Andrew Hess finalist for High School Heisman award

Andrew Hess is one step closer to the High School Heisman.

Of New York's 20 finalists for Wendy's High School Heisman Award program, Valley Stream South's Hess was selected, along with Alexandra Cardinal of Schalmont in Schenectady, to represent the state and advance to the national phase.

Cardinal and Hess were chosen from 45,000 applicants to become the final male and female student standing. Commack's Paul Maline had also been in the running for the state nod.

Hess is now competing to be one of 12 national finalists that will then be pared down to a national winner on Dec. 7 in New York.

Hess is captain of both the volleyball and baseball team. The second baseman hit .457 in 2012 and is also ranked No. 1 academically at VSS with a 105.53 GPA.

The Wendy's High School Heisman Award honors students who excel in the field, in the classroom and in the community.