NVC Alum Wins Fiesta Medal Design Contest

SAN ANTONIO - Northwest Vista College (NVC) alum Noah Hernandez is the winner of this year’s Fiesta Medal Design contest. Hernandez, who graduated in 2024, attended NVC from the fall of 2022 until the spring of 2024 and earned two degrees — an Associate of Science and an Associate of Arts.

Before immersing himself in biology/pre-nursing courses at NVC, the San Antonio native had enrolled in dual credit courses while a student at Health Careers High School. This spring semester, Hernandez transferred to UT Health San Antonio where he’s pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nursing degree. 

“I have a passion for helping those in need. I plan to work as a nurse as well as continue my education to become a nurse practitioner or a CRNA,” he said via email. 

The former Wildcat said he and his family always look forward to Fiesta San Antonio which usually occurs during his birthday in April. Attending the Battle of Flowers and Fiesta Flambeau parades have become a family tradition, so winning the Fiesta Medal Design contest will make this year’s festivities extra special. 

Hernandez said this was his first time entering a Fiesta medal contest, but he always had an appreciation for art including the student artwork displayed across the NVC campus. So, when the Fiesta Medal Design contest was announced at NVC, he took the opportunity to see what he could create.

“For this design, I had the inspiration of creating a modern championship look for the medal,” he said. “Realizing that this was the 30th anniversary, I thought it would be appropriate to incorporate a "sports medal" type of design which represents all the accomplishments this campus has made so far in creating futures for our students.” 

It took only four days of work for him to come up with the winning design. Hernandez acknowledges his friend, Sebastian Rodriguez, played a role in helping to brainstorm ideas for the design. He also credits his nieces for inspiring him in this and other endeavors. 

“I believe the day I started the project one of my nieces was over at our house and she was learning to draw, so I decided to try and see what I could come up with,” said Hernandez. “I think many of the things I do are to set an example of what's possible for my nieces.” 

This past winter break, Hernandez had the opportunity to travel to Japan from Nagasaki to Tokyo. He said immersing himself in a different culture was an amazing experience, one he hopes everyone can have. 

“I consider myself a person who isn't afraid to try new things.