Wenatchee School Board member Jesús Hernández became one of the five recipients of this year’s Jefferson Awards, becoming the second school district member in two years to win the prestigious honor.

Hernández and the four other recipients were announced Tuesday by Seattle City Club. The Jefferson Awards were created in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis,

Robert Taft, and Jr. Samuel Beard to “honor the most outstanding achievements in public service,” as stated in the Jefferson Awards’ mission statement. Their goal is to inspire public service in communities as well as school systems across America. Notable recipients of the award are Walter Cronkite, Steve Jobs, and Bill and Melinda Gates.

Hernández started volunteering and working in the community 25 years ago, eventually becoming the first Latino member of the Wenatchee School Board. “It was very intimidating at the time to even consider [being on the school board],” Hernández said. He still holds that position today, but his service to the community came long before that.

Achievements Hernández has accomplished in the community include creating cultural awareness activities for both students and staff alike, and he has worked diligently to reduce the number of students dropping out of high school, and breaking down barriers to education, according to the school district website.

Hernández owes his success today to a leadership camp he attended two years into his professional career. “It really changed my life,” Hernández said. “The most important thing I learned there was if you’re comfortable being uncomfortable and put yourself in positions where you’re forced to grow, good things will happen.”

He also attributes his accomplishments to his wife, Melissa, “She deserves it as much as I do,” Hernández said. “I think I’m just one of many folks in this community that love this community and do what we can to make it better.”

Ramon Rivera, a music teacher and the director of the Mariachi Huenachi at Wenatchee High School was a Jefferson Award winner last year. The other recipients of the award for this year are Hellen Leuzzi, Bellevue; Quintard Taylor, Seattle; Keith Tucker, Federal Way; and Scott White, Chehalis.

“I’m kind of still in shock. I know it’s a huge honor. When I go over on the 13th, I’m sure I’ll get a full sense of the significance,” Hernández said.

He hopes the award will inspire more public service and a sense of community in the school district. “I think that one of the great things about recognition is that it’s a way of celebrating to what we hope to have more of… I hope that this inspires more leadership from all ages in our community.”

A public celebration will be held April 13, the birthday of Thomas Jefferson. The event will be held Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry.