VFW Names Stafford Veteran 'Teacher Of The Year'

STAFFORD, NJ — A local teacher and Army veteran has been honored as the New Jersey VFW's Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2024.

Stafford Township Intermediate School Basic Skills Reading teacher Mary Ruiz is being celebrated for her contributions to both education and the veteran community.

Ruiz was nominated by VFW Post 12173 for this honor. The New Jersey VFW Teacher of the Year award contest recognizes three exceptional teachers for their outstanding commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students. Each year, a classroom elementary, junior high, and high school teacher whose curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics — for at least half of the school day in a classroom environment — is recognized for this award.

“I am truly humbled and grateful for this recognition,” said Ruiz, who also serves as Director of Training and Events for H-Hour in Manahawkin, NJ, and who served for ten years in the Army, including two combat tours, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. “It is gratifying to know that my dedication to connecting our youth with military members and Veterans is seen as important and noteworthy. More gratifying are the rewards I receive in witnessing connections and friendships being formed through these efforts.”

Classroom and school projects which helped Ruiz to earn the New Jersey VFW Teacher of the Year recognition include conducting a snack drive with the students to donate food to homeless veterans in the area; and a Veterans Day Ceremony that entailed local veterans and student family members spending the morning with breakfast, followed by a ceremony recognizing the veterans’ service, including guest speakers, answering questions, and veteran interaction with the fifth and sixth grade students.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Ruiz is deeply engaged in assisting veterans in their transition from military service to civilian life. She and her Army veteran husband are active members of VFW Post 6063 in Toms River and have collaborated with various VFW Posts to conduct mental health wellness programs and weekend retreats on Long Beach Island for transitioning Veterans.

Ruiz is also the founder of Inglorious Ruckers, an informal group of veterans and veteran family members who ruck march and organize events. Her commitment to this cause extends to her personal contributions, including a generous donation of $5,000 to support Veteran attendance fees and travel costs for retreats across the country.

Ruiz recently added another title to her resume, giving birth to her baby Vincent in March. While motherhood is presently her full-time job, she will soon be back with H-Hour and once again involved in assisting veterans make the transformation from military service to civilian life through social connection and physical activity in the pursuit of wellness.

In her free time Ruiz enjoys physical activities such as CrossFit, ultra-running, and coaching the Stafford Iguana and Fitness Club at a local school. She enjoys traveling to islands and deserts with her husband to reset and generate the next training or event plan.