Lebanon high school nominees for the Linn County Junior First Citizen program this year were Joel Carlson and Amy Workman.
Carlson has a 3.97 GPA and is the son of David and Deborah Carlson. He has four siblings.
After graduation, Carlson plans to enroll at Linn-Benton Community College and pursue a degree in supply chain management and business management at Oregon State University.
He takes a lot of feedback from his oldest brother, John, and is considering following John’s path into the Army Reserves.
He has been mowing lawns since age 9, and currently works as a lifeguard at Lebanon Community Pool.
“I’m not much of a swimmer. I can save a life off the bottom, but I cannot swim competitively,” he said.
Carlson’s numerous activities in and out of school include football, baseball, basketball, National Honor Society, DECA, Interact Club, Link crew, senior class senator, Junior Rotarian, AWANA youth group leader, teaching street safety to children, and volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, and Runaway Pumpkin.
“I always wanted to start a ping pong club, but that never really worked out,” he said.
The accomplishment he is most happy about during his time in high school is going out for the football team his senior year, citing it is probably the best decision he ever made.
“I feel like I rekindled friendships, and the coaching was awesome,” he said. “Coach Tomlin always kind of intimidated me, but I really saw how great of a coach and how cool of a person he was.”
When he considers change in Lebanon, Carlson appreciates the community support at high school football games, but would like to see more support at other sporting events.
“I’d really like the community outreach and support. I really want the community to be there for the high school.”
Workman has a 4.0 GPA and is the daughter of Jerry and Carrie Workman. She has seven siblings.
After graduation, Workman would like to attend Brigham Young University to obtain a master’s degree as a physician’s assistant. She is particularly interested in cardiology or emergency medicine.
“I want to make someone’s life better right when they need it. I don’t really want to do check-ups. I want to help the people at the time they need help,” she explained.
Her work experience includes picking and sorting blueberries at Springbank Farm, and making seed tags and working with the international department to certify seeds at OreGro.
Workman’s activities in and out of high school include: basketball, cross country, track, swimming, National Honor Society, KEY club, ASB treasurer, Junior Rotarian, 4-H, president at her Latter Day Saints church Young Women’s group, and chair for her church’s local youth committee. She has volunteered for sports events, and through her church finds volunteer opportunities at retirement homes.
The highlight of Workman’s time in high school has been a 10-day bike trip along the Oregon coast from Washington to California with her cross country team this past summer.
When considering change in Lebanon, she stresses that the success of students and the community lies in making college attendance a priority.
“I think one of the main problems I see is that our income level is not very high here, so as a result of that, I see a lot of students struggling to make it to college, or paying for college, or even wanting to go to college.”
Advice that both Workman and Carlson would give to high school students is to get good grades, but enjoy life too.
“Totally stress your grades, especially your freshman year,” Carlson said.
Most scholarships require a 3.0 or higher GPA, he explained.
Workman takes a slightly different approach to that advice. She agreed grades are important, but believes students should also enjoy their time because it goes fast.
“Grades are important, but they’re not everything. Don’t make it your life, because then you won’t enjoy life,” she said.