From left: Eric & Amy Vandehey, Jack Vandehey, Rotary Youth Committee Chair Doug Thompson, Rotary Club President Amy Tracewell, Banks High School Principal Jacob Pence, Banks Middle School Principal Caitlin Everett, Casey Dawes, Brooklyn Lamb, Douglas Lamb.

Jack Vandehey, a senior at Banks High School, and Brooklyn Lamb, an eighth-grader at Banks Middle School, have been honored as the Rotary Club of Forest Grove’s February 2024 Youth Citizens of the Month.

Vandehey and Lamb were recognized for the award at a club meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 15. For being selected as Youth Citizens of the Month, both received a certificate and a $50 gift certificate to Frye’s Action Athletics.

Vandehey, the child of Eric & Amy Vandehey, is very involved in the fire science program at Banks High School and has interned the Banks Fire District. He was one two students to complete their Oregon Emergency Medical Responder certification and plans to pursue a career as a firefighter and as an emergency medical technician.

A talented wrestler, Vandehey finished second at the 2023 OSAA 3A Wrestling Championships and has qualified for next week’s state tournament at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland. Vandehey was also recognized as a Youth Citizen of the Month in 2020 when he was an eighth grader.

“Jack is a dedicated student and team member,” said Banks principal Jacob Pence. “He is a highly motivated individual, diligent in completing his studies in the Fire Science program. Jack is geared towards selfless service in his community and working towards any certifications needed to do so. Jack is a very hard-working and driven individual who focuses not only on his success but those around him”

Lamb, the child of Casey Dawes and Douglas Lamb, is involved with four sports (volleyball, basketball track and field and softball) and is also part of the school’s leadership class and other activities associated with leadership. She was recognized as a student that demonstrates kindness, exclusivity, respect and leadership.

“Brooklyn is an incredibly kind, enthusiastic student with a heart of gold and incredible work ethic,” said Banks middle school principal Caitlin Everett. “Brooklyn has worked hard in Leadership to plan our assemblies, coordinate events and spirit weeks, take photos for yearbook, and overall is a kind and inclusive member of our school community. Her peers reported that Brooklyn is a funny, very kind, inclusive and respectful person. Teachers reported that she is hardworking, delivers high quality assignments, is a team player, and kind to everyone.”

A long-standing program with the Rotary Club of Forest Grove, the Youth Citizen of the Month program was restarted in 2023 after a three-year COVID-19 hiatus. The program recognizes local eighth-graders and high school seniors who possess high standards of personal behavior and good citizenship, exemplify the ideals of Rotary, follow school rules and have excellent behavioral records.

The Rotary Youth Citizen of the Month is rotated between the area’s three local school districts: Forest Grove, Banks & Gaston.