Wendy’s High School Heisman Winners: Bob Jones

MADISON- Winning the Wendy’s High School Heisman can certainly help build on a student-athlete’s resume and take them to higher accomplishments in education. For the local school winners of the prestigious national award, receiving the accolades of superior athletic, academic achievement and caring community work can be the building block to tomorrow.

Each school chose a male and female athlete for its school winner. Those competed against other schools across Alabama for the state award, which then compete against all 50 states for the National Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. The award winners for each local high school included:

BOB JONES: Warren He (swimming) and Aija Abele (volleyball)

Warren He is enjoying his final season of competitive swimming for the Patriots as he no plans to continue swimming in college to either Auburn or UA-Huntsville with sights set on a degree in electrical engineering. His 5.0 GPA ranks him fifth in his senior class as he also participates in school organizations including the tutoring program. He also helps in the school’s greenhouse.

“This is certainly a cool thing to be recognized with this award,” said He. “You see a lot of great athletes who don’t maintain their academics and it hurts them in the long run. I’m proud of my academics and my swimming.”

He began competitive swimming with the Madison Dolphins recreational program at age five. After participating in both the 200 and 500-meter freestyle events last season, the 5-8, 145-pound He now concentrates in the 100 and 200 freestyle strokes this year.

 Aija (pronounced Eye-yah) Abele has been one of the main sparkplugs for the Bob Jones volleyball team leading the Lady Pats into the State Tournament. She is more of an assist player and earlier this season recorded 109 assists in a seven match stretch. Besides her talents on the court, she is also a superb student carrying a 4.0 GPA into her senior year and is scheduled to wait for some time before making her choice of college.

“I was very surprised with the award as honestly I had never heard of the award,” said Abele. “My career counselor told me of the award. I’m very honored and thank the faculty and staff of Bob Jones as they thought that much of me to be chosen.”

Abele is a busy young woman away from the volleyball court as she has participated in numerous clubs and multiple honor societies. She volunteers at her church and works with scheduled lessons and activities for the confirmation program.