International Monarch of the Year | National Merit Commended Student
University of California, Riverside: Mechanical Engineering
When Jacob Isaac Ruiz arrived at Mater Dei as an international student from the Philippines, he never imagined that two years later, he’d be named International Monarch of the Year and recognized as a National Merit Commended Student. His story is one of courage, transformation, and the power of community.
Jacob moved to the U.S. when his sister was accepted to the University of California, Irvine. He left behind his home at De La Salle Santiago Zobel School in Manila to begin a new journey at Mater Dei. “Everything was unfamiliar at first,” he says. “But the sense of welcome and compassion I found here made all the difference.”
A standout in the Robotics program and active member of Model United Nations, Jacob quickly found purpose through innovation and collaboration. He credits Mater Dei—and specifically teacher Mr. Zanone—for helping him feel grounded in a new country. “Mr. Zanone made me truly feel like the U.S. could be home,” Jacob reflects.
Driven by a belief that technology can be a force for good, Jacob plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. “I want to apply my talents to make the world a better place,” he says. With a 4.5 GPA and a deep curiosity for how things work, he is well on his way to doing just that.
Jacob describes his Mater Dei experience as “transformative”—not only because of the academics and extracurriculars, but because of the relationships and support systems that helped shape him. “I’ll miss my friends the most,” he says. “They were the people who made even the most difficult days meaningful.”
Whether helping classmates through peer tutoring or building a future in robotics, Jacob has quietly and confidently made his mark at Mater Dei. And as he steps into the next chapter of his journey, he carries with him the values of Honor, Glory, and Love—not just as a motto, but as a mission to live by.