Taking a first glance at Senior Cruz Martinez, you might think his head-to-toe teal outfit, completed with teal accessories, is his most vibrant quality, but in actuality, it is his selflessness and grit that shines brighter. A multi-sport athlete, ambitious student, class president, son, brother, and friend, Cruz Martinez’s impact on the lives of many cannot be overstated.
Aptly describing his senior year as “stressful”, Cruz makes it clear that his responsibilities take focus and motivation to manage. Running varsity cross country as a captain, varsity wrestling, and varsity track keep Cruz active year-round. Cruz’s senior cross-country season was marked with impressive success, as the boys varsity team claimed 10th at state.
Cruz’s involvement at CHS is not limited to his success as an athlete, however. Cruz is an integral part of MEChA and the “La Chispa” conference, where native Spanish speaking highschoolers educate Spanish speaking middle schoolers on the importance of being bilingual. Cruz’s efforts for others continue through his incredible involvement in ASB. As senior class president, Cruz takes on a massive leadership role, accompanied by many tasks that often go unnoticed.
“He was a huge force behind the homecoming dance this year. Why it was as effective as it was, was because of his work. All of those things that someone has to do, he’s the one that usually does it,” described Mrs. Renner-Singer, one of Cruz’s teachers.
Being a dedicated teammate, helpful classmate, and student leader, in and of itself, takes extensive amounts of time and effort. In addition to these responsibilities, Cruz manages to maintain high levels of academic success and balance his future aspirations. As well as applying to colleges, Cruz is taking five dual-enrollment classes this year. These include EWU Leadership, UW Calculus 1, EWU English 4, UW Calculus 2, and CWU Physics.
“He’s really dedicated and motivated to try his best. I really admire that about him, and I think it’s really spectacular, because you don’t meet a lot of people like that. I feel like that adds to the community because he’s just a special part of everyone’s’ lives,” commented Monique Copado (12), one of Cruz’s closest friends.
While Cruz’s high GPA, rigorous course load, contributions as an athlete, and Student President status are important aspects of his character, it his kindness and energy that draws people to him.
Cruz is completely unique and original, and unafraid to be unique and original.
“Cruz is completely unique and original, and unafraid to be unique and original. Whether it’s constantly wearing the color teal or standing on an apple box and doing a flip in front of the entire class at football games. That part [of his personality] is really fun to be around,” raved Mrs. Renner Singer.
Another one of his closest friends, Paola Ramirez (12), adds on: “I’ve known Cruz since 3rd grade, and we’ve been friends [since then]. He’s really sweet and determined.”
It goes without saying that CHS would be lacking its unique spark without Cruz. While his accolades are impressive, it is the way he treats and values others that makes him truly special. His determination as a student, dedication as an athlete, and kindness as a friend and peer makes Cruz the ultimate role model and CHS Senior.
Cruz intends to attend a four-year university after high school to become a dermatologist.
Renner-Singer believes in this dream and promises: “At some point I’m going to go into a doctor’s office and it’s going to be Dr. Cruz that walks in the door.”
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