Tony Hernandez, a graduate of San Jose State University, wanted to be a baseball player. Upon graduation, he signed with the Chicago Cubs, but after one season in the minors, he went back to school to get a master's degree.

The lure off being a sportscaster resulted in his becoming a "master degree dropout" to accept a job in radio, which launched his long career in television. Ultimately, he was hired by CBS television in New York as a late-night sportscaster.

During a break from television to pursue a career in acting and singing, he met and married Dayle, whose background was in the garment industry. His return to television led him back to Los Angeles as a sportscaster for ABC television, where he remained for 26 years before retiring to make Whitefish his home.

His lifelong passion for acting and singing led naturally to volunteering at the Whitefish Theatre Company and the Stumptown Players. Co-workers describe him as a dedicated and tireless worker — not just as an actor who donates hours to memorizing scripts and performing rehearsals, but one who pitches in behind the scenes to do the endless "grunt work" necessary to maintain the all-volunteer organization.

Tony and Dayle have two sons, Josh and Tory, two grandchildren, and two cats. For them, Whitefish was love at first sight. Tony states that "I don't think any other town in America does what we do," and adds that because of the beautiful surroundings, the friendly people and the caliber of the performing arts, he is living out his lifetime dreams.

Tony, without people such as you, our theaters could not survive. You have contributed immeasurably to the lives of many people, and your community appreciates it.

— Jake Heckathorn

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail [email protected].