From Finding His Voice to Leading the Way: Ethan’s Journey at Birch

Ethan is a 19-year-old student at our Phyllis L. Susser School for Exceptional Children at Springfield Gardens. When Ethan first came to Birch five years ago, he struggled with insecurity and self-doubt. Now, he is President of the Student Council, leading meetings, encouraging participation, and making sure every voice in the room is heard as he continues his academic growth.

“Birch helps me with what I need to focus on and my goals,” Ethan said. “I love seeing my friends, doing the assignments, and of course seeing Principal Pomerantz.”

Beyond leadership, Ethan has been busy putting his skills into action. At Susser’s Pizza Shop, he takes orders, delivers food, and handles money. In the community, he works at The Black Spectrum Theater, stacking chairs and cleaning up after performances. He also returned for his second summer in the Summer Youth Employment Program after excelling his first year. He also earned MVP honors at the Susser Alumni Basketball Game held this past year and performed a singing solo at the Susser Variety Show.

As Student Council President, Ethan helps plan activities and events that bring the entire school together, including the younger students at the Springfield Gardens Education Center. Fair, thoughtful, and deeply aware of others’ feelings, Ethan is the kind of leader who steps up when a peer needs support and makes inclusion the rule, not the exception.

“We plan things for our school like activities and events and try to involve everyone,” he said.

From a quiet student finding his footing to a confident leader, student, athlete, and performer, Ethan’s journey has been a stunning example of growth, something that is not lost on himself.

“I have a lot of confidence in me, and I have confidence in my future,” Ethan said.