Great American Cookies®, creators of the original Cookie Cake, today announced the winners of their first-ever Great American Grad Contest. The contest, which was conducted completely online at www.greatamericancookies.com, asked graduates to tell the world, in 200 words or less, what makes them the “Great American Grad.” NexCen Franchise Management, Inc., a subsidiary of NexCen Brands, Inc., supported the contest.

The 2010 Grand Prize $5,000 winner is Chandler Rowland, 18, of Fuquay-Varina. Her winning entry outlined the recipe for the Great American Grad, including the following “ingredients”: Hard work and determination, a pinch of playful spunk, two handfuls of a carefree spirit, a dash of intellect seasoned with a vision and a whole lot of enthusiasm.

Five Runner Ups were also selected: Alyssa Foster (Safety Harbor, Fla.); Bianca Gentry (Athens, Ga.); Amanda Leatherman (Florence, Ky.); Trent Wilkinson (Humble, Texas); and Kellie Wright (Humble, Texas). These winners have each received a $50 gift certificate to Great American Cookies.

Launched April 5 and ended May 2, the contest received more than 250 eligible entries from across the county. Great American Cookies also allowed website visitors to vote for their favorite entries as part of the overall judging process. Many of the entries received hundreds, even thousands, of votes. A “Winners” page has been created at www.greatamericancookies.com featuring the winning entries and all eligible contest entries are also posted on the site for visitors to view.

“Great American Cookies supports the dedication and hard work of America’s students and celebrates the milestone of graduation,” said Jenn Johnston, senior vice president of brand marketing for NexCen Franchise Management. “We’re delighted that so many students submitted inspiring and thoughtful entries for this year’s contest and we’re pleased to congratulate Chandler and all of the students who submitted winning entries.”