Ainsworth named Wendy’s Heisman finalist
Magee Courier
Jordan Ainsworth was recently named a School Winner and Top Ten State Finalist for the prestigious Wendy's High School Heisman Award. To be eligible for this award, students must display academic aptitude, athletic talent and community leadership.The Wendy's High School Heisman program, awarded in conjunction with the collegiate Heisman, celebrates the achievements of the nation's top high school seniors both in and out of the classroom. Just as the collegiate Heisman is known for being the top award in college football, the WHSH award is known for being the most prestigious award at the high school level. The award encourages future leadership by recognizing well-balanced lifestyles at an early age. Ainsworth was selected as a State Finalist based on the following accomplishments: Academically, he has a 3.97 GPA with a 27 ACT score. He has first place subject area awards in Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Math, Biology I, Chemistry I, Bible, Spanish I and Computer II. He received the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Award, the Southern Pine Youth Leadership Award, was a member of the Simpson County Future Leaders Program, Star Student, President of the senior class, President of the Student Body, and president of SCA's Honor club. He has received the Citizenship Award from the faculty three years.
Ainsworth was chosen by his peers as class favorite his sophomore and junior years. He has also been selected as Most Spiritual Minded, Best School spirit, and Most Intellectual. This year he was voted Mr. SCA. He has been a homecoming escort for three years and a campus Beau for 2 years. Other activities of Jordan's include participating on Simpson's Academic Quiz Bowl Team and competing with the Future Business Leaders of America entrepreneurship team, where they placed 4th in district, and leading the SCA drum line.Athletically, Ainsworth has competed in tennis, high jump, and basketball for Simpson Academy. In tennis, his boy's doubles team was district runner up for the '06-'07 season, and he was awarded Most Improved player that year. He was named All-District in basketball the past three years and was chosen by the Clarion Ledger as "Top Performer of the Week" twice this season. He received the Best Offensive Player award last year and was named a Mississippi Private School Association ALL-STAR this year. Ainsworth is a member of Goodwater Baptist Church where he has participated in Bible Drills for 9 years, served on the Youth Pastor Search committee, and the Youth Council committee.
Some other community service and activities over the years include participating in the City of Magee's Youth Council, Katrina Volunteer, peer tutor, volunteer drum teacher, church construction volunteer, and teaching Spanish to an elementary classroom. He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 81 currently working on his Eagle Project. Jordan's passion for Christ and basketball led him to organize and conduct a Christian Basketball camp. He also gives inspirational talks in churches as often as he can. "All our applicants have shown throughout their high school careers that they embody the Wendy's High School Heisman lifestyle, " said Jack Henderson, headmaster of Simpson Academy. "This award is the perfect way to celebrate their achievements and showcase the outstanding talent at Simpson Academy." Future plans for Jordan include playing basketball in college while pursuing a double major in business and coaching. He is the son of Dan and Staci Ainsworth of Magee.
