05/28/2026
Congratulations, Dominic!
EASTERN June Student of the Month – Dominic Hernandez, Protective Services
Dominic Hernandez, a senior at Hatboro-Horsham High School, has been named the June 2026 Student of the Month at the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) in Willow Grove. He is being recognized for his outstanding performance in EASTERN’s Protective Services program. The Student of the Month Award, sponsored by EASTERN’s faculty, Joint Operating Committee, and the Willow Grove Rotary Club, honors student excellence, achievement, and service. Ten students are selected for this distinction each year.
Dominic was first introduced to EASTERN through his brother, who previously attended and spoke highly of the experience. Prior to enrolling, Dominic felt he faced some academic challenges at Hatboro-Horsham. When visiting EASTERN’s Protective Services program as a sophomore, he was drawn to the strong sense of community within the class. He appreciated how students supported one another and described the environment as family-like. “Mr. Raggi fosters an accepting and inclusive classroom,” Dominic said.
At Hatboro-Horsham, Dominic is a four-year varsity lacrosse starter and competes in wrestling. He volunteers at youth clinics, helping younger lacrosse players develop their skills. Through Hatboro-Horsham High School, he participates in a student-led outreach group that supports underprivileged individuals in the local community. Each month, the group travels to Broad Street in Philadelphia to distribute supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness and organizes food and clothing drives to support their efforts.
Through his program at EASTERN, Dominic has earned several industry-recognized certifications, including CPR/AED, multiple FEMA ICS/NIMS emergency management certifications, and Stop the Bleed training. In September 2025, he was selected for an EASTERN National Hispanic Heritage Month Student Spotlight.
“Dominic is a strong leader who is open-minded, receptive to constructive feedback, and compassionate,” said Michael Raggi, EASTERN’s Protective Services Instructor. “I am proud of his accomplishments and confident that he will achieve whatever he sets out to do.”
Dominic works part-time as a sales associate at Lacrosse Unlimited, where he was recently promoted to Assistant Manager. He has enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on a four-year contract and will begin basic training in late August. After completing his military service, he plans to build his experience and strengthen his résumé before applying to the Pennsylvania State Police Academy. His ultimate goal is to become a Pennsylvania State Trooper.
Hatboro-Horsham School District