Patch Whiz Kid of the Week: Francisco Herrera

Each week, San Bruno Patch will feature an amazing kid, youth group, teen or sports team that wows us with their accomplishments. 

This week, we feature a high school student who has spent the last two summers volunteering at San Bruno Park Pool. 

Patch Whiz Kid of the Week

Name/Age: Francisco Herrera, 16

School: San Mateo High School

Accomplishment: Instead of hanging out with friends and going on vacation, Herrera has spent his last two summers giving back to the community by volunteering at the San Bruno Park pool.

“I love swimming and being interactive with kids and getting to meet new faces,” said Herrera. “(Volunteer hours for school) was my last thought – I wanted to help out the community.” 

Herrera helps out with swim lessons and stays active with the kids. He’s planning on becoming a certified lifeguard in the spring.

“(Herrera) has a flexible schedule and is always willing to help out when we need him,” said Jennie Tucker, Recreation Services Supervisor in the San Bruno Community Services Department. “He has a great personality and the swim lesson participants and staff get along very well with him.”

Besides spending his summers at the pool and going to school, Herrera is on his high school soccer team and usually plays midfielder. He also plays basketball on his free time, but can’t be on the team in high school since it conflicts with the soccer season.

Motivation: “I have a little brother and cousins that look up to me,” said Herrera. “I want to be a positive role model.”

Herrera’s mom, Perla Mendoza, describes Herrera’s motivation as something that comes from within him. 

“He’s one of those kids who’s got a kind heart,” she said. “He knows how to put his all into whatever he’s puts his mind to and it’s always 100 percent – that’s his drive.”

Key to Awesomeness: “It’s his swag,” said Mendoza, laughing. “He’s got a natural swag about him ­– he’s always positive and social and full of life – and that’s what you need.”

Plans for the future: “I’m looking into helping the community,” said Herrera, who wants to be a firefighter when he grows up.

“I think what’s helped him lean towards becoming a firefighter is his volunteering with the pool – he felt so responsible to the community,” said Mendoza. “At the pool he felt like he was a part of a family and I think he’d get that same thing as a firefighter.”

Besides sports, volunteering and school, Herrera said he enjoys spending time with the positive people around him.