About Ethan

“The second my mom passed; everyone was there for me.”

Senior year of high school is supposed to be one of the best times in life. Ethan Knox, who has been described as “freaky smart,” in his thirst for knowledge, was loaded down with AP courses and savoring every minute he had left of Southport High School. As Ethan was eager to study physics at Purdue University, his mother died unexpectedly. Not only was Ethan a high school student but he was now responsible for things like the electric bill, dinner and housework. With the help of one very special teacher, Ethan was able to navigate the complexities of his new norm. Then, tragedy struck again. Ethan, somehow, persevered.

Where Are They Now?

Although his journey has been dark at times, Ethan continues to move forward. He earned a degree in math and physics and minored in astrophysics and psychology at Purdue. After earning undergraduate degrees, Ethan pursued a graduate degree in applied math from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Prioritizing his mental health, Ethan stepped away from the classroom temporarily. He hopes to reenroll in his graduate program this fall.  Ethan credits, in part, his “family” at Southport High School for giving him the tools necessary to deal with difficult life situations.