Ms. Ruiz has worked at TWHS for 15 years and has taught basic ELA 3, African American Literature, and Journalism. At the end of this school year, Ms. Ruiz will move to a different position, becoming the president of the teachers union, the Worthington Education Association. Although she is excited for this new opportunity, leaving TWHS is an emotional experience.

 “I have really mixed feelings about it,” said Ruiz. “I feel like, in a lot of ways, this building and the people in it are an essential part of my community, and I grew up here. I was 23 when I started working here. That’s a lot of time that I’ve spent here. It feels like a loss in some ways, but also growth.” 

Ms. Ruiz’s impact on her students is clear through the heartfelt words they shared. Landyn Sterling is a senior who has taken Journalism with Ruiz multiple times.

“Ms. Ruiz has become not only a teacher to me but a friend and another mother figure,” said Sterling. “Ms. Ruiz makes not only me, but all of her students feel appreciated, seen, and cared for to whatever end. Her kindness and dedication have left lasting memories for so many students at TWHS.”

Emerson Seitz, a junior at TWHS said, “Ms. Ruiz has helped me many times whether it be school work or just being a friend. She is such a nice person, and we are all so sad to see her go.”

Clearly Ms. Ruiz is more than just a teacher to her students, she loves each person and cares about everyone no matter what. 

“Ms.Ruiz is the single most impactful teacher I’ve ever had,” said Carson Fritz. “What she does in front of a classroom to one-on-one makes waves in our community and her absence will be felt as she graduates with my senior class.” 

While Ms. Ruiz may be leaving the halls of TWHS; her impact on students, staff and the community will continue on after her departure. Though the students are sad to see her go, they are excited to see her succeed in this next chapter of her life.