Douglas County High Student IB Shines As State Heisman Winner

DOUGLAS COUNTY, GA – The Wendy’s High School Heisman program has announced that Marquise Collins is the Georgia winner of the scholarship program that recognizes outstanding student-athletes. Collins is a senior in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Douglas County High and is a valued member of the track, basketball and football teams.

Selection for the distinction was highly competitive, with more than 40,000 applicants from across the country vying for the honor. Marquise was chosen to represent Georgia based on his academic success, his community volunteer work and his excellence on the playing field.

Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas founded The Wendy’s High School Heisman Scholarship was in 1994 as a way to honor high school student-athletes. Each fall, the program recognizes the nation’s most esteemed high school seniors for excellence in academics, athletics, and community involvement. Initial eligibility begins with students maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or better, and winners are all proven leaders and role models within their school and community.

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DCHS Principal Andre Weaver says that Marquise personifies the role of student scholar athlete. “Marquise is a student in one of the most rigorous high school academic programs in the world. Marquise’s teachers have challenged him throughout his high school career to do his best and leave a lasting legacy on the world,” says Principal Weaver.

In addition to his 3.7 GPA academic prowess, the three-sport athlete has been recognized for his role in assisting the DCHS Tigers to the playoffs and position as regional runner-ups two years in a row. Marquise’s skills also helped propel the Tigers basketball team into the second round of the state playoffs.

Marquise also enjoys leads in his community with several volunteer roles. Marquise is active in Hosea Feed the Hungry, Kappa League and Atlanta Community Food Bank, among other groups. “I am constantly asking DCHS students to get involved in DCHS and do their best academically as well as in the community,” Weaver says. “ Marquise has done just that from day one. He is a great role model for our younger students to follow and his peers as well. At DCHS, are very proud of the work he has done as a DCHS student-athlete.”

Marquise, who has scored an impressive 34 on his ACT, will embark on his next academic journey next fall with dreams of one day becoming President of the United States. He has verbally committed to play sports and attend Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina.

Photos courtesy Douglas County School System