Gia Ruedas

Gia Ruedas will be a proud Knight for life. After all, after three years of cheer, the McCallum fight song is permanently ingrained in her memory. For Ruedas, there is nothing quite like cheering at a McCallum pep rally.

“My favorite memory from my time at Mac would probably be dancing and cheering for everyone in the pep rallies,” Ruedas said. “When I would be in the front and hear people cheer my name, it would make me smile and feel happy to here with my other classmates cheering me on. Cheer means a lot to me and I have made so many amazing memories with the girls”

This year, Ruedas was co-captain for the varsity girls softball team. From carrying a bat for the first time as a toddler to leading from the field as a senior, softball has allowed Ruedas to develop into a leader and make lifelong friends. 

“[Softball] means the world to me,” Ruedas said. “I love the connections you are able to make with everyone, and I just love the sport. These extracurriculars all make me the person I am today and I wouldn’t be who I am if it wasn’t for these activities.”

Next year, senior Gia Ruedas will attend Baldwin Beauty School to study cosmetology and follow her childhood dreams. She will also attend night classes at ACC and major in chemistry to become a cardiac radiologist. Ruedas says her AVID teachers from the past three years helped her secure a future she is proud of.

“I’m pursuing two careers that I love, and I can’t wait” Ruedas said. “If it wasn’t for the amazing teachers Ms. Nix, Ms.Galindo and Ms.Wrobleski, I don’t think I would be where I’m at with all of my college stuff.”

According to Ruedas, the best way to ensure success at McCallum is to stay on top of work–something is determined to continue throughout college and beyond.

“Even when you think you can’t do it, push through and try your hardest,” Ruedas said. “When you get to the finish line it will all be worth it. So go to school, enjoy class and enjoy those laughs with friends because I promise you, before you know it, it will all be over.”

Cheer (10th, 11th, 12th), All-American

Softball (9th, 10th, 11th, 12th), Varsity co-captain (12th)

AVID (1oth, 11th, 12th)