STEAM Academy senior class president commits his work to community development, sustainability, and academic achievement

Ethan Fertil, Mount Vernon STEAM Academy’s senior class president, has spent the last four years dedicated to making his school a fun and inclusive place for students to attend. Ethan works hard to create an enjoyable and sustainable future for himself, his classmates and his community through his academics and service.

As class president, Ethan works with a strong team to ensure that his classmates can enjoy their high school years. He navigates differences, accepts each idea equally, and moves his cabinet towards their common goals. Ethan has taken part in planning the Unified Homecoming event, the Senior Sunrise, and a Hispanic Heritage Month presentation that he thoroughly enjoyed. 

“It feels pretty great to help raise money for my class, helping and planning out the events that we do, and giving people a wider spectrum of things to enjoy and learn about,” said Ethan. 

Whilst working with the student government, he was able to secure a grant of $25,000 from a company that matched the amount of donations they had already raised throughout the year.

Outside of school, Ethan dedicates his time to developing himself in sports and community service.  He is a Division II-ranked fencer at the Scarsdale Fencing Center and plays with the Thrust Fencing Academy in Mount Kisco, New York. 

He is also a member of a responsible philanthropy group called the New 3 R’s, in which he has participated in giving virtual presentations to over 500 people. Right now, through this organization, he is working on creating sustainable working conditions for people working on South American cocoa farms. Ethan also volunteers with the Mount Vernon Food Drive and Habitat for Humanity, where he packs backpacks with school supplies at the beginning of the school year for students in need.  

“I learned that a lot is going on in the world,” said Ethan.  “There is a lot that we need to work on and change so that we can all live a better life.”

Ethan currently has a 3.9 grade point average, achieved by handling his education with seriousness and care. He has taken several Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Literature, AP Chemistry, AP World History, and AP Language and Composition. 

As a student of the Northeast STEM Starter Academy, Ethan was recognized for his academic achievements and given a reward at a gala for his contributions to the organization. 

As a nature lover, Ethan intends to study Environmental Science or Sustainability and Natural Resources in college. He wants to start a career in creating sustainable living in urban communities such as his home city, Mount Vernon. 

In college, he is looking forward to meeting people who can help him expand his knowledge in sustainability, and he is excited for the experience. He has been accepted into Fordham University, Marist University, Iona University, SUNY Binghamton, and Purchase College, among other institutions. 

“Growing up, I loved nature,” said Ethan. “I also love giving back and helping people in my community, so I want to be able to come back and make communities like Mount Vernon greener. “