By Samantha Swindler

The Rotary Club of Forest Grove named two students from the Forest Grove School District as their Youth Citizens of the Month for January 2017.

Julian Calderon Garcia, son of Eligia Garcia and Hernan Calderon, was honored from Neil Armstrong Middle School.

“Julian is always willing to help out his peers or his teachers in any way he can despite having a very full schedule,” his teachers wrote in his nomination letter. “Additionally, Julian is one of those students who simply gets along with everyone; no student is disappointed to find they are sitting next to Julian for a few weeks.”

Julian is enrolled in advanced placement classes at Neil Armstrong and performs with the Advanced Band. He also serves on the school’s Leadership team and is actively involved in organizing school events.

“It has been such a pleasure to watch Julian grow from a shy but friendly seventh grader to the confident leader he is today,” his teachers wrote.

Bradley Flores-Torres, son of Oscar Flores-Aguirre and Liliana Torres-Gonzalez, was honored from Forest Grove High School.

Bradley is a member of National Honor Society, Art Club, SMILE and is an AP scholar. He also has volunteer experience through the Forest Grove Resource Center, Centro Cultural and the Family Ford Foundation.

“Bradley is a student that always wants to know more about what he is learning,” his nomination letter read. “His perseverance and commitment to excellence in class was way above the norm.  This and his great sweet smile makes him an unforgettable student!”

Multiple teachers described him as hard working, inquisitive and cooperative with other students.

“I have had the honor of teaching Bradley all four years and I can confidently vouch for his character,” another teacher wrote. “Bradley exemplifies and models characteristics that all our students can aim towards: he is very honest and treats all students fairly and respectfully.  He is a student who creates goodwill and helps other students.  Bradley is respectful of teachers and school rules. He volunteers in our community to help other citizens. He is one of the most humane and mature students I have experienced in thirty years at FGHS.  Bradley is the perfect Rotary award candidate.”

Both students were recognized at the noon Rotary Club’s Jan. 25 meeting. They each received an award certificate and a $25 gift certificate to Frye’s Action Athletics.

Nominated by teachers and administrators, and rotated monthly between Forest Grove, Banks and Gaston high schools, the Rotary Club of Forest Grove Youth Citizen of the Month program recognizes students who possess high standards of personal behavior and good citizenship, exemplify the ideals of Rotary, follow school rules and have excellent behavioral records.