Alexander Ruiz's parents left Mexico years ago to give their kids a better life in the United States.
Ruiz was encouraged to stay in school and pursue his dreams, and eventually graduated from Mattawa High School and attend Columbia Basin College. Now, the son of immigrants with a middle school education is heading across the state to the University of Washington with plans to one day be a surgeon.
Friday night, the 21-year-old was recognized for overcoming obstacles to become an exemplary student at Pasco's community college.
Ruiz has been a participant in the school's Student Support Services/TRiO program since 2007. He received the TRiO Spirit Award for staying motivated and really pushing himself in the last year.
Ruiz said the federal program -- offered for students with disadvantaged backgrounds -- changed him completely and gave him a new outlook on life. He has worked to complete his pre-medical requirements at CBC so he can transfer to UW this summer and major in biochemistry.
"They encouraged my goals and saw the passion that I had within me ...," he said. "We have the choice to decide our futures for ourselves. Now it's time to step out and see what your calling is. What are you going to dedicate your life to."
Columbia Basin's TRiO program held an achievement ceremony Friday at the Richland Shilo Inn to honor 16 Upward Bound graduates and 72 Student Support Services graduates and transfers.
Upward Bound helps low-income high school students prepare for college and ultimately become the first-generation in their family to graduate with a higher education degree.
Student Support Services also targets first-generation, low-income and disabled students with academic advising, career planning and financial information so they can stay in college, graduate or transfer to a four-year college.
Program requirements include a 2.0 or higher cumulative grade-point average, high motivation to graduate and certain skill levels for math, reading and writing.
Adn Tijerina, SSS director, told a room packed with students and loved ones that his program grows champions.
The event recognized Brooklynn N. Mitchell-Jefferson as Upward Bound's outstanding alumna and Tien Do for Student Support Services.
Shelley Patterson was named the outstanding Upward Bound supporter, and Bev Casey the top supporter for SSS. Both women work at Columbia Basin.
"I just wish every student at CBC had this kind of support that TRiO offers you," Patterson said.
Columbia Center Rotary gave $4,000 toward scholarships and $1,500 for resources, like textbooks.
Andy Miller, Benton County prosecutor and chair of the rotary club's education committee, commended the students and said their stories are inspiring.
"In my job I deal with people who are very sad and at challenging times in their lives ..." Miller said. "It's nice to see people doing well considering the challenges in their lives. And it is also nice to be in a room of happy people."
w Kristin M. Kraemer: 582-1531; kkraemer@tricityherald.com
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