Staff report

The Wendy’s High School Heisman Program recently named Russia High School senior Lauren Heaton as one of Ohio’s 20-best student-athletes, who were recognized as state finalists of the program.

Each state finalist will receive a bronze medal, a Wendy’s High School Heisman state finalist patch, and a $25 Wendy’s gift card. The finalists will then continue on to the next round of the program, where only one male and one female student will be named state winners.

Heaton has been first team all-county in cross country all four years of her career.

As a freshman, she placed 12th at the state meet, helping Russia to a fourth-place finish. The following year, she placed 33rd at state. She was 27th at state as a junior, and 28th this season.

Heaton also excelled in basketball, being all-county honorable mention as a freshman and sophomore.

In track, she set a school record her freshman year in the 400 meters, 800 relay and 3200 relay. She was regional champion in the 400, placed seventh in the 400 at state, and ran on the state champion 3200 relay. Also, during her sophomore year she was Shelby County Female Athlete of the Year, set new school record in 200 meters, set a district meet record in the 400, and went on to win the district, regional and state 400. She was also Academic All-Ohio.

She currently has a 3.95 GPA and is taking four college credit courses. She has been on the honor roll in grades 9-11, was top student in computer class her sophomore year, and Academic All-Ohio her sophomore year.

She has also been involved in her community, volunteering with 5K races, being a companion to her great grandmother in hospice, peer mentor to elementary students, active in her church, member of 4-H, involved in charity events, and giving time to Russia Homecoming Festival throughout high school. And also working a part time job during the summer and helping on the family farm.