By the age of six, Christina Ruiz can say she is a master at simple arithmetic and a published illustrator.
Ruiz, a first grade student at Rodriguez Elementary School, was selected by Driscoll Children’s Hospital to have her art published in their holiday book The Legend of the Christmas Star.
The book is part of the Driscoll Christmas Story book fundraiser they host ever year. It will be the third year Driscoll offers the book. All of the art featured is patient submitted.
Ruiz entered her artwork during her stay at Driscoll last year. She was the only patient selected from the Rio Grande Valley to have their entry published, said Jose Ruiz, father of Christina Ruiz.
“We were really excited to learn her artwork was selected,” said Traci Gonzalez, principal at Rodriguez. “ We have a large poster displayed at the front of the school. The painting is beautiful and we are very proud of her.”
Her art showcased a colorful Christmas tree with presents all around. She chose to draw a tree because it is her favorite part about Christmas, Christina Ruiz said. She colored the ornaments in her favorite colors.
For her achievement, Ruiz received a large poster of her artwork, a gift card, books and a certificate. The hospital also donated a copy to the Rodriguez library, Gonzalez said.
The book can be purchased for five dollars at Driscoll’s patient gift shop. All of the proceeds will benefit the patients at the hospital.
To purchase the book click here.
