Meet Hernan: A Rising Star at Bluestem Middle School

Meet Hernan, a 7th grade SAVE student at Bluestem Middle School whose journey with SAVE began back in 4th grade at Ashland Park-Robbins. From the start, Hernan has been eager to learn, explore, and dream big. During his elementary years, he traveled with SAVE to Creighton University and Metropolitan Community College (MCC), where he began developing his sense of purpose through mentoring and future-readiness activities alongside college students.

Now, as a 7th grader, Hernan continues to shine. He’s exceeding expectations, staying involved in extracurriculars, and tackling new challenges with confidence and curiosity.

Navigating the Middle School Transition

Middle school can be a big adjustment — new teachers, harder coursework, and new opportunities all at once. That’s why SAVE walks alongside students like Hernan every step of the way. Our team supports students from elementary school through high school graduation, offering individualized transition plans that focus on getting involved, building friendships, and developing strong study habits.

Hernan embraced those recommendations wholeheartedly. He didn’t just join one extracurricular — he joined two! He’s a member of the Student Mentoring Project (SMP), a competition for students interested in engineering and architecture, and he’s also learning the vibrant art form of mariachi through the Mariachi Club. Outside of school, Hernan stays active doing something he loves — playing soccer.

Building Habits for Success

SAVE meets with Hernan every other week at Bluestem to check in on his grades, extracurriculars, and goals. When asked about his favorite part of SAVE, he said:

“My favorite part about SAVE is when we do the grade checks because they help me understand where I have to improve in my academics.”

That commitment shows. Last year, Hernan earned the highest GPA in his entire 6th grade class — an incredible achievement that reflects both his work ethic and his growth mindset. Hernan credits SAVE with helping him stay focused and motivated, saying the program has given him “tips for pushing myself in a positive way.” His favorite class right now? Honors — because he loves being challenged to learn more.

Looking Ahead

When we asked Hernan about his future, his goal was clear: he wants to earn a scholarship to a college like UNO or Creighton. With his drive, discipline, and heart for learning, we have no doubt he’ll get there.

SAVE is proud to be part of Hernan’s story — and we can’t wait to see all that he accomplishes next.