Mary Ruiz served for 10 years in the U.S. Army, including two combat tours, reaching the rank of staff sergeant. She returned home to New Jersey where she currently works as a basic skills reading teacher at Stafford Intermediate School in Manahawkin.
Because of her commitment to teaching patriotism to her students, and for all her support of other veterans in the community, VFW Post 12173 in Little Egg Harbor Twp. nominated Ruiz for the 2024 New Jersey VFW State Middle School Teacher of the Year award – and she won!
One criterion for the award is that her curriculum focuses on citizenship education topics for at least half of the school day. Her projects include Patriot Day lessons about Sept. 11, Veterans Day lessons, a Memorial Day biography project, along with a Flag Walk and Flag Day lessons.
She also conducted a snack drive with her students to donate food to homeless veterans in the area; and holds a Veterans Day ceremony where local vets and fifth and sixth graders have breakfast and talk about their experiences.
“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,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a concentration in elementary education; and her master’s degree in education from Stockton University. She also holds teaching certificates as a special education teacher and reading specialist.

She was previously named the 2022-23 Teacher of the Year in Stafford Twp. School District, and is a graduate of the Travis Manion Foundation Spartan Leadership Program, Cohort II.
In addition to her teaching responsibilities, the brand-new mom (she gave birth to a son Vincent in March) serves as director of training and events for H-Hour in Manahawkin. She plans professional development courses, retreats and events.
Along with her Army veteran husband, the active members of VFW Post 6063 in Toms River have collaborated with other VFW posts to conduct mental health wellness programs and weekend retreats on Long Beach Island for veterans transitioning from military to civilian life.
Among her broader advocacy efforts, in 2013 she testified before the New Jersey Assembly Military & Veterans Affairs Committee on behalf of the VFW, highlighting important issues facing female veterans.
Ruiz is also the founder of Inglorious Ruckers, an informal group of veterans and their family members who ruck march and organize events.
She has also reached into her own pockets, donating $5,000 to support veteran attendance fees and travel costs for retreats across the country.
In her free time, Ruiz enjoys CrossFit, ultra-running, and coaching the Stafford Iguana and Fitness Club at a local school.
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