The city council recognized two students for academic and civic achievement and heard brief remarks about their future plans.

Principal Kellogg introduced Niana Garcia, a student with a 3.2 GPA who has taken multiple AP courses and plans to attend the University of Portland to study business and accounting. Garcia described plans to work with her father's nonprofit, Huntos Northwest, which provides addiction recovery services to communities of color in Multnomah County.

The council also recognized Fern (presented as Fern Mortong) from Milwaukee Academy of the Arts. School staff credited Fern with starting a speech and debate program, leading affinity groups and planning to study mechanical engineering (OSU or PSU). The mayor and councilors praised both students' academic and community leadership.

Why it matters: The proclamations highlight student achievement and the city's engagement with local schools and youth programs; councilors encouraged continued community involvement and mentorship.

Details

Garcia credited a language teacher and counselor for supporting her and discussed wanting to expand her father's nonprofit in the future. Fern spoke about founding a speech-and-debate team after a 20-year absence at the school and described interests in engineering and ACE (architecture, construction, engineering) mentorship.

No council action was requested; the council read proclamations recognizing the students and encouraged community support and mentorship.

Voices from the meeting

Principal Kellogg: "Niana Garcia is an outstanding student and a compassionate leader who strengthens our community through connection and inclusivity."

Niana Garcia (student): "I want to attend University of Portland to study business and accounting, because of my father's nonprofit organization... that provides addiction recovery services..."