MINNEAPOLIS, MN - April 7, 2015 - The Minnesota Chapter of The National Football Foundation is excited to announce the 2015 Scholar Athlete award winners. The nine scholar-athletes reside in communities across the state of Minnesota and will be recognized at the 8th Annual Minnesota Football Honors on May 3, 2015 at the Hilton Minneapolis. This year's winners were chosen for their academic excellence, displays of outstanding leadership, and commitment to their communities.

An accomplished quarterback for Cambridge-Isanti High School, John Solberg also competed in swimming and track and field for the Bluejackets. The Cambridge, Minn., native proved to be versatile throughout his high school career, starting for three seasons at both quarterback and cornerback. He was a three-time all-conference selection and was the 2014 Mississippi 8 Quarterback of the Year after throwing 27 touchdown passes and averaging 245 yards per game through the air as a senior.

A multi-sport Academic All-State honoree, Solberg’s feats extend beyond the football field, as he ranks first in a class of 358 with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. He plans to study biomedical science and/or exercise science in college.

Solberg racked up dozens of hours of community service. These volunteer efforts include delivering Meals on Wheels, mentoring incoming freshmen with the Link Crew, visiting with residents at Grace Point Crossing assisted living community and more. John’s parents are Mark and Kelly.

Eight other young men will receive recognition as outstanding high school Scholar-Athletes. All of the athletes were nominated by their football coaches and were evaluated on their academic achievement, football ability, performance, leadership, attitude, and service to their community. Other 2015 honorees are Trey Anderson (White Bear Lake Area High School), Tommy Auger (St. Cloud Cathedral High School), Ben Ellefson (Hawley High School), Gunnar Grimsrud (Rochester Mayo High School), Ismael Kamara (Harding High School), Taylor Otterstatter (Mayer Lutheran High School), Ben Shoults (Maple Grove High School), and Mitchell Stangel (Crosby-Ironton High School).

The 8th Annual Minnesota Football Honors, presented by the Minnesota Vikings, will take place Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Hilton Minneapolis. College and professional football Hall of Fame inductees are scheduled to attend the event, and WCCO-TV news personality Frank Vascellaro will return for his eighth year as Master of Ceremonies. The event is open to the public. To register or for additional information about this year’s Minnesota Football Honors, please visit www.minnesotafootballhonors.com. For sponsorship information, please email lindsay@nffmn.org.