SHENANDOAH — Valeria Hernandez, a senior at Shenandoah Valley High School, has been named the school’s Student of the Month for October 2026.
Hernandez ranks first in her class and holds a cumulative GPA of 100.90, or 4.03 on a 4.0 scale. She plans to pursue a degree in biology, attend medical school and become a pediatrician.
Academic Honors and School Leadership
Hernandez’s academic recognition includes distinguished honors, recognition through the National Recognition Program in 2024, induction into the National Honor Society and an NHS Silver Medal for Academic Excellence in 2026.
She has served as class president for two years. Her other leadership roles have included Student Council vice president, varsity and junior varsity volleyball captain, band drum major and Drama Club president.
She has also held several officer positions in band, along with roles as Community Engagement Club vice president, National Honor Society historian and Aevidum historian.
Athletics, Music and Extracurricular Activities
Hernandez participates in varsity volleyball, varsity cheerleading, varsity cross country, track, band and Drama Club. She is also involved in Student Council, Aevidum, Community Engagement Club and Diversity Club.
She was a member of the 2024 District 11 championship girls’ cross country team. She earned Schuylkill League All-Star recognition in cross country in 2025 and 2026 and qualified for the state meet in 2025.
Community Service and Fundraising
Hernandez helps lead school activities and fundraisers, including Hoops for Heart, which raises money for the American Heart Association, and Trunk or Treat.
Her service has included Downtown Shenandoah Inc.’s tree lighting; Little Devils, Big Goals; a volleyball fundraiser at Heritage Day; Tri-M Honors jazz and caroling activities; a band car wash at the Manor; and Mini-Thon.
She has also helped with a volleyball tournament raising money for toys for families in need, worked at class fundraising tables and served as an altar server at her parish.
Interests Outside School
Outside school, Hernandez has worked a summer job with a cleaning business. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, singing, taking trips with friends and helping with town events and parish activities.