Freshman Silvina Cruz has been selected as the HeartlandBeat Student of the Month by Heartland Principal Tim Carr and Mrs. Julie Goertzen, Language Arts Instructor. She was commended for her willingness to help a new student transition to Heartland at semester. “Silvina went above and beyond helping a new student find their classes, deal with lockers, and provide companionship at lunch,†said Carr.
Cruz herself was a new student at Heartland this fall and is originally from Scottsbluff. “I really love this school—the students and teachers. I’ve learned more here than anywhere else I’ve been,†said Cruz. It’s evident to Mrs. Goertzen that Cruz wants to be successful in her school experience here. “In English class, she always does her best work, is diligent in completing assignments, and is respectful to her peers and teachers,†said Goertzen.
Cruz moved to Henderson last June where she lives in the Grace Children’s Home Girl’s Cottage. She had many highlights during the summer there and especially enjoyed the challenge and fun of riding a bike over 60 miles round-trip from Henderson to Timberlake Camp. She also learned how to water-ski and enjoyed her time swimming at the Henderson Aquatic Center. Basketball is her favorite sport, but due to a back injury she is unable to compete this season.
She enjoys listening to music, drawing, and especially loves to read. One of her favorite books she just finished and recommends is “The Giverâ€.  Stories about the Holocaust especially interest her and her favorite subject is history. Most weekends Cruz is able to visit her family in Scottsbluff where she has a brother, two sisters, and three stepbrothers.
Congratulations to our student of the month, Silvina Cruz, for being such a good role model and dedicated student at Heartland High School!
Shannon Siebert
