Mariajose Ruiz

Age: 12

Parents: Patricia Ceronio and Mauricio Lazaro

Where are you from?

Albert Lea.

If from Albert Lea, which elementary school did you attend?

Halverson.

Favorite teacher of all time and why?

Mrs. Schimdt, my fifth-grade teacher, because she is the teacher who started to teach me that middle school isn’t a joke. She helped me and other students get ready for middle school; she was sometimes strict but I’m thankful she did that because she knew Southwest wouldn’t tolerate bad behavior.

Favorite book/author:

“The Clue on the Crystal Cove” by Carolyn Keene.

Current/past activities, volunteer work and accomplishments:

I was on the off the wall soccer team, swim team, band and choir. One of my accomplishments was improving my behavior and grades.

What advice would you give to younger students in Albert Lea?

At first it may be hard to be your best at school at a young age, but eventually when you get older you’ll learn that being your best is important because it could lead you to good things.