Julian DeJesus Hernandez, a Whitehall High School senior, was recently nominated for the Golden Latin Awards.

He is a proud Latino of Dominican Republic descendants. His parents were born in New York but were raised in the Dominican Republic. They returned to New York after their teenage years and ensured Hernandez understood college was not an option but a priority of the Hernandez family.

Hernandez excels academically with a current grade-point average of 3.85. He was recently honored for his academic success by the College Board National Recognition program with the National African American Recognition Award.

He has a lot of school spirit and is very involved in school activities, such as the Interact Club, SERVE Club, Art Club, Science Olympiad and Student Ambassador Club.

He is excited to pursue a marketing major at Fordham University in New York or Temple University in Philadelphia.

He hopes to study abroad to perfect his Spanish and connect more deeply with the Latino community and family members. It will make everyone in his family very proud since he loves and takes pride in his Latino background.

Hernandez enjoys family time by watching television, eating, visiting new places and dancing. His favorite foods are arroz con leche and rice and beans.

“We are proud of his accomplishments and thankful for the many hands supporting his achievements when attending WCSD,” said Tatiana Berrios, Whitehall-Coplay School District supervisor of educational equity, federal programs and ESL coordinator.

Even though he was not a scholarship recipient, he was honored with all the other nominees at the Golden Latin Award ceremony, held Dec. 9, 2022, at Palace Center, Allentown.

“Julian was so excited and thankful for all support he received from the district,” Berrios reported.