Introducing Ronald Hernandez, recipient of the 2008 Jason Choy Memorial Scholarship. Ronald, a member of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society at ERHS will matriculate at the University of Virginia this fall where he will major in computer engineering.  

Ronald believes in the balanced life and, despite the long hours he has devoted to his studies during high school, has made a point of taking time out to be engaged in his community. As a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society he has tutored students in math and science and helped teachers to grade papers. Ronald also joined the Black Student Association and the Asian Student Association while at ERHS, saying he wanted “to experience different cultures.”   In deciding this year's winner, the committee felt that Ronald's open-mindedness and generosity were a fitting reflection of Jason's values and the spirit of the JCMS.

Like previous winners of the JCMS, Ronald also enjoys music a great deal. He is a fan of Hispanic music (citing Bachata, Reggaeton, pop, salsa and meringue as his particular favorites) and does Latin dance after school. “I love to dance and perform in front of people,” Ronald tells us.

Looking forward, Ronald is excited to be starting college, but will certainly miss home. He has two brothers and three sisters to whom he is very devoted.   When asked where he sees himself in 10 years, Ronald responded, “I see myself working as a computer engineer, helping my parents and my grandparents, helping my brother pay for his education, and having a happier and better life for me and my family.”

To be certain, the field of applicants for the Jason Choy Memorial Scholarship was quite crowded this year – all excellent people, any of which could have been a winner - but Ronald, the committee felt, exemplified the spirit of the JCMS in his application. Everyone on the committee would like to congratulate him on all of his achievements so far and we wish him the best in all his future endeavors.