Congratulations Ethan!

Last week Ethan was recognized for his great cotizenship and character.  He received the Mayor's Community Youth Recognition Award last Wednesday!  He was nominated by his English teacher and then selected by the city.  He was recognized at a City Council meeting with several other recipients and then a picture was published in the paper.

I was waiting to post on my blog about it because I was hoping to receive a copy of the nomination form with all the complimentary words his teacher submitted, but I never received it.

I remember that Ethan was recognized for being a helpful son and brother, for his respect for parental authority.  He helps in the community by helping neighbors with yardwork, shoveling walks in the winter for single mothers, and helping neighbors move.  He's a fantastic student.  ..... OK, what the city rep read was waaaay better but you get the idea.

What I love about Ethan is his compassionate, empathetic nature.  I remember a mother of one of his classmates in second grade stopping to thank me because her daughter was having a difficult time at school, feeling left out at recess.  She said that Ethan came to this girl from across the playground to invite her to play with him and his friends.  Just recently Ethan noticed a little boy drop his treat at a church activity and quickly gave the boy his own treat.  During Spring Break we went on a family hiking trip and Ethan spent much of his hiking time walking with and taking car o his little cousin, R.  You don't have to look long to find Ethan doing something for someone else!

Another great thing about Ethan is he takes his responsibilities seriously.  When he is given an assignment you can count on him to finish it and do a great job.  I love this at home, because when he deep cleans a room he gets all the edges and corners!  He loves to serve in his priesthood quorum and faithfully attends all his meetings.  

Ethan is really smart!  He's a quick learner and he likes to research and learn new things.  When we read scriptures I am impressed with his innate ability to understand symbolism and relate scriptures to everyday life.  He has a goal to serve a mission and become a mechanical engineer.  I know Ethan can do whatever he wants because of his hard working, selfless nature!