FOREST GROVE, Ore. – The Rotary Club of Forest Grove is proud to recognize Justice Ruiz, an eighth grader at Gaston Junior High School, and Getnet Gottschalk, a senior at Gaston Senior High School, as its September Rotary Youth Citizens of the Month.

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 Youth Citizens of the Month are selected by teachers and school administrators.

Gottschalk, the son of Don & Laurie Gottschalk, is actively involved in Scouts BSA and his working towards the rank of Eagle. He is also involved in his church youth group. He was singled out for his enthusiasm, his hard-working, inclusive nature and his ability to help others.

“In the classroom, Getnet has the demeanor of a college student who has come back to model for our students how one should behave in class,” one teacher wrote in his nomination. “He asks questions, works well in groups and follows directions the first time. He is patient with his classmates and he is still able to laugh with everyone around. He takes an interest in the lives of those around him, but he is neither gossipy nor judgmental with what he learns. He is the model student and we are lucky to have him.”

Ruiz, the daughter of Eliza Warrick and Amanda Ketcherside, was recognized for her attitude in classroom settings. She is described as kind, enthusiastic, prepared and helpful towards classmates.

“She is quiet, kind, organized, personable and persistent,” it said in her nomination. “Justice is an extremely talented writer. She is motivated and shows great maturity far beyond her age. She is organized. She is kind and helpful to her classmates.”

Both Gottschalk and Ruiz were recognized at the club’s September 18 meeting, where they were presented a certificate and a $50 gift card to Frye’s Action Athletics.

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