By Mary Owen
Stayton Area Rotary Club has named Noah Oliver, Stayton High School, and Andrew Tabor, Regis High School, as recipients of the 2018 Future First Citizens award.
“Noah and Andrew, through their actions and values, have exemplified the values and goals of Rotary – fellowship, high ethical standards and ‘service above self,’” said Karen Andall, Rotary spokesperson. “In the case of each of these young people, we acknowledge their commitment to their families, schools and greater community. Congratulations Andrew and Noah!”
Both were honored Feb. 28 at the Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Banquet.
“When my mother was a senior at SHS in 1995, she received the Female Student of the Year, which she said is similar to what this award is today,” Oliver said.
“I owe a lot of my attitude about school and service to her. She has been there to help shape me into who I am, along with my father who constantly gives back to the community through public service, including volunteering, volunteer firefighting, and working as an EMT on the weekends.”
Oliver has lived in Lyons for most of his life with his parents, Kelly and Alisha, an older brother, Blake, a younger sister, Megan, and the family dog. He spends most of his free time with friends, playing video games and making memories.
“I’m very involved in my school activities and supporting programs at the school,” he said. “I prefer to be out with friends getting sushi, going to the theater, or enjoying buffalo wings on the weekends.”
Oliver is involved with the SHS choir, with which he was fortunate enough to have traveled to London three years ago. He was cast as Judas in the SHS drama department’s production of Godspell, which ends March 2. He is also student body president, working to bring a positive environment to SHS, and is the vice president of the National Honor Society. He occasionally tutors peers and has begun to get involved with the new Santiam Teen Center.
“A few teachers have helped me significantly find my way to what I want to do next,” Oliver said. “Every teacher I have asked questions seems genuinely interested in what I want to do and push me toward being the best that I can be.
“The amount of support from these teachers has been tremendous,” he added. “I have been able to take classes that give me a sense of what I want to do after high school, and have had the opportunities.”
Oliver was accepted to Western Oregon University in Monmouth, and earned the Presidential Scholarship.
He plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in both mathematics and business.
“After that, I intend to either go into teaching, preferably high school math, or go into financial business,” he said. “The goal with that would be to become an actuary in the Portland or Seattle area.”
Principal Alan Kirby called Oliver “a positive, active leader who sets a great tone for our whole school.”
“I’ve enjoyed interacting and working through ideas with him,” Kirby said. “He is thoughtful and able to see the big picture, and I know he will be successful as he moves on to new challenges.”
Andrew Tabor is the son of Stephen and Bonnie Tabor. He has four older siblings – Callie, Rebecca, Sarah and Aidan – and loves to spend time with his family. In his free time, he likes to experience the outdoors by going on hikes and playing soccer.
“My high school experience primarily revolves around ASB and soccer,” Tabor said. “The first three years at Regis, I served as a class representative for the Associated Student Body, and this year I have had the honor of serving as ASB president. Additionally, this last summer I volunteered at the North Santiam Theatre Camp, and it inspired me to go out for the musical this year.”
Tabor said his time at Regis has prepared him for a life that strongly features a sense of community.
“The close-knit environment has helped me to develop strong relationships,” he said. “I look forward to building up communities wherever I go.”
Tabor has not solidified his college plans yet, but plans to attend either the University of Portland or Regis University.
“I am interested in majoring in finance, but I will go in undeclared to allow myself to have a broader college experience,” Tabor said, adding, “It’s always an honor to receive an award, but being recognized as Future First Citizen is special to me because it is validation for all the unseen work that is required when serving the community.
“Furthermore, this award will always be a reminder of the community that raised me and of my responsibility to give back and build upon what was provided to me.”
“From the beginning of his tenure as a Regis St. Mary student to the end, Andrew has been the exemplar every single year,” said Rich Schindler, principal. “He is a consummate academician and a leader by example. Andrew is our student body president and a young man of faith. He is a great representative of our school and Regis St. Mary is proud to be able to call him our own. It is no surprise to any of us that he has been chosen for this award.”
