The Rotary Club of Forest Grove has recognized Emma Duyck, an eighth-grader at Neil Armstrong Middle School in Forest Grove, as one of its April 2002 Youth Citizens of the Month.

Duyck was honored during the club’s online meeting on April 29. In recognition of her selection, Duyck received a certificate and a $50 gift card to Frye’s Action Athletics.

Duyck is enrolled in several honors classes at Neil Armstrong and is vice president of the school’s choir. Additionally, Duyck participates in a youth choir in the community.

“Emma is one of the kindest students I know,” one teacher said in their nomination of Duyck. “Not only is she kind and respectful towards peers but to the adults in her life, too. She is not afraid to speak up and participate in class and always offers the most wonderful insight into what we are learning.”

“Emma is a dedicated student who goes out of her way to help her peers,” said another teacher. “She always has a positive attitude, is willing to reflect and grow, and strives for excellence.”

“Emma is a responsible leader who takes pride in her work in class,” said another teacher. “She is the choir vice president and is very dependable. She is a joy to teach. Emma is so mature for her age. She is one of the most driven students I know and a leader to all her peers.”

A long-standing program with the Rotary Club of Forest Grove, the Youth Citizen of the Month 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 and Gaston.