Olivia Oldfield and Fiona Saidal are known as individuals with high standards of excellence and who go above and beyond to help others, making them perfect selections for the Rotary Club of Forest Grove’s Youth Citizen of the Month Award.

Oldfield, a senior at Banks High School, and Saidal, an eighth grader at Banks Middle School, received their awards at the Rotary Club’s meeting on Wednesday, May 27.

Oldfield is described by her teachers as someone who sets an incredibly high standard for herself who strives for excellence in everything she does. A student leader in the high school’s yearbook and leadership classes, Oldfield strikes a great balance of holding others accountable while also supporting and encouraging everyone around her.

“She is not only bright in the classroom, but she brightens other people’s days,” said Banks High School assistant principal Ben Buchanan. “There is always one student who seems to run the school and is involved in everything. That is Olivia. She is always wanting to see others around her succeed.”

Saidal is deeply involved in a variety of activities at Banks Middle School, including soccer, wrestling, choir and band. She is a founding member of the school’s Multicultural Club and also mentors an elementary school student. Teachers say that Saidal demonstrates a level of maturity beyond her years and consistently shows kindness, compassion and empathy toward others.

“She is a supportive friend to her classmates, stands up for issues that matter to her, and continues to develop strong leadership skills,” principal Caitlin Everett said. “Her positive attitude, sense of humor, and growing confidence make her a wonderful presence in both the classroom and school community.”

In recognition of their achievements, Oldfield and Saidal received a certificate and a $50 gift card to 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.