CHICAGO - Linn-Mar High School freshman Stephanie Jenks has been named the 2012-13 Gatorade Iowa Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year, the company announced Wednesday.

The award is based on athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character. Jenks is the first winner from Linn-Mar.

Jenks won state titles in the 1500 meter run and 3000 meter run this year. She also captured both events at the Drake Relays and was the state cross country champion last fall.

Jenks has a 4.02 GPA and is active in several school organizations.

Other recent winners of the Gatorade award in Iowa were Rebekah Topham (2011-12), Shelby Houlihan (2010-11), Hannah Willms (2009-10), Whitney Westrum (2008-09), Betsy Flood (2007-08) and Katie Flood (2006-07).