On Monday, March 23, Santa Ana College (SAC) student Ruth Negrete, was honored with the 2009 Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) Board of Trustees President’s Scholar Award. Here Trustee Phillip E. Yarbrough presents Ruth with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to the campus book store.

Ruth was recognized for her diligent work ethic and positive attitude while serving as a mentor and role model to students in the Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) for the past three years. She was a guest speaker and led tours for students during the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) Senior Transition Day and the Learning Disabilities High School Orientation Day. Ruth spoke of her experiences with having a learning disability and her use of DSPS services. She is currently featured in a PBS highlight on college students with disabilities where she offers encouragement and insight on how a student with a disability can be successful in college.

While going to school, Ruth also works as a day camp teacher and has worked at a preschool for over eight years. She is majoring in human development and plans to transfer in spring 2010. She is a first generation college student and will be the first in her family to transfer to a university.

Ruth is active in her community, as well as her church where she serves as a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School director and church treasurer.