So many words that could be used to describe Hong “Ruby” Nguyen have lost their impact due to overuse and exaggeration. Words like exceptional, remarkable and extraordinary sound like hyperbole, yet they fit Ruby to a “T.” This is why she is this week’s Student in the Spotlight.
Ruby was born in Vietnam and moved to the United States 5 years ago. In that time, while learning English and the American school system, she has challenged herself by taking 11 honors and 7 Advance Placement courses. Her GPA is 4.8 (weighted) and she is ranked 5th in her class. She credits her academic achievements to the rigor of her early education in Vietnam. School started at 7 a.m. and ended at 4:45 p.m. Afterwards she went to teachers’ houses for “extra study.” Once home, around 9 p.m., she had dinner and then homework until midnight. “Most of the time, I wasn’t able to finish my homework because it was a lot,” she explained.
When she arrived in the US, she attended classes with very little knowledge of English, and other than her younger sister, didn’t have anyone who spoke Vietnamese at her school. The summer before entering high school, she asked herself “Do I just want to get through it, or do I want to stand at the top? …I realized that I wanted to be at the top just like I always did before.” For her efforts, she was named Junior Class Distinguished Student for Carson City School District last year and was recognized for outstanding academic achievement in 2020 and 2021.
Besides excelling in academics, Ruby is also driven in NJROTC. She has participated all 4 years and is currently a cadet lieutenant battalion administrator. “I have wanted this position since I was a freshman,” she said. “I tried to participate as much as I could in the previous years to gain this job.” Another aspect of NJROTC that Ruby enjoys is the work she does as a cadet volunteer. Since 2019, she has participated in Angel Tree shopping and wrapping, Empty Bowls with FISH and numerous community events.
Caring for others and being kind are values she embraces. She would like to see more sharing occurring at CHS. “What I mean is not only sharing between close friends, but sharing in general, even with students that you don’t know.” Occasionally she buys packs of Oreos to share with others even when she doesn’t know the student’s name. “Sometimes I will just remember that today, I have class with this kid and maybe I could bring them something … Sharing and offering makes me happy. That’s how I make my learning environment more comfortable. That’s how I make friends.”
Exceptional academics, remarkable achievements and extraordinary kindness are the reasons why Ruby has such a bright future. For more information, please visit senatorsnow.org.