Meet Ruben: A Future Leader in the Making

Meet Ruben, a 7th grader at Logan Middle School who has been part of the SAVE Program for the past four years. His journey began back in elementary school at Wake Robin, where he joined the Academic Mentoring Program (AMP) and quickly stood out for his enthusiasm, leadership, and positivity.

When reflecting on his time in AMP, Ruben smiles as he recalls his favorite memory…participating in a mock presidential election where he was voted President by his peers! That moment of confidence and connection stayed with him as he transitioned to middle school, where he continues to lead by example.

Staying Connected Through Change

Transitioning to a new school can be tough, but Ruben handled it with maturity and grace. One thing he often talks about is how much he misses his SAVE friends from elementary school, several of whom now attend different schools outside the district. At one of his recent meetings, Ruben even asked SAVE staff to reach out to one of those friends just to check in and see how they were doing. His kindness and loyalty remind us why building long-term relationships matters so much in SAVE.

Academic Excellence and Leadership

Ruben has adjusted to life at Logan exceptionally well. He finished his first quarter with an impressive 4.07 GPA and has already set a new goal: earning straight A+’s next quarter. His favorite class, Advanced Math, challenges him to think critically and strive higher, and he loves that feeling of growth.

Ruben also credits his best friend, Cullen, for helping him stay motivated. The two push each other to reach new academic goals, and their friendly competition continues to fuel their success. Ruben’s focus and drive have even inspired SAVE staff to put a stronger emphasis on leadership development across all programs!

Beyond the Classroom

Middle school has opened up new doors for Ruben to explore his interests outside the classroom. He’s excited to join a sports team this year, possibly track or basketball, and he already plays soccer both recreationally and for a club team. Soccer is his favorite sport, and he never misses a chance to debate with Mr. Zaki over who’s better — Messi or Ronaldo. (We’re not sure who’s winning that debate yet!)

Looking Ahead

Ruben recently joined SAVE’s Follow Through Program, where he’s learning how to set long-term goals and stay accountable. During his last meeting, he admitted he was a little disappointed to miss recess, but by the end, he told staff he was glad he got called down because “SAVE helps me focus on what I need to do better.”

Ruben asked us to keep checking in and holding him accountable for his A+ goal and knowing his work ethic, we have no doubt he’ll make it happen.

Ruben’s story is one of connection, consistency, and leadership, the exact kind of growth SAVE was built to nurture. 💙