Greensburg Community High School senior Ethan Clifford has been named the July Optimist
Youth of the Month. Ethan is the son of Ashley and Matt Clifford.
Ethan has distinguished himself as an outstanding student, maintaining a perfect 4.00 GPA
through six semesters at Greensburg Community High School. His academic record reflects a
rigorous course load, with advanced coursework in Project Lead the Way Engineering, Science,
Spanish, and Mathematics. Upon graduation, Ethan will earn both the Indiana College Core
and Academic and Technical Honors Diploma.
Throughout his high school career, Ethan has been actively involved in numerous
organizations and activities, including Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
Leadership, Cross Country, Academic Team, Wrestling, Champions Together, National Honor
Society, and Track & Field.
Beyond his impressive academic achievements, Ethan has made a lasting impact on the
school community through his leadership, service, and character. His dedication earned him
the honor of being selected as a Hoosier Boys State nominee and participant this summer. He
has also generously given back by volunteering as a youth wrestling coach with Greensburg
Elementary School and serving as a second-grade tutor.
Ethan’s passion for engineering and innovation led him and three classmates to earn first
place in the Boiler Tech Severe Weather Challenge. He was also recognized as the Silver Test
Tube Award recipient for excellence in Chemistry.
Known for embracing every opportunity, Ethan approaches each new challenge with
determination and enthusiasm. He is compassionate toward others, leads with integrity, and is
admired for his cunning sense of humor. Reflecting on his high school journey, Ethan shared
that he is especially grateful for the many people he has met through his extracurricular
activities, saying those relationships have had the greatest impact on his high school
experience.
Ethan truly embodies the spirit of the Optimist Creed, especially the line:
“To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.”
Congratulations, Ethan, on this well-deserved recognition as the July Optimist Youth of the
Month.
