Two of Connecticut’s most outstanding high school seniors were honored with distinguished recognition as state winners of the 2011 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. Jennifer Mears of Rockville in Vernon and Christopher Madaffari of McMahon in Norwalk will now go on to compete for the national award that celebrates their hard work, dedication and exceptional records in athletics, academics and community leadership.

Mears and Madaffari were chosen from 48,000 applicants, surviving rounds that narrowed contenders to one male and one female winner from each school, and then to Connecticut’s respected group of 20 state finalists. The area finalists are listed below:

Matthew Aspinwall - Foran
Elia D’Onofrio - Derby
Matthew Moutinho - Woodland
Samuel Poryanda - Branford
Yuning Zhang - Guilford

Derby joined the NVL this year and senior guard Mary Hyde is making a strong early impression on her new conference foes.
Hyde had a career-high 30 points, eight rebounds, eight steals and two assists in a 36-35 overtime win over Seymour Thursday. She followed up with 16 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, four steals and three blocks in a 49-45 loss to Watertown Friday night.