Staff Report
In recognition of his commitment to student success, Hancock College Career Counselor and Instructor Dr. David Hernandez has received the prestigious 2019 Latino Legacy Award for making a difference in education in the Santa Maria community.
Dr. David Hernandez has received the prestigious 2019 Latino Legacy Award for making a difference in education in the Santa Maria community.
“I am so honored and humbled to receive the Latino Legacy Award in Education,” Hernandez said. “Every day I have the privilege to guide and motivate students to reach their full potential. As an educator and counselor, I assist students with unlocking their strengths and helping them find their true passion based on their personalities, values, interests, aptitudes and abilities.”
In 2016, a group of community members created the Latino Legacy Awards to celebrate and promote the hard work and dedication occurring in the Santa Maria Valley. Each year, a committee selects 10 honorees who cover a wide spectrum of service sectors including public safety, education, business and more.
Hernandez guides students who are undecided on their majors or careers and facilitates workshops on resume writing, interviewing skills, employment searching, and dressing for interviews. In addition, he is the founder of the Hancock Men’s Support Group, which helps male students from disproportionately impacted backgrounds in achieving their academic goals.
“David works tirelessly to create opportunities for our community,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers. “Whether in his role as an academic counselor, career advisor or leader of the college’s Men’s Support Group, David is central to Hancock’s commitment to changing the odds for northern Santa Barbara County.”
Hernandez is a Central Coast native and has been employed at Hancock since 2009.
He and the nine other recipients were honored at an awards banquet Sunday, March 24, in Santa Maria. Proceeds from the reception benefit the Future Leaders of America.
