News
Sports
Aspen Ruane brings a lot of joy to her friends and family.
Aspen, 17, a Windsor High School senior, was able to experience some happiness of her own when she was recently awarded the prestigious Virginia Lorbeer Spirit Leader Scholarship.
Aspen, the daughter of Dave and Julie Ruane of Windsor, has been a member of the WHS Cheer Team for the past two years, and was a competitive cheerleader for 10 years prior to her time on the high school squad.
“I liked the competitiveness I got from competitive cheer, but then I also like cheering for a team, supporting the school and being involved in the school more than just an average student would be,” she said. “Helping a team be successful is really cool.”
Aspen, who is also a student council member, was one of only two seniors who participated in cheer or dance in the state to win the $1,000 scholarship, to be used at the school of her choice in the fall. She was the only cheerleader to win the scholarship. Aspen said the other scholarship went to a dancer.
Wendy Seaman, 51, the WHS head cheer coach, said the scholarship is quite the honor in the cheer/dance/spirit world.
“Aspen represents everything that a spirit leader to me should be,” Seaman said. “She is a dedicated student and is a take-charge person who is able to successfully develop plans and implement them.”
Aspen battled leukemia from ages 3 to 6 and has been cancer-free for 12 years. Aspen said she would like to be a pediatrician and help young people.
“I lost my hair a couple of times and went through chemotherapy,” Aspen said. “I remember my mom brushing my hair and my ponytail falling out. I think it taught me to know that people are different and to treat everybody the same. Everybody deserves the same opportunities.”
Aspen had a special relationship with Delaney Wadsworth, the 3-year-old Windsor girl who died of brain cancer in March 2011. Delaney loved to dress up as a cheerleader and would cheer with the WHS Cheer Team.
“I’m drawn to interact with people (like Delaney) to make them feel better,” Aspen said.
Seaman loves Aspen’s determination.
“She is determined to succeed at everything she approaches, and does so with grace, courage and honor,” Seaman said. “It has been a privilege coaching Aspen, one that I will never forget. I look to her and wish we could have a world full of young women like her.”
Seaman said a lot of people look up to Aspen.
“Aspen is a role model to her teammates, friends and family,” Seaman said. “She encourages those around her in a respectful manner, expects everyone to work to their full potential, and lives her life the same way.”
Aspen said she’d like to be a cheerleader in college. She’s looking at the University of Wyoming or a college in Colorado.
“I know that I’m a leader, and I know that it’s important to conduct yourself in a great manner,” Aspen said. “It’s really important to be a role model to young girls in our community.”
Aspen, 17, a Windsor High School senior, was able to experience some happiness of her own when she was recently awarded the prestigious Virginia Lorbeer Spirit Leader Scholarship.
Aspen, the daughter of Dave and Julie Ruane of Windsor, has been a member of the WHS Cheer Team for the past two years, and was a competitive cheerleader for 10 years prior to her time on the high school squad.
“I liked the competitiveness I got from competitive cheer, but then I also like cheering for a team, supporting the school and being involved in the school more than just an average student would be,” she said. “Helping a team be successful is really cool.”
Aspen, who is also a student council member, was one of only two seniors who participated in cheer or dance in the state to win the $1,000 scholarship, to be used at the school of her choice in the fall. She was the only cheerleader to win the scholarship. Aspen said the other scholarship went to a dancer.
Wendy Seaman, 51, the WHS head cheer coach, said the scholarship is quite the honor in the cheer/dance/spirit world.
“Aspen represents everything that a spirit leader to me should be,” Seaman said. “She is a dedicated student and is a take-charge person who is able to successfully develop plans and implement them.”
Aspen battled leukemia from ages 3 to 6 and has been cancer-free for 12 years. Aspen said she would like to be a pediatrician and help young people.
“I lost my hair a couple of times and went through chemotherapy,” Aspen said. “I remember my mom brushing my hair and my ponytail falling out. I think it taught me to know that people are different and to treat everybody the same. Everybody deserves the same opportunities.”
Aspen had a special relationship with Delaney Wadsworth, the 3-year-old Windsor girl who died of brain cancer in March 2011. Delaney loved to dress up as a cheerleader and would cheer with the WHS Cheer Team.
“I’m drawn to interact with people (like Delaney) to make them feel better,” Aspen said.
Seaman loves Aspen’s determination.
“She is determined to succeed at everything she approaches, and does so with grace, courage and honor,” Seaman said. “It has been a privilege coaching Aspen, one that I will never forget. I look to her and wish we could have a world full of young women like her.”
Seaman said a lot of people look up to Aspen.
“Aspen is a role model to her teammates, friends and family,” Seaman said. “She encourages those around her in a respectful manner, expects everyone to work to their full potential, and lives her life the same way.”
Aspen said she’d like to be a cheerleader in college. She’s looking at the University of Wyoming or a college in Colorado.
“I know that I’m a leader, and I know that it’s important to conduct yourself in a great manner,” Aspen said. “It’s really important to be a role model to young girls in our community.”
