As he prepares to graduate this spring, AVID president Oscar Ruiz ‘26 has secured a full–ride to the highly selective Bowdoin College, a milestone that reflects both his great determination and the impact of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program that helped guide him. Ruiz has plans to study Environmental Studies and accomplish many more things in his future.
This moment is particularly significant because it captures the trajectory Ruiz has taken over the past four years. He learned how to handle challenging coursework, take on leadership roles and maintain long–term goals. He demonstrates how those efforts can open doors that previously seemed impossible to open. For Ruiz, the scholarship is more than just a monetary award; it’s an important event that paves the way for the kind of future he has been working toward.
“The [best] piece of advice I can give is definitely just try your hardest, because if you don’t try, then you don’t know if you’ll ever succeed,” said Ruiz.
Ruiz is one of four siblings and has always looked up to his parents for working hard to provide for him and his brothers. He will be a first generation college student as his parents were not able to pursue higher education in the midst of adjusting to their new life after immigrating to the United States.
“[Neither] of my parents went to college. They’re both immigrants and they have to work really hard to be able to provide,” said Ruiz. “They managed providing for us which was hard, especially coming to a new place and creating their own identity and sense of belonging [here].”
Ruiz would also consider himself a passionate musician. He began playing in a band in fourth grade, then joined the WHS marching band—an often underappreciated activity that requires a lot of effort. Ruiz describes band as one of the most fun and rewarding parts of his high school experience.
“Music is something I’m passionate about,” said Ruiz. “I’ve been in band since fourth grade, then I joined marching band in high school, it’s a huge part of what I do.”
Ruiz also gives credit to the AVID program at WHS which has inspired him to keep doing well in school. Ruiz commends AVID teacher David Pulsipher for guiding and supporting his accomplishments.
“AVID is an in–school academic support program for grades seven through twelve,” according to cde.ca.gov. “The purpose of the program is to prepare students for college eligibility and success.”
Ruiz is a hard working student who always aims for success. He doesn’t let mistakes or bumps in the road affect him, instead, he learns from those experiences and continues moving forward with the same focus and commitment.
“[Oscar] has a willingness to do things that may not be easy,” said Pulsipher. “He has determination to tackle things head on, and he’s been successful in everything he’s done.”
