Three years ago, Ethan started volunteering with us as a high school student. Now he’s in the prestigious Turing Scholars Honors Program at UT Austin, yet during his summer break, he still chooses to spend his time sitting across the chessboard from kids, patiently analyzing games with them during last weekend’s Chess A2Z May Open.
In a world where everyone is busy chasing the next thing, Ethan came back to give his time and care to younger players. The kids may not fully realize it now, but years from today, they may remember moments like this: an older student sitting beside them, helping them think through a position, and making them feel seen.
This is what makes a chess community special. It’s about people growing up here, then coming back to help the next generation.
Thank you, Ethan.
