Longtime advocate chosen for annual recognition

Although Ruth Aberasturi retired from the Carson City School District in 2005 after working more than 30 years as the director of student support services, her commitment to children has not ended.

She serves on the board of directors for the Ron Wood Family Resource Center and continues to contract with the school district in special-education matters.

"This is what I love to do," she explained. "I couldn't stay home and do nothing for the rest of my life."

Aberasturi, 79, is being recognized Saturday as the Ron Wood Family Resource Center's Community Leader of the Year during a ceremony at the Governor's Mansion.

"Ruth is just a giving woman," said Joyce Buckingham, executive director of the resource center. "Even at her age, she still goes out every day and gives to these kids who might be falling through the cracks."

Aberasturi moved to Carson City with her husband, John, in 1962 when he was appointed superintendent of the Nevada State Children's Home.

A social worker staying home to raise the couple's three children, she volunteered at the children's home as well.

When her children were all in school, Aberasturi went back to school at the University of Nevada, Reno to add graduate degrees in general and special education to her graduate degree in social work from the University of California, Berkeley.

She went on to earn a degree in administration as well.

In 1975, Aberasturi was hired as the director of student support services for the Carson City School District, where she continued to work until retirement in 2006.

In her years as director, Aberasturi initiated the gifted and talented and English-as-a-second-language programs. She also started the New Horizons program for young moms to help them stay in school.

Along with her work in the school district, Aberasturi has also been involved with other organizations within the community that focus on children.

She was part of the original group that formed the Ron Wood Truancy Center that later evolved into the Ron Wood Family Resource Center, and she continues to be an active board member.

She has served on the Rural Mental Health Consortium, the Autism Summit, the State Infrastructure Grant, the Evaluation Committee State Infrastructure Grant, Easter Seals of Nevada, Child Death Review Committee, and the Attorney General/Superinten-dent of Public Instruction Anti-Bullying Committee.

As the oldest of six children, Aberasturi said she always had a natural affinity for caring for others.

"Working with kids has always been my interest," she said.

The center began last year recognizing an outstanding community leader. Its first honoree was John Simms, chief of juvenile services.

"There are so many people who give to the community but go unnoticed," Buckingham said.

Aberasturi said she was honored to be selected and was quick to share the praise.

"I feel very humble," she said. "I don't think any of us do anything in isolation. If it wasn't for the people I'm working with, none of this would have happened."

WHAT: Community Leader of the Year

celebration

INCLUDES: Wine tasting, hors d'oeuvres, auction, raffle

WHEN: 5-9 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: Governor's Mansion, 606 Mountain St.

COST: $45 per person or $320 for a table of eight

CALL: 884-2269 for tickets and information

All Proceeds will benefit Ron Wood Family Resource Center's Child and Family Community Services