Congratulations to Fridley High School (FHS) senior Amayramy Ruiz Barrios who is the 2023 FHS recipient of the Athena Award. Each year, the Athena Award is presented to an outstanding female student athlete at 100 Twin Cities metro area private and public high schools. 

Ruiz Barrios is a four-sport athlete in cross country, dance, track and field, and soccer, and has received 16 varsity letters for her participation. She has also received six conference awards in those four sports.

“It has been great to experience different teammates and different mental and physical challenges,” said Ruiz Barrios about her time playing each of the four sports. “Sports teach you how to be mentally strong. You need to communicate with your teammates and learn collaboration, and how to be able to depend on one another.”

In addition to Ruiz Barrios’ athletic commitment, she is also an active member of the FHS school community serving as vice president for both Minnesota Honor Society and Student Council and as a member of Link Crew. Serving the community and meeting new people is a highlight to her in those experiences.

Being selected as the Athena Award recipient helps Ruiz Barrios know that all of her hard work and the connections she has built with others at FHS have been worth it. She said, “being in all these sports has really brought me confidence and happiness.” 

“There are great athletes here at FHS and it inspires me knowing that I was elected for this award by the school leaders,” said Ruiz Barrios. “It makes me happy that I stood out to them and that they wanted me to have this award.”