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Versailles senior
Sam Prakel has been named as a finalist for the
2012 Wendy's High School Heisman award. CNO file photo
Prakel
nominated as Heisman finalist
Versailles senior humbled
By George Starks
VERSAILLES- A two time state cross country champion, Versailles senior
Samuel goes about his daily business as a student at Versailles.
Recently, Prakel was named as a finalist for the Wendy's High School
Heisman Award in a ceremony at Versailles High School. With his
parents, Mike and Christy on hand for the ceremony, Prakel said he was
totally surprised.
"When we were coming in here, we had no idea what was going on," said
Prakel. "This was a big surprise and to be honest is a dream come true
for me."
December 7 is the date the winner will be announced in New York City as
Prakel is one of 12 finalists (six boys, six girls) that will be
recognized for their efforts.
The next day, he will be appearing on ESPN2 during the collegiate
Heisman broadcast. In addition, the Tiger distance runner received a
gold medal and Versailles High School received a $2,000 award.
"It was a great day," Prakel admitted. "Just to be considered for this
is an honor but to be a finalist goes beyond any expectations I could
have had. I'm excited about being on ESPN and this is something I'll
never forget."
Prakel follows in a long line of distance runners as his sister (Mary)
was a state champion in cross country and is currently running at the
Military Academy at West Point.
The ESPN cameras were on hand Wednesday for the ceremony and during the
day, following the Tiger senior for the upcoming event.
If Prakel wins the award, he would receive a $10,000 donation to
Versailles High School, a crystal Heisman trophy and a $500 gift card
from Wendy's.
Prakel was selected from well over 45,000 senior applicants to get this
far. Prakel was selected by ACT Incorporated, as the Ohio male finalist.
As with most Versailles scholar athletes, Prakel gave credit to the
ones that got him there.
"All my teachers and coaches are the reason I'm here," Prakel admitted.
"They allow me to take part in so many different things that I enjoy
doing."
Currently, Prakel is not only involved in sports (cross country and
track) but is also in band and is on the student council at Versailles,
among other things.
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