Odalis Hernandez is a senior at Hardee High School. As a student at HHS, Odalis has demonstrated exceptional leadership in both the AFJROTC program, the Key Club and on her own initiative within our community. She is a member of the National Honor Society and is currently ranked #2 in the 2017 graduating class. In 2015-16 she served on the HHS School Advisory Council at the recommendation of the school principal. Here are some of the specific details about Odalis’ high school career that clearly demonstrate why she was selected for the September Chamber of Commerce Student of the Month:
From Key Club Advisor, Filomena Atchley:
Odalis has been a member of Key Club since her 10th grade year. In 11th grade she became President and grew the club membership from 68 to 156 members. During her Presidency, the club volunteered over 3000 hours of community service. Currently she serves as Lieutenant Governor for the 15B Division of The Florida District of Key Club International, a very prestigious elected position. As the Lt. Governor for our division, Odalis represents 5 different school districts and is chair for the Education committee for the entire Florida Key Club District.
From AFJROTC Instructors Lt. Colonel Stephen McDaniel and Chief MSgt Bob Waltich:
Odalis Hernandez was an excellent AFJROTC Cadet for three years and received her "Certificate of Completion" in May 2016. Despite the fact that she is heavily involved in many school, church, and community activities, Odalis was easily in the top tier of all HSHS Cadets in a unit that has been recognized as an AFJROTC Distinguished Unit and a Distinguished Unit with Merit. Miss Hernandez was the Saramana Chapter JROTC Enhanced Essay Contest Winner for 2016 and moved on to win the Sons of the American Revolution JROTC Enhanced Essay Contest for the entire State of Florida. Odalis was ranked as the Number 12 Cadet in the Nation by the Sons of the American Revolution. She received $2,500 in scholarship money from the SAR. In addition to this recognition Odalis earned the National Sojourners JROTC Medal and the American Legion Scholastic Excellence Award (the third highest award that can be earned by an AFJROTC Cadet). Her leadership abilities were recognized early on by Lt Colonel Hingle who made her the Unit Education Officer two years ahead of her peers.
Mr. Mike Wilkinson, Director of Adult Education.
Odalis came to the adult ESOL class all last school year with her mother. She began assisting and tutoring other students on her own initiative, and she was very successful. I saw her dedication and commitment and felt that she deserved some recognition beyond earning community service points. So, this year, I hired her to work as a tutor in the program. Odalis has a detailed vision for her life which is very unusual for a person of her age and background. She sees the big picture and knows where she wants to be in 5 or 10 years. I am very impressed with her positive outlook and work ethic. It will be interesting to see where she goes in life.
