JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Lorena Clutter of The Bolles School and Enrique Ordoñez of Nease High School are the Jacksonville Jaguars nominees for the NFL Latino Youth Honors. The Jaguars selected these two students because the team said they demonstrate excellence in athletics, community leadership, and cultural pride.
For Ordoñez, a senior who entered his final high school season as the leading rusher in St. Johns County, the recognition carries deep personal meaning. Ordoñez is a first-generation Mexican-American and says his family has shaped him into who he is today.
“Being a Latino kid, not a lot of people expect you to play football - usually soccer, track, or cross country,” Ordoñez said. “Just being able to represent on the football field with my Mexican heritage is an amazing experience. I want to let younger kids know that football is for anybody. It’s for everybody.”
In addition to his play on Friday nights, Ordoñez stays active off the field. The Jaguars recognized his academic work in the classroom as well as his contributions to community service projects.
For Clutter, a flag football player at Bolles, the nomination came as a complete surprise.
“When I first found out, I was shocked,” Clutter admitted. “It’s such a surreal experience just to be able to represent the Latin American community in St. Johns and be an inspiration to the young community. I hope I can inspire the next generation to continue to pursue this game even further.”
Clutter’s recognition highlights not only her athletic efforts but also her extensive humanitarian work. Clutter founded a club at her school to raise awareness about global hardships and organize support for underserved places.
Through the club, Clutter coordinates annual clothing drives, delivering donations directly to communities in Latin America, including the Dominican Republic and her native Peru. Her efforts also have funded service trips to provide clean water access to rural areas in the Dominican Republic.
“I learned to be in touch with my culture and be proud to be a Latina,” Clutter shared. “It’s really important to highlight what everybody else goes through so people are more conscious, aware, and want to be more involved in helping the less fortunate.”
Adriel Rocha, with the Jacksonville Jaguars, praised both student-athletes for their impact on and off the field, noting that the nomination program evaluates hundreds of applicants stretching from the Florida Panhandle down through Orlando.
Rocha noted that local representation matters deeply, referencing last year’s local nominee, Eddie, who advanced all the way to the national NFL stage at the Super Bowl.
“Enrique’s work showed on the field, along with his volunteerism and what he means to his team,” Rocha said. “And Lorena’s efforts visiting Peru, putting together clothing drives, and wanting to give back were very impressive. Seeing someone in their hometown accomplish this allows the next generation to want to take that next step, too.”
For both nominees, despite some pre-game nerves ahead of their halftime recognition, the moment served as a proud celebration of heritage, family, and community impact.
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