By Brent Hinckley

Thu, Nov 20, 2008 (11:46 p.m.)

Mona Shield Payne / Special to the Home News

Boulder City senior Caiti Forrester shoots a jump shot during team practice on Monday.

Mona Shield Payne / Special to the Home News

Boulder City senior Caiti Forrester was named a Wendy's High School Heisman award winner.

Boulder City High senior Caiti Forrester was named the Nevada girls Wendy's High School Heisman award winner on Nov. 7.

"My dad called me up in school and told me, and I was just so surprised and excited," she said.

The award is based on three categories — athletics, academics and community service. Students fill out their own application, which is then approved by a school official.

Forrester has earned varsity letters in basketball, soccer, track, volleyball and softball. She expects to finish her high school career with 12 varsity letters — the maximum any athlete can earn.

She's also expected to be the school's valedictorian with an approximate grade point average of 4.7 weighted.

Boulder City Athletic Director Regina Quintero said Forrester is deserving of the award.

"Caiti's a great athlete, an outstanding student and I think she's exactly what the award is all about," Quintero said.

Forrester is also a member of the school's Honor Society, where she's participated in a number of service projects.

One boy and one girl are selected from each school in October. From those nominees state winners are chosen and announced in November. A judging panel then selects six boys and six girls — one from each of six regions — as national finalists and the two winners are announced.

The two national winners receive a Wendy's High School Heisman trophy, a patch and $10,000 for their school and a $500 Wendy's gift card.

The 12 national finalists receive a gold medal, a Heisman patch and a $100 Wendy's gift card and their schools receive $2,000.

Brent Hinckley can be reached at 990-7822 or brent.hinckley@hbcpub.com.