By Samantha Swindler, Rotary Club of Forest Grove

Abigail (Abby) Aguirre, daughter of John Aguirre and Mairi Scott-Aguirre, is the recipient from Forest Grove High School. As a member of the school’s Associated Student Body, Abby has helped with the club’s annual blood drive and served as president of the Youth Ending Slavery group.

In addition to being a member of the National Honor Society, Abby is a varsity soccer player and has participated in track. Outside of school, she volunteers with the Red Cross.

“Abby is a leader in the classroom,” one of her teachers wrote in a nomination form. “She is an outstanding student who is always striving to truly understand challenging concepts in AP Chemistry and always willing to help and encourage her peers.”

Another teacher wrote that Abby’s “positive attitude and infectious, cheerful disposition, even in the face of challenges, energizes and encourages her peers and greatly enhances morale in the classroom.”

Plus, her nomination form noted, she recently earned a perfect score on her first AP Calculus BC exam this year.

Elamny is involved in the Leadership Advisory Class, where she has helped organize school dances, assemblies, and other all-school events such as the Block Out Bullying campaign. She also participates in school sports such as volleyball, basketball, and track and field.

In a nomination form, her teachers praised Elamny’s sense of humor and willingness to help her peers.

“Elamny is a positive, kind, hard-working student,” the nomination read. “She is respectful to others and supportive to other students. Elamny has the ability to unite people and motivate them while making it seem effortless. She is just great! She is a hard worker who volunteers on many projects while maintaining a positive disposition. I can’t wait to see all the great things her future holds.”

Both students were recognized at the Rotary Club’s Oct. 21 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 and have excellent behavioral records.