Community Corner
Here’s Why Ethan Was Shouted Out As 2024 Grad
Many local graduates excelled in academics, fine arts or volunteer service. Here's one local graduate who deserves a shoutout in Durham.

DURHAM, CT — Graduation is a major milestone and deserves to be celebrated! That's why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to recognize our community's outstanding 2024 graduates.
This submission comes from Michelle and Steven Reynolds who nominated Ethan of Durham.
Graduate’s name
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Ethan
What grade is the graduate finishing?
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High School
What school is your graduating student graduating from?
The Sound School
How do you know your graduating student nominee?
We are his proud parents and family members.
Tell us why they deserve to be nominated!
Ethan is about to graduate from The Sound School in New Haven, where he has excelled in his studies, particularly in ocean engineering, thanks to the school's unique aquaculture curriculum. His academic performance is outstanding—he's the valedictorian of his class and also serves as the CEO of the Underwater Robotics Club and Co-Captain of the Sailing Team. His interests are diverse; he's an active participant in the Environmental Justice Program, the Yale Urban Debate League, and the Student Council.
Ethan's commitment to community service is just as strong as his academic drive. He founded an American Red Cross Club at his school to encourage his classmates to volunteer, highlighting his dedication to helping others. His volunteer work extends beyond the club, as he has logged over 200 hours at the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen in New Haven and served as a teaching assistant for non-English speakers at the New Haven Adult Education Center's ESOL program.
Ethan's abilities are not confined to academics and volunteering; he has been honored with the Yale-Seton Book Award for his exceptional character and intellectual potential. His language skills are equally noteworthy—he has earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and took home a gold medal in the CT COLT Poetry Recitation Contest for Arabic.
Ethan's passion, intelligence, and leadership set him apart. He will be attending Yale University, where he plans to continue his commitment to learning and community service. With his drive and vision, he is sure to make a lasting impact wherever he goes.
What's one thing you want everyone to know about your graduating student nominee?
Ethan's integrity and kindness are the most amazing things about him.
Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Ethan!
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