Born and raised in El Paso, Derek Hernandez is a Socorro Independent School District alumnus and involved member of the community. Derek attended Paso Del Norte School from Pre-K through eighth grade and then went on to attend Mission Early College High School. During his time there, he became involved with various clubs and organizations on campus.At the age of seventeen, Derek graduated from El Paso Community College on the President’s List with an Associate of Arts in May 2017 and began studying at the University of Texas at El Paso the following fall. He then graduated from Mission Early College High School with a Distinguished Course of Study Diploma in June 2018. Derek continues to study political science with a concentration in public administration at the University of Texas at El Paso.

Outside of academics, Derek has been working as an AVID tutor at Horizon High School (Part of Clint ISD) since September 2018. In addition, he keeps a close eye on the political sphere and never misses a chance to vote. He regularly attends events held by local lawmakers to use the opportunity to discuss the issues face to face with those representing our community at all levels. Derek acknowledges that working with elected officials and lawmakers is key to bringing about real change.

During his time at both Paso Del Norte School and Mission Early College High School, Derek saw firsthand where and how the district is falling short when it comes to serving students. He believes it is time for a fresh new face to join the Socorro Independent School District Board of Trustees and represent the perspective and reality of the average student. Derek is running for SISD Board he believes we should provide students with even more opportunities to be successful and expand their horizons. Today’s students are tomorrow’s professionals and we therefore owe them the best we can give them because the voice of tomorrow must be heard today.