By Jodi Kerr
When Hector Martinez was called into into his counselor’s office for a moment he thought he was in trouble. He was wrong.
Martinez was named as Regis’ Future First Citizen because of his natural ability to lead and his zest for life.
“Hector is a very good example of what we try to produce in students at Regis High School. He gives his best effort in everything and he is a natural leader. When he is asked to do something, people follow,” Regis counselor Mike Bauer said. “He will leave Regis and he will go out and be a contributor. He is a contributor at our school, he is solid about that.”
History is Hector’s favorite subject and it’s from there that he takes some of his community-service inspiration.
“I like learning about World War II and that era. I think volunteers were key during that time. How could they do it without the soldiers and the Red Cross? We needed those community servants to keep America going,” he said.
Hector said his parents, Rafael and Sofia Martinez, have lead by example.
“My mom has been a role model. Both my parents are very involved,” he said.
“She used to have me tag around with her when I was young, we would help out. Now I am starting to do my own thing, but still helping out,” Hector added. “Stayton is a small community and we need people to step up and do whatever needs to be done.
“I think adults can be examples for young kids. We need to make sure kids know that helping out is not un-cool, it’s cool!”
Hector helps out with the religious education classes at St. Mary’s elementary school in Stayton.
“I teach younger children about their Catholic faith. I think it is important; kids have questions and they need answers,” he said. “I like helping out with the youth, and at school events.”
“Once they see you are stepping in, others will do it and it makes a great community to live in,” Hector said.
He was selected to represent Regis High School at Hugh O’ Brian Youth Leadership Conference in 2008, and was selected to represent Regis at the National Catholic Youth Conference in Kansas City in 2010.
Hector plays varsity baseball and captained the cross country team in 2010, has been on the honor roll for Regis High School 2007- 2009 and a leader for Junior-Senior Encounter.
He plans to attend the University of Oregon and study business and sports marketing, a dream job is part of his potential future.
“I want to work either for Nike or the New York Yankees,” Hector said.
