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Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete Of The Month: East Alton-Wood River Valedictorian Honored For Gymnastics Success

Brooklyn Ruot’s Athlete of the Month selection comes as she wraps up high school with academic distinction, gymnastics success, and admiration from her coaches.

Dan Brannan, Content Director

Jul 3, 2026 1:46 PM Jul 3, 2026 2:15 PM

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Brooklyn Ruot. GODFREY/EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER — Mid Illinois Gymnastics and Midwest Members Credit Union recognize a senior, Brooklyn Ruot, as a Female Athlete of the Month as she prepares to begin college after being named valedictorian of East Alton-Wood River High School and completing another outstanding gymnastics season.

Coach Kristin Bower said Ruot has spent the past six years at Mid Illinois Gymnastics and is known in the gym for her “grit, determination, dedication, loud personality, even louder singing voice, bright smile and hard work.”

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“What an incredible ride it was for Miss Brooklyn Ruot,” Bower said. “We are beyond proud of you, and it has truly been an honor to coach you for the last six years.”

Brooklyn was also a Silver Medallion recipient for East Alton-Wood River High School this past year.

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Bower said younger gymnasts at the facility view Ruot as a role model.

“So many of the girls use you as a role model,” Bower said. “When we ask the littles about you, all we hear is how sweet and encouraging you are to all of them.”

She also described Ruot as a positive presence in the gym.

“You are such a light in the gym,” Bower said. “You bring out the best in everyone even on the bad days. You strive for excellence in everything that you do, and we couldn’t be more proud of you.”

“We are so excited to see what is in store for you in this next chapter as you round out your high school career,” Bower said. “Congratulations to you and all of your accomplishments.”