EG High Senior In Running For Wendy's Heisman

EAST GREENWICH, RI —Laura Murphy, a senior at East Greenwich High, has a shot of becoming the Wendy's High School Heisman winner. Laura holds two school records in track and field, and is the editor of her high school newspaper, the Spectrum, to mention a few of her many accomplishments. But she caught Wendy's eye because, despite all her success, she also has a track record of overcoming adversity and looking out for other people's welfare.

Specifically, for overcoming adversity, she tore a hamstring her sophomore year but came back to win four state track titles. Then she lost her voice for several months, due to acute vocal chord paralysis. She wasn't given much hope by doctors. Laura turned to writing and art to express herself. Then her voice came back, and she actually sang in the school talent show.

But her own difficulties have not been her sole focus. She has worked to protect student-athletes after witnessing a near-tragedy on a volleyball court. A student collapsed and his heart stopped beating. The youngster did survive, but the experience inspired Laura to work with a state legislator on a bill to protect students. The bill would have required teachers to become certified in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of a defibrillator. Part of the bill passed, and Rhode Island middle and high schools today must have a defibrillator on hand.

Laura is one of 10 student athletes chosen as High School Heisman finalists. Wendy's chose five female athletes and five male athletes. Two national winners will be announced on Dec. 8 in New York City. They'll receive $10,000 college scholarships. The others will win $5,000 scholarships. They all have won trips to New York for Heisman weekend.

Courtesy Photo Credit: Jonathan Hanson