisman Memorial Trophy, known as the highest award in college football, the Wendy’s High School Heisman Program honors the all-star performances of high school seniors in the classroom, on the field, and in the community.
She also is recognized for helping to save a life. Here’s that story, as told on the Wendy’s High School Heisman website:
“As a lifeguard at her local Lifetime Fitness, Lauren’s biggest challenge is normally to keep patrons from diving into the shallow end of the pool. But one day, in the blink of an eye, Lauren found herself in an emergency situation that demanded all her inner strength.
“A mother with her baby in her arms had fallen on the pool deck while suffering a seizure. Lauren’s training kicked in as she ran to the woman’s side and before the baby could shed a tear, Lauren had the child safely in the arms of a bystander. Then, Lauren held the mother’s head in her hands until the seizure passed.
“This humbling experience taught Lauren to approach each day not as a routine, but as a gift, and it reinforced the importance of being prepared to handle any situation. This is part of what inspires Lauren to continually fight through obstacles and weaknesses to achieve her personal goals – so she can be ready to excel when she’s needed most.”
Van Vlierbergen’s impressive resume includes:
Sports:
- Cross Country
- Track & Field
- Basketball
Academic Honors:
- National Honor Society
- Super Honor Roll
- AP Scholar with Honors
- VFW Scholarship Recipient – Voice of Democracy Essay/Speech
- President’s Volunteer Service Award for 100 Hours of Service a Year
- Illinois Junior Academy of Science
- Silver Medal for paper session at State
- Rotary Youth Leadership Conference and Fox Valley Leadership Conference
- Student Athlete Leadership Board
Athletic Accomplishments
Cross Country
- 3 years Captain
- 4 years Varsity Letter Winner
- 3 years MVP
- 4 years All-Conference
- 4 years All-District
- 3 years All-State
- IHSA 3A State Finals 7th Place in 3 Mile (16:47)
- School Record in 3 Mile (16:47)
Track & Field
- 2 years Captain
- 3 years Varsity Letter Winner
- 2 years MVP
- 3 years All-Conference
- 3 years All-District
- 2 years All-State
- School Record in 4x800m Relay (9:16)
- School Record in 800m (2:10.1) – Won Class 3A IHSA State Track Meet
- School Record in 1600m (4:55.4) – Placed 4th in 3Q State Track Meet
- School Record in 3200m (10:45.1) – Won a Conference Dual Meet
- Illinois Prep Top Times Indoor State Record in 800m (2:11.8)
- County Record Holder in 800m (2:12.1)
Basketball
- 2 years Varsity Letter Winner
School/Community Involvement
- Student Council
- Interact Club
- Jacobs Safety Initiative (President)
- Girls on the Run (President)
- Founders Day Run Chair
Additional information will be released as the story develops.
SOURCES: School District 300 press release, wendyshighschoolheisman.com
