Story By MARY BAILEY
While many first graders are busy playing their summer away, six-year-old Ruby Jean of Boaz has her sights set on being the next Jr. Ranger.
The new Jr. Ranger Competition is part of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) that wants to give one young adventurer a chance to win $20,000, learn from wildlife expert Jeff Corwin and be featured in the Ranger Rick Magazine as the 2025 Jr. Ranger.
And right now, this Boaz Elementary School student is sitting in 4th place in the competition.
“Her group originally had 86 kids. They have cut all groups down to top 20. They said over 75% of entrants have been cut so far in round one. (top 20) All verified Facebook users are allowed one free vote per day. Some days the competition allows more votes as a special event. One day they allowed 2 for 1 free vote announced on the profile link. Donations are accepted for votes also. You can vote at https://www.nwf.org/ or go to the National Wildlife Federation through the voting link,” said mom Rhonda Dawson.
“We really aren’t sure if the prize is a donation to a charity in her name or to her because that part isn’t clear to us. But when I ask Ruby Jean what she would do with the prize money if she won it, she told me she wanted to buy herself a house when she got older.”
Mom Rhonda said nature has always been her medicine, her calm, her reset.
“To have her follow in my footsteps learning and enjoying nature makes my heart smile. She’s a joy to watch grow and learn,” her mother continued. “Ruby girl is the best little side kick and loves doing all momma’s adventures with her. Outdoors is where we love living life together,” said mom, Rhonda Dawson. “So, when I told her about the competition, she was super excited. She loves the challenges they send us to encourage her throughout the competition, the riddles they post on the Jr. Ranger Facebook page, and making all the cute pictures and videos asking for votes from her supporters!”
Not only does Ruby Jean love nature but she is also part of the BES Tiny Pirate Voices and a member of the Awana Program at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church where she’s attended for four years.
Along with mom Rhonda, her dad is Scotty Miller, and brothers are Elijah Dawson and Coburn and Myles Miller.
The Grand Prize Grand Prize winner will be announced via the Jr. Ranger website on or before August 8th, 2025.
To vote for Ruby Jean, visit: https://www.nwf.org/.
