New Tom Hernandez Scholarship To Award Students Pursuing Career In Communications

PLAINFIELD, IL — The Plainfield Community Consolidated School District 202's Foundation for Excellence has launched a scholarship in remembrance of "the voice of District 202," Tom Hernandez.

The Thomas A. Hernandez Memorial Scholarship will honor the legacy of its namesake, who served as the director of community relations, by supporting aspiring journalists from the Plainfield community.

Hernandez, who joined District 202 in 2006, was diagnosed in 2022 with astrocytoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer from tumors that attack the astrocytes, which connect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. He died in April 2024.

Hernandez worked as a journalist before moving into academics. He was also an author, having published multiple books and helped write several others, Patch reported.

RELATED: Tom Hernandez Dies: Longtime Spokesman Was 'The Voice' Of D202

Each year, one graduating senior from each of District 202's four high schools will be awarded a $500 scholarship. The application deadline for the inaugural scholarship is March 15.

Award winners will demonstrate academic excellence, a passion for journalism and a commitment to their community, the Foundation said.

These are the requirements and materials necessary for applying:

Academic requirements:

• Must be a District 202 graduating senior in good academic standing
• Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college or university for the fall semester following graduation

Program Requirements

• Must be pursuing or planning to pursue a degree in journalism, communications, media studies or a closely related field
• Preference given to students who have demonstrated interest through:
  • High school newspaper, yearbook or media production participation
  • Journalism-related internships or work experience
  • Community journalism involvement
  • Relevant coursework or independent projects

All applicants must submit the following materials:

1. Completed Application Form
   • Personal and academic information
   • Contact details and emergency contacts
2. Academic Transcripts
   • A copy of your current transcript (through the first semester of senior year)
3. Personal Essay (500-750 words)
   • Topic: "How I Plan to Honor the Legacy of Journalism Through My Career"
   • Should address:
     • Why you are passionate about journalism
     • Your career goals in journalism or media
     • How you plan to make a positive impact in your community through journalism
4. Portfolio Submission
   • 3-5 samples of journalistic work (articles, blog posts, videos, podcasts, etc.)
   • May include school newspaper articles, personal blog posts, social media journalism or other relevant work
   • Brief description of each piece and your role in creating it

Students will be evaluated by these criteria:

• Academic Achievement
  • Overall GPA and academic performance
  • Consistency of academic excellence
  • Challenge level of coursework taken

• Journalism Experience and Potential
  • Quality of portfolio submissions
  • Demonstrated interest and involvement in journalism activities
  • Understanding of journalism principles and ethics
  • Creativity and originality in work samples

• Personal Essay
  • Writing quality and clarity
  • Clear articulation of career goals and community impact plans

Officials said incomplete applications will not be considered. If the scholarship committee determines that no applicants are qualified one year, a scholarship may not be awarded.