FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – June 29, 2023 – Alex Hollie (Minneapolis Washburn High School) and Esli Jalloh (St. Paul Central High School) have been named this year’s Stacy Robinson Leadership Award winners by the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. Hollie and Jalloh will be recognized during the upcoming Minnesota Football Honors television broadcast. 

“Our entire organization is excited to honor two outstanding leaders like Alex and Esli,” said Todd Fultz, President of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation. “Both of them made a major mark in their classroom, community and on the field. They epitomize everything this award is all about and we can’t wait to spotlight them during this year’s Minnesota Football Honors broadcast.”

Here are biographies for each award winner: 

Alex Hollie - Minneapolis Washburn High School

Minneapolis Washburn High School linebacker Alex Hollie positively impacted every aspect of his school and community. Hollie took challenging academic courses and frequently encouraged in-depth classroom debates. This February, Alex was asked to speak at an African American Pride assembly at a local Minneapolis Public Elementary School. While doing so, he influenced young kids and earned positive feedback from staff and administration. Hollie also volunteered his time on a weekly basis at New Creation Church. Each Monday, Alex went to the church and provided boxes of food and meals to community members.

As a middle linebacker, Hollie’s leadership brought out the best in his teammates. He got players lined up, made adjustments and was the heartbeat of Minneapolis Washburn’s defense. Hollie also encouraged his teammates in the classroom and helped them become the best version of themselves. In addition to being a leader on the field, Alex volunteered at many youth camps over the years, including the program’s Miller Football Camps.

Quote from Minneapolis Washburn head coach Ryan Galindo: “Alex is an outstanding young man that takes pride in his actions, academics, and his communities. He engulfs himself in community work that benefits his community and people less fortunate than himself.”

Esli Jalloh - St. Paul Central High School 

St. Paul Central linebacker/offensive lineman Esli Jalloh was an all-around leader within his school. Jalloh volunteered at the Mount Olivet Food Shelf and served as a summer youth camp instructor. He was also named St. Paul Central’s captain by his teammates. Jalloh is very committed to the sport, but takes even more pride in lifting up those around him. Jalloh made a significant impact on the lives of kids while serving as a mentor for the MLK Recreation Center’s middle school football program. On top of that, Esli frequently helped St. Paul Central special education students with their schoolwork and gave them heartfelt pep talks throughout the day. 

Quote from St. Paul Central teacher Jesse Kwakenat: “I have worked with Esli in some capacity for all four of his years at Central High School. In that time, I have seen him grow and mature into one of the most thoughtful, supportive, and driven student-athletes I have ever worked with in my 12 years at Central. Esli Jalloh is a dynamic, driven leader who embodies all of the core values that the Stacy Robinson Leadership Award represents.”

The Stacy Robinson Leadership Award honors the late Stacy Robinson, a St. Paul Central graduate who left a strong legacy of community leadership and excellence in athletics. 

Minnesota Football Honors is hosting a show later this summer to honor its high school, college and Minnesota Vikings award winners. Full broadcast details will be announced at a later date on www.minnesotafootballhonors.com.

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About the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation:

The Minnesota Chapter of The National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote amateur football’s ability to develop leadership, sportsmanship, competitive spirit and academic excellence in Minnesota’s young people. The Minnesota Chapter recognizes legendary football icons, college football Hall of Famers and Minnesota’s top high school and college football scholar athletes. For more information, visit www.nffmn.org, or Facebook (@MNFootballHonors) and Twitter (@NFFMN).

Contact:

Todd Fultz, President - MN Chapter of the National Football Foundation

Phone: (612)-325-5500

Media Contact:

Daniel House, Director of Media Relations and Content

MN Chapter of The National Football Foundation

Email: daniel@nffmn.org