Ruiz selected as February’s senior of the month

The February senior of the month honor has been awarded to Karen Ruiz.

Ruiz is the daughter of Aldo and Marley Ruiz.

During her high school career, Ruiz has dedicated herself to academics, sports, serving her school and her community.

She currently serves her classmates as class treasurer and participates on student council.

As a four-year member of FCCLA, Ruiz has served as vice president of STAR events her sophomore year, secretary her junior year and vice president as a senior. She was also recognized in FCCLA earning a trip to nationals in Nashville, Tenn. her senior year.

Ruiz has highlighted her academic accomplishments with National Honor Society and lettering in each of her activities.

She has also been chosen to attend Girls State and was nominated for the 2017 Nebraska Diversity Leadership Symposia event.

As a performer, Ruiz participated in One Acts, “The Lockdown,” “The Perils of Lulu,” “Long Tall Lester,” and “So You Want to be a Cheerleader?” She took part in musicals “The Knights of the Rad Table” and “The Adventures of Captain Starblaster.”

She has also performed in mock trial and speech and is an active chorus member. 

Ruiz dedicates additional time to serving her community through local blood drives, Mercy Meals, church activities, the children’s carnival at the fair and collecting for the local food pantry.

In addition to her help with Bible School and Sunday school, Ruiz is a seven-year attendee of Jovenes Para Cristo summer church camp in which she spent this last year using her bilingual skills to translate from Spanish to English. She has also used these skills to translate an Easter sermon in her church.

After graduation, Ruiz hopes to attend college and has applied to several in Nebraska as well as some out-of-state options in hopes of receiving scholarships. She is interested in business, public relations and psychology and hopes to one day study abroad. 

Ruiz is the first in her family to attend high school and has dreams to be the first to attend college as well.

For being selected Senior of the Month, Ruiz’s picture will hang in the lobby of Pinnacle Bank in Grant. She will be eligible for a scholarship awarded at the end of the school year.

The Student of the Month and scholarship program are sponsored by Pinnacle Bank of Grant and members of the community. 

(Photo by MaKenzi's Photography)