Success in a bilingual world
When Morris Innovative High School senior Marco Hernandez walks across the graduation stage in Dalton, Georgia May 26, it’s not just a diploma he’ll be leaving high school with. A historic sense of pride will accompany Hernandez as he will become the first person in his family to graduate from high school.
Paving the way for his five brothers and sisters to succeed, organizations in the Dalton, Georgia area have decided to do the same for him. To help with collegiate expenses, the First Bank of Dalton, in partnership with the Roman Open Charities, has awarded Hernandez $500. He was also awarded the Roman Open Charities Scholarship for $1,000. Also, the Dalton Rotary Club awarded the soon-to-be 2017 high school graduate with their “Service Above Self” Award.
Hernandez, 19, plans to take his first classes at Georgia Northwestern Technical College later this year. The Dalton, Georgia resident plans to build a life helping others in need. “I really want to be a social worker with families and schools,” said Hernandez. “But, I really want to have a non-profit organization that would help the homeless and the children of new families that move into the area. Giving back to my community by doing social work is the best way I can think of to begin my life.”
Beyond his academics, Hernandez has actively worked with the Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce, the Northwest Georgia Healthcare Partnership, and the Dalton City Schools Central Office. “I want to work with people and help them see their potential,” said Hernandez.
One of Hernandez’ many passions is working with the Translation Academy at Morris Innovative High School. Hernandez, along with many other students, helps assist anyone who speaks Spanish fluently, but not English. The Academy helps train not only the importance of being bilingual, but also the importance of being an active part of the community around you. Nearly half of the residents in Dalton, Georgia are Hispanic. “I just want to be able to help the businesses and the people in the community, too,” said Hernandez.
The Translation Academy was launched five years ago by Paige Watts, a Spanish instructor with Dalton City Schools. “During their time in the Translation Academy, students realize their value to the community, the vast opportunities that are available to them, as well as how to pursue their future goals,” said Watts. The academy works with students and adults in the community, alike. More than 60-percent of the students in the Dalton City School system are Hispanic.
With the support of his parents, Joaquin and Marisol Hernandez, the future Georgia Northwestern freshman says it’s been a real team effort for him to get where he is today. “Just all of the teachers and staff at the school, as well as the organizations that I have got to work with, have really helped me decide to pursue this career,” said Hernandez. “I’m just thankful and plan to take full advantage of all of this.”
Georgia Northwestern Technical College provides quality workforce education to the citizens of Northwest Georgia. Students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree, diploma, or a certificate in business, health, industrial, or public service career paths. This past year, 14,151 people benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs. With an annual credit enrollment of 7,956 students, GNTC is the largest college in Northwest Georgia. GNTC has an additional enrollment of 6,195 people through adult education, continuing education, business and industry training, and Georgia Quick Start. For more information about GNTC, visit us at GNTC.edu or contact a Student Help Center on any one of our six campus locations at 866-983-4682. For information online, visit the college at GNTC.edu, as well as on GNTC’s Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Google+, WordPress, and YouTube channels. GNTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and an Equal Opportunity Institution.
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Don Foley
Assistant Director, Marketing and PR
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