Glasgow student recognized for dreamer speech

GLASGOW, Ky.-A Glasgow High School student is getting recognition for his speech on being a dreamer.  The high school senior shared that speech with the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce Wednesday ahead of a statewide competition.

Antonio Hernandez is now a state finalist in the Youth of the Year Boys and Girls Club competition. Winners of the competition become a representative of the boys and girls club.

Hernandez came to the United States as an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. He was granted legal status through the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act also known as the Dream Act.

 “Being able to overcome obstacles such as being a dreamer is highly inspiring because I’ve seen people that are dreamers be successful people, and I want to be one of those successful people to be an inspiration to the younger generation,” said Hernandez. 

His speech is about how being a dreamer has shaped his goals of becoming a politician and activist. 

“I’m really passionate about politics and law.  So, I want to create a career in law before achieving my lifelong dream of becoming a senator,” said Hernandez. 

Hernandez is already putting in work to become a future senator. He’s working on several state bills right now.

“House Bill 158 which is the school safety bill, which is for mental health and trauma training for teachers, and Senate Bill 1 which encompasses the foster care’s youth bill of rights,” said Hernandez. 

With the First Lady’s Leadership Council, Hernandez is working on a bill that will address mental health issues at school. 

“With this school safety bill, we can make sure that teachers are trained to recognize a mental health problem such as depression, anxiety and treat them right away. It’s a big problem and today’s society,” said Hernandez.

Hernandez will give his finalist speech in the Boys and Girls Club competition in March.