Student Honors Instructor with Award

Published November 13, 2025

DC3 dual-credit student Aidyn Thompson presented his DC3 welding instructor, Andy Ruiz, with the Cimarron High School Bluejay Difference Maker Award on Oct. 15. The award is given annually by Cimarron seniors to recognize individuals who have made a difference in their lives. [Photos by Lance Ziesch]

On Oct. 15, Dodge City Community College (DC3) dual-credit student Aidyn Thompson surprised one of his college instructors, Andy Ruiz, DC3 Assistant Professor of Welding, with a special recognition—his high school’s Bluejay Difference Maker Award.

Thompson, a senior at Cimarron High School, said the Difference Maker Program, which is in its third year, provides a way for members of each senior class to honor individuals who have made a meaningful impact on their lives.

“You’re allowed to give it to one certain person, or you can purchase another award if you want to give it to two people,” Thompson said. “I decided to give mine to Andy because he makes me look forward to coming to school. It’s always a really good vibe here.”

Thompson said that although Ruiz encourages his students to have fun while learning, he also appreciates that Ruiz treats them like adults.

“Having a teacher like Andy really makes me want to come to school and actually give effort instead of wanting to skip school and slack—all the stuff teenagers like to do nowadays,” he said. “While I’m able to joke around with him, we’re also able to have one-on-one conversations.”

Dr. Clayton Tatro, DC3 Vice President for Workforce Development, said it is always exciting for him to see DC3 faculty and staff being recognized for making a difference in students’ lives.

“When good students commend good faculty, it is doubly gratifying,” Tatro said. “Andy Ruiz works hard to connect with students, and we are thrilled to honor both Andy and Aidyn.”

Although students have thanked Ruiz in the past, he said this is the first time he’s actually received an award from one of them.

“Earlier this semester, I had a student come up to me and tell me, ‘I understand why they hired you—you really make it [the welding process] make sense.’ And you know, that felt good,” Ruiz said. “But to receive an actual award that I can place in my office and look at every day brought tears to my eyes.”

Ruiz said he was so touched by the gesture that he immediately shared the news with his family on Snapchat.

“It really does mean a lot to me,” he said. “This award made my whole semester.”

By Lance Ziesch
DC3 Director of Marketing and Public Relations