Growing Up on the Backstretch, Embracing Community & Opportunity
Gredmarie Hernandez, a Role Model for Peers, Named ‘Student of the Year’
For rising high school sophomore Gredmarie Hernandez, home is a close community of families and stables of thoroughbreds. The daughter of Esther Perez and Salbador Hernandez, both backstretch workers at Hawthorne Race Course, Gredmarie has grown up immersed behind the curtain of Illinois thoroughbred racing.
“It was an amazing way to grow up,” she said. “I would tag along with my parents to the barns, and being around the horses taught me a lot about hard work.”
The routine for Gredmarie appeared to her friends outside the backstretch as an adventure. “It was definitely like living in two different worlds," she observed. "To me, waking up early and being around horses was just something normal. But at school, my friends couldn't believe it when I told them what I did over the weekend. It made me appreciate how unique my childhood really was.”
Standing Out at School
A strong work ethic and spirit of gratitude helped Gredmarie shine during her freshman year. In addition to being named “Student of the Year” at her high school, she took home her school unit's prestigious "Award of Excellence" recognizing her “for passing all classes, being socially resilient and being a positive role model."
Add to her qualities a great sense of modesty.
“I never knew I could be a role model to other kids, so this award means a lot to me,” she said. “I would keep track of my work, always turn it in on time, help out with other kids, just be kind to everybody, and help them whenever they need help.”
Gredmarie's favorite classes in school are math and English, where she enjoys writing essays.
Appreciating the Community
Looking back on her childhood, Gredmarie, now 14, has developed an admiration for the backstretch and the organization that advocates to improve that community's quality of life.
“When I was younger, I thought living on the backstretch was something normal — nothing special,” she said. “As I grew up, I realized what an amazing experience it is living back here and how many wonderful things the ITHA provides for the families living here.”
Living at Hawthorne opened doors that Gredmarie had not expected. Through programs supported by the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and the Illinois Backstretch Charitable Foundation, she discovered her passion for photography.
She put those new skills to work by taking pictures for the ITHA, documenting in frames the stories of her family, friends and neighbors.
“Growing up on the backstretch is a fun and unique experience,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of great opportunities I feel that wouldn't have been possible if I didn’t live on the backstretch. For example, I had the amazing opportunity to join a photography class free of charge and participate in many field trips provided by the IBCF and ITHA.”
A Future Rooted in Gratitude
The foundation of Gredmarie’s excellent character is her recognition and appreciation for the contributions others have made in helping her to excel in her school work and activities.
“A core value I’ve learned from my parents is gratitude,” Gredmarie said. “They taught me to always appreciate the good things in life, no matter how small they may be. I intend to carry this value throughout my life by always remembering to appreciate the people who support me and who help me achieve my goals.”