The Wake Forest Human Relations Council (HRC) is pleased to announce Brianna Hernandez and Hank Pierwola as the respective 2016 Good Neighbor of the Year youth and adult award winners. Mayor Vivian Jones made the announcements during Sunday’s Good Neighbor Day celebration at Holding Park.
Brianna was nominated by her parents, Amy and Richard Hernandez, who wrote in their nomination narrative that their daughter is committed to serving Wake Forest “and developing herself to become a better citizen.”
An honor roll student at Wake Forest High School and the Commander of Saber Team in the JROTC, Brianna has volunteered at several community events, including the Wake Forest Fire Department Fish Fry, Paws 4 Life 5K, the annual Purple Heart Dinner, and the Wake Forest Charity Car Show.
She is also an honored member of the Daughters of 1812 due to her academic excellence, leadership, military discipline, dependability, patriotism, and upright character in speech and habits, which exemplify the ideals upon which our nation was founded.
“Brianna is very responsible and would like to become a future leader,” noted Amy and Richard Hernandez. “She has a strong work ethic and feels obligated to give of her resources and time to make the community a better place. She is on track to do big things in this world and it is all starting with serving the citizens of Wake Forest. We are proud of our daughter and how hard she works and feel privileged that she is growing up in such a great community.”
Patricia Schneck nominated Hank Pierwola. She began her narrative by writing: “Anyone whose path has crossed the life of Hank Pierwola is very fortunate.”
She went on to note that for many years he has delivered “The Wake Forest Weekly,” been a member of the Wake Forest VFW, and worked at the annual Purple Heart Dinner. He also coordinates the American Red Cross Blood Drive at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church.
“He has taken those in need to doctors’ appointments and to church, always with a smile and a touch of his dry wit,” wrote Schneck.
“This gentle man epitomized the phrase ‘Good Neighbor’ so worthy of recognition yet humbled to be called out by name for his good deeds.”
The HRC created the Good Neighbor of the Year Award to recognize Wake Forest residents who make exceptional contributions to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. The program also honors those who make a difference in our community without seeking or receiving recognition for their service.
The HRC solicits nominations for the award each year from April through August and announces the winners during Good Neighbor Day.
“The Human Relations Council is delighted to recognize Brianna Hernandez and Hank Pierwola as this year’s Good Neighbor of the Year award winners,” said HRC Chair Dennis Brennan. “Their selfless service to others in our community reflects the wonderful spirit of the award and make them especially deserving of this special honor.”
