Connor Mahoney of Banks High School was recognized as the Rotary Club of Forest Grove’s Youth Citizen of the Month at its Feb. 25, 2026 meeting. Photo by Blake Timm.

FOREST GROVE, Ore. (Mar. 6, 2026) – One is a talented musician. The other is a dedicated member of his school’s yearbook staff and drama program.

Both students have been singled out by their teachers from the Banks School District as the latest Rotary Club of Forest Grove Youth Citizens of the Month.

Connor Mahoney, a senior at Banks High School, and Mason “Ace” Bartholomew, an eighth-grader at Banks Middle School, were recognized for their academic success, their contributions to the community, and for exemplifying the ideals of Rotary.

Mahoney is a talented musician who has mastered several instruments and has become proficient in at least 14 different instruments. This year, the Banks School District has experienced some staffing issues within the music program. High school principal Jacob Pence has trusted Mahoney to help.

“Connor stepped up to be a teaching assistant and help lead both our high school and middle school music classes, and also led our high school pep band at home football games,” Pence said. “There are not many teenagers that I would trust to run a music program. Connor is one of them.”

After high school, Mahoney plans to attend college. He is currently deciding between four different schools.

Bartholomew is a dedicated member of the Banks Middle School yearbook staff and has also been involved with the drama program. He is also a founding member of the school’s Neurodiversity Club. Outside of school, Bartholomew is a supportive brother to his siblings.

“Ace is a responsible and kind student who demonstrates leadership both in and out of the classroom,” said middle school principal Caitlin Everett. “He is someone who naturally steps into leadership roles and is always willing to lend a hand. His kindness, caring nature, and great sense of justice help create a positive environment around him.”

In recognition of their accomplishments, Mahoney and Bartholomew received a certificate and a $50 gift card from Frye’s Action Athletics.

A long-standing service outreach of 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 & Gaston.