SOUTHWEST GWINNETT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECOGNIZES LOCAL YOUTH WITH CHARACTER AWARD

February 4, 2022:– Rampant applause was heard as Alexander Hernandez approached the stage in Peachtree Corners’ Atlanta Tech Park. The accomplished senior from GIVE Center West High School was a special guest for the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce First Friday breakfast, the organization’s signature monthly networking event drawing local business leaders. A record crowd was in attendance for keynote speaker, Dr. Calvin Watts, Superintendant of Gwinnett County Public Schools.

After a timely and inspiring message from Dr. Watts, the reminder that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders was prevalent- the perfect segue to recognize a student making a difference in his community. Not as much because of what he does, but because of who he is.

Hernandez was presented the Chamber’s first Character Award, created to recognize outstanding students whose attitude and actions embody the organization’s mission, passion, and commitment to excellence and community action. Dr. Donna Bishop, principal of GIVE Center West High School, recommended Alexander Hernandez because of his leadership- consistently displaying a strong work ethic, desire to learn, care and compassion for others, personal accountability and integrity. “Alexander models citizenship, fairness, trustworthiness and an incredibly positive attitude. He goes above and beyond to help his peers and his sense of responsibility guides his actions. He has a bright future ahead of him,” explains Bishop.

Hernandez serves as a peer leader, works after school with his mom and enjoys tweaking his computer and gaming in his free time. He aspires to own his own business that helps those in need and positively contributes to the community. Dr. Charles Hawk, Give West Assistant Principal, praises Alexander for his belief that your upbringing or circumstances are less important than your will and determination to achieve.

The Southwest Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce champions the local area as the preferred place for economic opportunity and diverse talent, generating a robust quality of life. The organization fosters collaboration amongst business leaders to connect, engage and make a difference in the community. Each month of the school year, the Chamber will recognize a selected student based on the characteristics of: respect, citizenship, caring, trustworthiness, justice/fairness and responsibility, displayed at home and in the community. Applications for consideration are available and can be submitted to SWG Chamber of Commerce board member, Mary Beth Bender, at mbender@norcrossga.net.