Deer Park, Washington, December, 2019 – The Rotary Club of Deer Park recently honored students from Deer Park, Riverside, and Mary Walker High Schools as the December Students of the Month. The students are Jordan Castillo, Tristan Montgomery, and Mathew Jorgensen. 

Mary Walker’s Jordan Castillo came to live with his grandparents in Hunters, Washington three years ago, after several moves across the country. He is working on his 3.1 G.P.A., improving it as he applies himself to a higher standard. In track, Castillo has competed in the 100 yard, 200 yard, and long and high jumps. He loves to read and enjoys cooking. His grandmother is currently teaching him to make lasagna, his favorite food. Castillo plans to join the Air Force after graduation. 

Tristan Montgomery of Riverside High School enjoys all sports and has competed in football, basketball, and track, but cross country is his favorite. He appreciates the camaraderie and fellowship with his teammates. He is president of the Knowledge Bowl, a team that competes with other schools. Also a senior ambassador, Montgomery encourages seniors to stay involved in school events throughout the year. Montgomery plans to be a mechanical engineer, and is a finalist in QuestBridge, a non-profit program that links students with educational and scholarship opportunities at U.S. colleges and universities. 

When Mathew Jorgensen, the Deer Park High School Student of the Month was introduced, his principal recalled meeting him as a kindergartner 13 years ago. He said Jorgensen, like his three older brothers, is quiet, a good citizen, and a good student. He is a three-sport letterman, and is the 2019-2020 offensive MVP of the first-time ever, undefeated, Deer Park High School football team. Along with football, he competes in track and wrestling. Jorgensen plans a career as a physical therapist, and is looking at several schools, including Montana Western, Washington State University, and Eastern Washington University. 

Deer Park Rotary raises money through an annual Petunia Sale in the spring, an annual Golf Tournament in September, and other activities supported by their local community. Much of their fundraising goes toward support of education in the Deer Park area, including scholarships for Deer Park, Riverside, and Mary Walker High Schools, and the Student of the Month Program.