Wendy’s High School Heisman Awards

BANGOR – Two of Maine’s most outstanding seniors received distinguished recognition as state winners of the 2008 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. Honorees are:

. Brett Bradford, Bangor Christian Schools.

. Hailey Chadbourne, Gardiner Area High School.

The athletes were honored because they “embody the Heisman spirit of hard work and dedication, both on and off the field, through their outstanding achievements in athletics, academics and community service.”

Bradford and Chadbourne were chosen from nearly 34,000 applicants nationwide, surviving rounds that narrowed contenders to 8,950 school winners, and then to Maine’s two state finalists.

Bradford was an All-Star selection for Eastern Maine boys soccer, and a third-team All-Star selection for LTC Class C-D in boys basketball. He also runs cross country.

“The Wendy’s High School Heisman is truly a distinguished award that showcases higher achievement in academics, athletics and community involvement,” said Archie Griffin, two-time collegiate Heisman Trophy winner. “We’re honored to recognize these well-rounded students who are role models in their schools and communities and welcome them to the Heisman family.”

The competition is not over for Bradford and Chadbourne.

They will compete against winners from other states in Wendy’s annual quest to find the nation’s top scholar-athletes and a chance to be named one of 12 national finalists. They will travel to New York City Dec. 12-14, to participate in the Heisman weekend festivities and awards ceremony.

One male athlete and one female athlete will be named national winners and presented with a Wendy’s High School Heisman trophy during a ceremony televised on ESPN2 on Friday, Dec. 14.

Wendy’s will donate $10,000 to each winner’s high school. All 12 national finalists will be featured during the ceremony and will receive a gold medal and $2,000 award for their high schools. They also will be recognized during the collegiate Heisman Trophy broadcast on ESPN on Dec. 13.

Parks and Recreation

BANGOR – Bangor Parks and Recreation is accepting registrations for:

. Youth Basketball, eight-week program for grades three-five with separate boys and girls leagues. Teams practice one evening a week and play their games on Saturdays starting week of Dec. 8. The fee is $40 residents, $45 others.

. Young at Heart, low-impact aerobics for adults age 50 and up who wish to begin a cardiovascular-strength training program. Session I classes run 9:30-10:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 13-March 6. The fee is $35, Bring a water bottle, two 3-pound dumbbells and appropriate footwear.

. Day trip, Jan. 24, to Saddleback Mountain. $20, child lift ticket, $27 adult lift ticket, $20 rental of equipment, $12 free for those traveling in the van.

. Discounted tickets for Portland Pirates hockey, Tuesday, Dec. 9, Alfond Arena, Orono. Limited number of tickets at $16 each.

Register for these programs, www.bangorparksandrec.com or stop by the rec center at 647 Main St. Call 992-4490 for information.

No registration is required for this activity:

. Drop-in open gym for pre-schoolers, Monday through Fridays. Free. Parents must stay with children.

Golf Privilege Cards

BANGOR – The holiday season is fast approaching. Buy the Maine Golf Privilege Card from the American Lung Association now for $60 with the special promotional code, “GPC,” and give a golfer a yearlong gift.

Valid at some of the best golf courses in Maine, New Hampshire and the Maritimes, the Golf Privilege Card pays for itself with the very first use.

Call 800-LUNG-USA to order or visit www.lungne.org and use code “GPC” to receive a discount.

Maine Golf Privilege Cards also are available at Maine Indoor Golf Center, Bangor; Play It Again Sports locations throughout Maine.

Usually priced at $70, the holiday sale brings extra savings to last all year round.

The card allows holders to enjoy free or reduced greens fees and cart rentals.

Proceeds from sale of the card stay in Maine to fund lung health and clean air programs, advocacy and education.