Tyler Castle, Battle Ground’s 2024 Citizen of the Year, took part in the city’s annual rose planting ceremony on the morning of Saturday, July 19, at Central Park, just hours before leading the Harvest Days Parade through Main Street.
Hosted by the Royal Rosarians of Portland, the rose planting honors individuals who exemplify civic commitment and volunteer service. Castle joined past recipients and Rosarians to help plant the rose that symbolizes dedication to the community.
“It’s great because I'm with a lot of friends who have received it in the past, and it's welcome company,” Castle said shortly before the rose planting ceremony.
Castle was announced as the annual title’s recipient earlier this year by the Battle Ground Citizen of the Year Committee for decades of extensive volunteer work across Clark County. His service spans organizations such as the North County Community Food Bank, Rock Solid Community Teen Center, Battle Ground Lake State Park, among others.
“I’m the kind of person who seizes every opportunity I can to give my time because that’s just the most valuable thing,” Castle said. “I’m just not focused on one thing.”
Mayor Troy McCoy applauded Castle’s energy and service during the ceremony.
“We always like to say volunteers are the heartbeat of this community,” McCoy said. “However, I think that kind of undervalues your energy. You're a classroom of 3rd graders given a bunch of sugar, dipped in espresso and put on a treadmill. Nobody can keep up with the energy this guy has. It's amazing, it's just endless, and I'm just happy that you put it towards a good cause.”
Castle, a lifelong Battle Ground resident, is known for his leadership in regional efforts, including his roles as president of the Clark County Executive Horse Council, Clark County Saddle Club, and the Whipple Creek Restoration Committee.
When asked about what drives him, Castle emphasized the power of time and passion.
“Find something that moves you,” he said. “If it comes easy and you’re passionate about it, then it’s something that you can do and do for a long, long time and make a difference.”
Castle called the rose planting a continuation of a cherished tradition.
“I’m just the next up, hopefully in a long line of givers,” he said.
