- April 24, 2024
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LAKEWOOD RANCH — Lakewood Ranch High senior Devin McDermott is used to having all eyes on her.
As a three-sport athlete and news anchor for Lakewood’s TV production class, McDermott has become accustomed to being in front of a camera; and she doesn’t even think twice when a cameraman appears on campus.
Such was the case Nov. 10, when McDermott joined her fellow classmates in the school’s gymnasium for a senior assembly. It wasn’t until Lakewood Athletic Director Shawn Trent mentioned the words Wendy’s Heisman that McDermott realized the camera was there for her.
McDermott was called up on stage, where she was presented with flowers, balloons and a silver medal after being named the Florida state female winner for the 2011 Wendy’s High School Heisman Award.
But that wasn’t the only surprise the school had in store for McDermott. In addition, McDermott, who was selected from a pool of 48,000 applicants, was named one of 12 national finalists, six male and six female, for the award.
“When I discovered that I was a finalist, I think I said, ‘Wait, what? Really? No way!’” McDermott said. “I was definitely shocked. I had gone into this competition with really no expectations of what would happen, so every time I made it to the next round, I was so thankful.
“I was ecstatic to hear that I was one of the top six females,” she said. “It was a moment I can still play over and over in my head, and every time I do, I get so happy all over again.”
The national winners will be announced during the National Awards Banquet Dec. 9, in New York City. As a national finalist, McDermott received a gold medal, a Heisman patch and a $100 Wendy’s gift card. In addition, Lakewood received a $2,000 award donated in McDermott’s name.
If McDermott is named a national winner, she’ll receive a $500 Wendy’s gift card, and Lakewood will receive $10,000.
McDermott decided to apply for the Wendy’s High School Heisman award, which recognizes students for their athletic achievements, academic excellence and community leadership, after her mother, Sherri Lyn, mentioned it. Hoping to bring some recognition to Lakewood, McDermott submitted her application Oct. 2.
“I thought it would be nice to bring some recognition to Lakewood Ranch High School,” McDermott said. “I wouldn’t have accomplished anything without the coaches, teachers, etc., at Lakewood Ranch, and, of course, my family and friends, so I think they deserve to be praised for all that they’ve done.
“I also wanted to see where I stand among other student athletes in the country, and I can’t wait to meet the other national finalists in New York next month,” McDermott said.
On Oct. 24, McDermott was named Lakewood’s female school winner. From the 10,000 school winners that were chosen, 10 males and 10 females were named state finalists. Those 1,020 state finalists were then narrowed to 102 state winners and eventually down to 12 national finalists.
McDermott was selected based on her athletic and academic accomplishments along with her community leadership. In addition to running cross country and track and playing soccer, McDermott, who maintains a 4.3 grade-point average, also is senior editor of the yearbook, co-president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, president of Quill and Scroll, vice president of the student government association and a member of Lakewood leaders, the buddy program, National Honor Society and the senior advisory board, among other activity, club and community service.
“I thank God every day for this opportunity that he has given me,” McDermott said. “It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime occurrences that I am never going to forget.”
With a passion for sports, traveling, writing and interacting with people, McDermott has aspirations of one day becoming a sports broadcaster or an editor for a fashion or sports magazine.
But for now, McDermott is focused on leading the Lady Mustangs cross country team back to the Class 3A state meet and preparing for her upcoming trip to New York City.
Contact Jen Blanco at j[email protected].
