Stayton Rotary Club has named Jacob Bentz, Regis High School, and Carlin Croff, Stayton High School, as this year’s Future First Citizens.
“Stayton Area Rotary is excited and proud for this opportunity to honor Carlin and Jacob as Future First Citizens,” said Karen Andall, Rotary spokesperson. “Rotary values the objectives of service, high ethical standards, personal commitment to serve our community and fellowship. It is clear in knowing the accomplishments and attributes of these young men that they have pursued and demonstrated these values. We congratulate them and wish the best in what are certain for both to be successful and rich futures as they move forward in their lives.”
Regis High School
Submitted Photo
Jacob Bentz said he is grateful for receiving the honor.
“Thanks to Stayton Rotary and the Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce, the work of those around me has been highlighted,” he said. “This award shines on each one of my teachers, mentors, friends, and family, as they are the reason I am the person I am today.”
Bentz credits Regis for teaching him how to be a “strong, balanced, and benevolent leader.”
“Through student council, my time in the classroom, and my time on the field, I have learned perseverance and innovation,” he said. “The close-knit environment has given me so many great friends I will know for life.”
Bentz plans to attend the University of Oregon this fall and study journalism while working for Duck Football as a volunteer.
“My four older siblings have always been present to show me how to navigate life as I grow, giving me great examples of their own,” he said. “My mom and dad make me know I can do great things in this world and have been my greatest examples for who I want to be when I am older.”
Bentz said Rotary’s motto, “Service above Self,” represents the people that surround him in his life.
“I am forever grateful for the efforts of my parents, school, and friends to make me the best version of myself,” he said. “I will honor this award and the people in my corner by continuing to serve in my life.”
At Regis, Bentz plays football and runs track. He also runs the Regis Student Media and Publications department, serves as a student body co-president, serves as vice president of the International Thespian Society, and is a member of the National Honor Society.
“Outside of school, I have been a member of Boy Scouts for 11 years and am currently working on a community service project to attain the rank of Eagle Scout,” he said. “I also volunteer at my church throughout the year.”
When not studying, Bentz enjoys sports.
“I go out and play pickup basketball or a round of disc golf with my friends almost every weekend,” he said. “I watch pro football and basketball almost constantly. I also write about sports on my own sports blog and record podcasts about them, too. I also love the outdoors and spending time with my family exploring them. Go Rams and Go Ducks!”
Stayton High School
Submitted Photo
For Croff, receiving Rotary’s Future First Citizen award was an unexpected honor.
“Because I don’t feel like I’ve done anything that remarkable in high school,” he said. “I’ve just been doing my job as a student leader by advocating for my peers and doing my best to create a more positive, tight-knit community at my school. It is a blessing to be recognized by the community that I love so much and work hard to serve.”
Croff has a long list of school activities, including senior class president. His list includes: Associated Student Body junior class president; Ace-It! Tutoring Club serving as vice-president and president; varsity soccer, Concert Choir, National Honor Society, Hunklights participant, member of ASL, prayer group, tabletop gaming and book clubs. He also had a lead role in the Drama Club’s production of Secretary.
Croff has also completed almost 225 hours of community service, including: Outdoor School counselor, SHS Canned Food Drive, SHS Blood Drive, SHS Assemblies Emcee, SHS Soccer Camp, Foothills Church Skills Camp, LINK Crew, and Painting for Hope Pregnancy Clinic.
“I’ve learned a lot about how important it is to connect with people and make them feel valued, because it’s easy to feel alone and worthless sometimes,” Cross said about his time at SHS. “This will help me serve people better as I go into my career.”
Croff plans to attend Corban University next year to pursue a communications degree.
“I haven’t quite figured out what career I will be pursuing in the next couple of years, but I plan to keep moving forward in confidence and faith,” he said.
“My family has been so supportive and helpful in guiding me these past couple of years,” he added. “I’ve had many tough questions arise, and they are always there to listen and provide input when necessary.”
Croff said his older brother, Jacobe, and sister, Samantha, have also been “great resources with figuring out how to be most successful in high school and college.
“I love mi familia,” he said. “They are so awesome!”
In his spare time, Cross said he likes to walk his dog, hike, snowboard, mountain bike, read, play piano, sing, and “hang out with friends.”
