From Project Car to Career Path: Meet KMR Scholar Alex Alonso Ruiz

When Alex Alonso Ruiz checked his email during English class, he wasn’t expecting life-changing news. But there it was—notification that he had received the KMR Group Foundation Scholarship. “I was pretty shocked and happy,” Alex recalls of that moment. “I got home and told my parents right away.”

For Alex, a 2024 graduate of Hudson’s Bay High School, this scholarship represents more than financial assistance for his upcoming studies at Clark College. “It represents my hard work that I’ve done in school and finally getting recognized for something,” he explains. Alex set a personal goal when entering high school to maintain at least a B average in all his classes. He exceeded that goal, making the honor roll every semester for four years straight.

The achievement is particularly meaningful as Alex is the first person in his generation of his family to receive a scholarship. His sister, who attended high school during COVID, didn’t have the same opportunities, making his family especially proud of his accomplishment.

Building Dreams from the Ground Up

Alex’s passion for automotive mechanics runs deep. Just weeks before his high school graduation, he completed a project that perfectly illustrates his dedication—restoring a 1998 Mitsubishi 3000GT “Super Red” sports car that he and his father purchased when Alex was just 15 years old.

“I customized it to the way I liked it,” Alex says with pride. This hands-on experience has shaped his educational path and future aspirations. At Clark College, he plans to pursue an associate’s degree in automotive technology and eventually earn his master mechanic certification and bachelor’s degree.

Having experienced transportation challenges firsthand—relying on buses during times when his family faced financial difficulties—Alex understands how crucial reliable transportation can be. “I remember being on a bus because our family wasn’t really supportive financially,” he reflects. “I’ve seen my parents working hard.”

A Vision for Community Impact

Alex’s career goals extend beyond personal success. After working as a technician for a few years, he plans to open his own automotive shop with a mission to serve his community.

“I want to help people in need with repairs or if they don’t have enough money,” he explains. He envisions helping college and high school students who can’t afford cars by fixing vehicles for them, ensuring they have reliable transportation for school and work.

His approach to automotive service will be built on honesty and accessibility. “I want to impact my community by not ripping people off when fixing their cars,” Alex says. “I would tell them what they’re going through and what’s their situation, and make the cost as affordable as possible so they can have a good car and be safe.”

Wisdom Beyond Years

Through his experiences, Alex has developed a resilient mindset that serves him well when facing challenges. “I learn that I have to have my head up and be able to get through [difficult times] and not think negative and just think positive and think about the outcome that it happens for a reason,” he shares.

This perspective informs his advice to other high school students who might be uncertain about pursuing higher education: “Look to the future and see what you need to accomplish your goals and dreams in school or throughout life. If [you] want to have a good financial stance, think about what [you] need to do to reach that goal.”

Alex plans to continue giving back during his college years by participating in community service, from food banks to environmental cleanup efforts. “Since I have received help, I want to give back to my community,” he says. “If you do something good, something good might come back to you.”

The KMR Group Foundation’s need-based scholarship program, which requires students to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA throughout high school, has found in Alex a recipient who embodies both academic achievement and community spirit. As he continues his journey at Clark College, Alex Alonso Ruiz carries with him not just a scholarship, but a vision for how his education can become a tool for improving lives in his community.