On Wednesday night, two local high school students received the Youth Human Rights Award from the Rye City Human Rights Commission.
Today, meet Ashley Hernandez, a junior at Rye Neck High School, and one of this year’s Rye Youth Human Rights Award winners. Also read Q&A with RHS Senior & Human Rights Award Winner Kaylie Nakamura.
Your Name: Ashley Hernandez
Your Role: Founder of the Hispanic Coalition Club co-treasurer of the Science Olympiad club
Describe yourself in one word: Determined
Where do you live in Rye or Rye Neck?
Hernandez: I live on Boston Post Road in Rye.
Tell us about the activity that led to the award:
Hernandez: I hosted a Baby Bundle Drive during the month of March for Open Door Medical Center. The community came together to support with tons of donations all going to parents of newborns. Open Door is my family clinic, and it is where I and many low income Hispanic families get their health care. Also, I am currently working with my principal to establish a Hispanic Coalition Club at my school for the upcoming school year that is designed to help new incoming Hispanic students with their integration into the school.
Why did you get started in this area–what or who prompted you to become involved?
Hernandez: Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, it was evident at a young age that I wasn’t like the other kids. There was always a difference in our treatments, something I would later know as implicit bias. I took notice of how other families were able to build a community within the school, one where my parents never felt truly connected to because of cultural and linguistic differences. This gave me the drive that I needed to want to change things within the community and help spread my experience to others
Who nominated you for the award?
Hernandez: My Independent Learners Program teacher, Linda Costello.
How did you hear you won the award?
Hernandez: I received an email from my principal, Melinda Folchetti, congratulating me on my win. At the time I didn’t understand what I had just won since I was concentrating heavily on school work, but as the day progressed, it began to set in.
What’s next?
Hernandez: I am looking for student volunteers who speak Spanish or are in a Spanish course to help with my coalition in the upcoming year. I want to establish a program at the school where parents and students from the Hispanic community at Rye Neck have a greater voice.
Outside this work, what are three of your favorite things to do in and around Rye?
Hernandez:
- Having a fancy dinner at Rye Grill and Bar with my friends.
- Going to the library during my brother’s swim class at the Rye Y.
- Going on a run at Playland with my friends.
Thanks Ashley!
