Erwin named high school Heisman finalist

E. D. White’s Alexandra “Alex” Erwin admits that when people think of her, the last thing they’d expect her to win is an award for athletics, especially since she gave up her spot on a swim team to be the drum major for the band.

But the 17-year-old Cardinal tennis athlete was named the school’s winner and a state finalist for Wendy’s High School Heisman award.

The competition recognizes seniors who have at least a “B” grade average and participate in at least one of the 27 sports officially sanctioned by the National Federation of State High Schools.

Students are judged on their academic achievements, community service involvement, and athletic accomplishments.

From the School Winners, the field is narrowed to 1,020 state finalists in the United States.

Erwin was one of 20 state finalists in Louisiana.

“I was really surprised because most people, when they think Alex Erwin, they don’t think athletics,” she said. “I used to do swim team, but then I had to choose between band and swim team but I always played tennis.

“I never thought I was really all that good but my partner is Michelle Grabert and we went to the state semifinals last year,” she continued. “We lost to the girls who won so we hope to go back and win this year.”

Erwin maintains a 4.06 GPA and is a member of various other organizations on campus such as the choir, student council, Key Club, campus ministry, music ministry, Cardinal Theatrics, and National Honor Society.

If that’s not enough, she also serves as a Student Ambassador in addition to everything else on her plate.

Although her life at times is hectic, Erwin said staying busy is what keeps her from being bored.

Following graduation in May, she either wants to go to USC or Nicholls to be a teacher or Loyola to play tennis.

Loyola is reforming its tennis team and already asked Erwin to try out.

Despite all she has accomplish the senior credits sports for helping to make her the person she has become.

“Sports are a big part of my life and I don’t know where I’d be without it,” Erwin said. “Academics are first in my family, but athletics are still high on my priority list.

Alexandra Erwin