Dundy County's Alison Glidden nominated as state finalist for Wendy's Heisman Award

BENKELMAN -- Alison Glidden of Benkelman, received notification on being named a State Finalist for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award.

Her strengths in academics, community service and athletics put her among the top 20 students (10 senior boys and 10 senior girls) in Nebraska to receive the award.

A recognition banquet is slated for tonight in Lincoln to honor the finalists and name the two state finalists.

The keynote speaker for the evening will be Irv Cross, past member of the National Heisman Trophy Committee.

Cross is a former NFL player, a TV sports analyst and is the current Director of Athletics at Macalester College in St. Paul.

Glidden is the daughter of Richard and Cheryl Glidden, Benkelman.

She is a three-year member of the National Honor Society and has been on the All A Honor Roll every semester of high school.

Glidden's No. 1 ranking in her senior class and 4.0 GPA, has earned her membership in the High Ability Learners Program.

She has been selected as Academic All-State in volleyball, basketball and track.

Glidden is captain of her volleyball and track teams and has qualified for the state track meet three years in high jump, two years in long jump and one year in triple jump.

In volleyball, she was selected to the 2002 All-State Class C-2 First Team, as well as the All-State tourney team and first team in the Republican Valley League.

Glidden has also received recognition in basketball and track.

In public service, she enjoys tutoring elementary reading students and has lead her F.B.L.A. chapter in the Summer Reading Program, Adopt-a-Highway service, Fair Food Booth and the County Food Pantry Collecting to name a few.

For the past three years, Glidden has taught a class in her church's community Vacation Bible School.

Glidden is currently the FBLA president and has been treasurer and secretary.

She has held offices in high school class president twice, student council secretary, annual staff editor and Luther League co- chairperson.

Glidden has been active in 4-H for nine years and recently received the Danforth "I Dare You" Leadership award.