Pictured from left are Ray Jr./Sr. High School’s Valedictorian James Ruiz and Vanessa Bui (front); and (back) Salutatorian Graciela ‘Gracie’ Rivera. Photo by Nichole Aranda
The 2024-25 school year has flown by and for the graduating Seniors, their 12 years of schooling likely flew by much faster than they ever expected. This year’s Valedictorians for Ray Unified School District are Vanessa Bui and James Ruiz II. Graciela Rivera has earned the Salutatorian position.
Vanessa Bui is one of two graduates from the 2025 Ray High School serving as valedictorian. Vanessa is the daughter of Diana E. Bui and Binh L. Bui. After high school she is planning to attend Embry Riddle Aeronautical School in Prescott, Arizona. Her goal is to become a commercial airline pilot within the next five to 10 years. She is looking forward to becoming an adult and experiencing her adult life.
During her academic career, she actively participated in the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Teen Closet, Skyward Youth Aviation Program, Marching Band, and regular band.
What she liked most about her school and community: “I liked that our school and community is small. Our small school has many opportunities that students in bigger schools probably did not get to have. Also being able to know every face in the community is heart warming, because you will randomly get ‘hellos’ from everywhere you turn.”
“Growing up in a close-knit rural has shaped my values and ambitions to go forward no matter what happens. That dreams can come true if you work hard and push towards your dreams. You have to take the lead in your life,” She further explained.
In the future to give back to her community of Kearny, she hopes to help Kearny achieve the title of having the best clear skies, “A place where you can look up during the night time and see the stars clearly.”
Her message to underclassmen “You can do anything you put your mind to, I believe in all of you.”
Her thank yous: “I would like to thank multiple of people who have helped me throughout these 4 years of high school. Each and every single group that I am about to mention have made me be successful within these 4 years. So I give my thanks to my family, the staff of Ray Unified School District, the sponsors of Junior Chamber of Commerce, and every single person I have met during band.”
James Ruiz II is the class of 2025 Valedictorian. He is the son of James and Kristina Ruiz. After high school he plans to attend Southern Utah University to study aeronautics. His passion has been in aeronautics, and his career goals are to eventually own and operate a charter flight service along with a fly fishing store in either Utah or Idaho.
During High School, James was an active student and athlete. He played football (2 years), basketball (4 years), baseball (4 years), Student Council (4 years), Junior Chamber, and NHS. During his senior year he served as Student Body Vice President and NHS Treasurer.
“I am proud to say I have been a multi-sport athlete and earned Class Valedictorian, while also obtaining my private pilot’s license,” he explained.
“Overall, every positive word of advice and guidance by everyone involved in my high school journey helped me grow and become a successful and stronger individual, and I would not be who I am now without it,” explained Ruiz
When sharing about what he has enjoyed about school and growing up in Kearny he explained, “I like the shop program Ray brought back this year. I also like that I have been able to grow up and graduate with the same people I started school with. Being a part of a small community has provided support from my family, close friends, coaches and teachers to follow my dreams and reach my goals,” he said.
He would like to give back to his hometown in the future. “If I am ever able to, I would like to bring an aviation program to the school,” he said.
His advice to underclassmen: “Follow your dreams, no matter how big!”
“I would like to thank my parents and sisters Janae and Jocelyn, bother-in-law Nick and niece Drew for all they have done to help get me to where I am today. They are always pushing me to be the best I can be at all I do,” he further stated.
Graciela “Gracie” Rivera is the Salutatorian for the Ray High School graduating class of 2025. She is the daughter of Wendy Nava and Manuel Rivera. After high school she plans to attend Eastern Arizona College and will study to become a registered nurse. She plans to work in hospitals and other small medical facilities.
During high school she was an active student participating in volleyball, track, marching band, National Honor Society, Junior Chamber of Commerce, and Student Council.
Reflecting on her schooling and growing up in Kearny: “I like the extracurricular activities at school because they helped me explore different interests and I was able to find something that I like, which was band. I love the guidance and support from people within the community because it really motivates me to keep pushing towards my goals.”
The community provided many role models to her throughout her school career, “Growing up in a small town has shown me how important it is to give back and value the connections that I make. I have met many hard working and respectful people in this town and I aspire to be just like them,” she said.
She wants to continue to help her community after high school by helping people and supporting community events when she has time.
Her advice to underclassmen: “Keep making friends, do your assignments, and try new things because you never know if you will like it or not.”
She expressed many thanks to her community and family. “I want to thank my family for supporting me through this long journey and my friends as well, it really means a lot to me,” she said.