Grade: 12

Family members: Jodi Ruggiero (Mother), Greg Ruggiero (Father), Piper Ruggiero (Younger Sister)

Favorite subject: My favorite subject is English because as I read a story I am able to go into another person’s life and experience the way they live and act. I can almost experience another person’s life while still being myself and without leaving my house.

Activities: I am captain of the girls varsity volleyball team, I am a javelin thrower on the track and field team, a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Key Club and I serve as a Hawk Ambassador.

Next Steps: I plan to attend Fairleigh Dickinson University and play Division I volleyball. I also plan to major in the business field.

Career goals: After I graduate college, my goal is to obtain a high-paying job, but the most important goal of mine is to be happy with where I am in life – how can people be successful at work if they’re not satisfied with themselves?

Heroes: My mom is my hero. She always pushes me to be my best no matter what the circumstances are and holds me to a very high standard. That has definitely shaped me into the person I am today. She has always been there for me when I needed a should to cry on, someone to laugh with, someone to yell at me and tell me to get my act together when I needed it, someone to celebrate the joys of life with and someone to create lifelong memories with.

Hobbies: Some of my hobbies are jet skiing, working out, spending time with friends and family, playing with my dog Oscar, paddle boarding, baking, hiking and playing sports.

Current job(s): I work at my dad’s office whenever I can to help him and my mom out with the responsibilities of running a business.

Volunteer/community work: I serve as an altar server at my parish, a CYO volunteer volleyball coach at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School and a volunteer at the Special Olympics at DeSales University.

Likes: I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, going on vacation, getting to play volleyball and creating friendships that will last a lifetime, being able to go to school in person again and helping other people in need.

Dislikes: I really dislike cats, people who are disrespectful toward others, driving on the highway and any kind of insect.

Greatest accomplishment (so far): My greatest accomplishment would be getting a full Division I scholarship for volleyball. It’s my greatest accomplishment because it reflects all of the hard work and sacrifice I have put into the classroom and into the sport over the years. It is an amazing feeling to see everything come together, know that my hard work has paid off and know I have accomplished a goal which not all athletes are able to do.

Advice for peers: My advice would be that if you really want to accomplish your goals, you need to step outside the box, put your own goals into perspective and not follow what other people around you are doing. You need to push yourself every day, especially when you do not feel like it, because those are the days when you better yourself. When you stop being a follower, your priorities take over and your drive can kick in so you can go out and accomplish your goals. Don’t ever let other people tell you your goals are unrealistic or silly – this journey is not about them, it is about you and your dreams and how to fulfill them.

Student profile subjects are selected by faculty and administration at the individual schools.