Bears Announce First Community High School All-Star Award Winner

The Chicago Bears announced today that Miguel Hernandez of Mundelein High School in Mundelein, Ill., has been named the first Community High School All-Star award winner of the season. The Community High School All-Star award, brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy, will recognize nine high school football players from March through May who are making a positive impact in their community and school. Each winner will receive a custom hand-painted football, gift bag and an invitation to a future Bears event. The Bears will also make a $500 donation to the charitable organization of the player's choosing; Hernandez has selected the Center for Immigrant Progress.

"Being named the Chicago Bears High School Community All-Star is an honor," said Hernandez. "It is thanks to the coaches that believed in me and that pushed me to be the best version of myself on and off the field that this honor found me. Through my experience in high school, I learned that I could make a difference not only with my peers but in my community. I believe that, because I have all these factors in my favor, it is my responsibility to give back to make our environment just a little bit better."

Hernandez, a senior, has been part of the wrestling and football programs throughout high school, including as a captain at the varsity level. Additionally, he has served as an election judge in the local election for four years. He currently holds a weighted GPA of 3.9/4, while also helping other students academically as a peer tutor in the school's mentoring program. His academic record earned him Academic All-Conference twice, and he has been an AP Honor Roll student for four years. Not only has Hernandez excelled as an athlete and student, he has also made a positive impact by serving his community. He has been involved with the Mundelein community food drive to help fight against hunger by providing food and resources to families in need. Additionally, he has participated in A-May-Zing Mundelein, which pairs volunteers with a local police officer to help elderly and disabled residents with spring cleaning and handyman work.

"It has been an honor to coach and teach Miguel over the past four years," said Mundelein head coach Vince DeFrancesco. "His dedication to his football program and school community has been remarkable. Whether it's been through his selfless service in our community, his exemplary leadership in our school and athletic department or his outstanding character/sportsmanship. Congratulations to him and his family for this well-deserved recognition."