Jeremy Hernandez, Hero of the Week

Say you saved a busload of children after a bridge collapse and everyone deems you a hero. Even your ex-girlfriends are saying nice things about you. The White House calls and requests a photo op -- they want you to appear in a picture with the president. He'll shake your hand, hug you and praise you. He may even share his favorite Bible verse with you. What would you say?

Jeremy Hernandez said, "Nope." He said 'nope' to the president of America, the "leader of the free world," the most powerful man in the world. He said 'nope' to all the publicity and prestige that comes with meeting the president. He said 'nope' to a photo that he could have shown to his grandchildren, a photo that would have been the envy of at least 29 percent of Americans.

Hernandez said, "Nope," and for that, he's an even bigger hero in my book. If his actions don't warm your heart, the reaction to his heroism surely will.

Within a day, news outlets across the country were repeating the story of the school bus, along with a sad footnote — that Mr. Hernandez had recently been forced to drop out of an automotive repair program because he could not afford the $15,000 tuition.

That has changed. On Saturday, Mr. Hernandez learned that Dunwoody College of Technology had offered him a full scholarship toward a degree in applied science. He has also received offers of help from dozens of strangers across the country, said Molly Schwartz, communications director for Pillsbury United Communities, which employed him as a gym coordinator for one of its summer programs. [Link]

A full scholarship in applied science. Hernandez deserves that and more. You can bet he won't say "nope" to this opportunity.