Nominated by the Minnesota Vikings, Park senior Alayna Adamez, the quarterback of the Wolfpack’s first flag football team, has been selected as the NFC North winner of the NFL Latino Youth Honors award.

This award involves football, the classroom and her activities in the community. A few months ago, she won the MN Vikings award which then put her in contention for the NFC North. Adamez and her father won a trip to the Super Bowl in San Francisco all expenses paid by the NFL. At that time they will announce the final winners for both boys and girls. There are four of each gender up for this honor which involves scholarship money.

Adamez maintains a 3.967 GPA while excelling in four varsity sports: football, softball, hockey and tennis. As Park’s quarterback, she led the football team to the Final Four in the Minnesota State Tournament, throwing for 1,432 yards and 32 touchdowns in eight regular season games, earning District 6 Gold Quarterback of the Year honors.

Beyond football, she has been a captain in hockey for four years and a key contributor in softball and tennis, showcasing her versatility and dedication. Adamez has also demonstrated leadership in the classroom and community as a WEB leader and Miracle League buddy helper. After graduation, she will continue her athletic career, playing Division I softball.

The NFL, in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) and presenting sponsor Procter & Gamble, announced the eight finalists for the third annual NFL Latino Youth Honors, which recognizes outstanding high school seniors of every background from across NFL club markets who not only excel on the field and in the classroom, but also contribute to or engage meaningfully with Latino culture and community.

The NFL and the HHF have highlighted impact individuals for many years, with this program focused on honoring outstanding youth football players. Eight high school seniors will each receive a grant award that can be used for college, including $25,000 grants for both the male and female national winners and $5,000 grants for each of the six other finalists.

“At the heart of the NFL Latino Youth Honors is our mission to empower and elevate the next generation,” said Marissa Solis, NFL Senior VP/Global Brand & Consumer Marketing. “In partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Procter & Gamble, we’re proud to celebrate these remarkable student-athletes whose on-field and off-field achievements, character and love of Latino culture embody the future of our sport.”

All 32 NFL teams were invited to select a male and female high school senior football player to represent their team for consideration in this year’s program. The selection criteria for the NFL Latino Youth Honors program included: being a high school senior, a flag or tackle football player, based in or near the 32 NFL team markets. be in good academic standing (minimum GPA 3.0) and verifiable football stats (season and career), with designation of tackle or flag.

The process led to the nomination of 62 outstanding student-athletes from all 32 NFL clubs. Many were honored during Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations hosted by their nominating teams. From this talented pool, a panel selected eight finalists, each representing one of the eight NFL divisions.

“We’re honored to celebrate young student-athletes who are breaking barriers and redefining what excellence looks like,” said José Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation. “In partnership with the NFL, the Latino Youth Honors serve as a powerful reminder of how our youth are leading the way on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities.”

In addition to receiving a grant award that can be used for college, the eight finalists will also participate in a variety of special events taking place in San Francisco during Super Bowl LX Week. Activities will be designed to provide mentorship, guidance and resources to pursue careers in the sports industry. During that week, a male and female national winner will be announced, with the recipients receiving an invitation to HHF’s National Youth Awards ceremony later in 2026.