It Just Takes One

The Boys & Girls Club boasts some pretty impressive names among its alumni. From famous actors like Denzel Washington and Martin Sheen to world leaders like President Bill Clinton and General Wesley Clark, the organization’s roster is full of extraordinary people. Add to that list Ethan Harris. Haven’t heard of him? You will. This fifth grader from Hurricane Creek Elementary was recently selected a “2013 Maytag Dependable Leader” in a nationwide vote. The Dependable Leader Awards recognize Boys & Girls Club professionals and volunteers who are committed to making a difference in the lives of youth. Oh, and did we mention, he’s just eleven years old.

“Ethan was nominated by the Bryant [Boys & Girls] Club’s Board of Directors,” explains proud mom Carla Harris. “Months prior, Ethan had raised $1,000 for the Club in the ‘Just Takes One’ campaign. He also led a campaign through his school called ‘Hope for Change’ where he asked students to bring loose change to school. In two days, students raised over $2,100. A portion of the proceeds went to the 20th Century Club’s Hope Lodge in Little Rock, which is a housing facility for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Another portion went to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.”

Ethan’s passion for both his community and his local Boys & Girls Club, lead to him being selected among five finalists in the 2013 Maytag Dependable Leader Awards – America’s Vote competition. Ethan was the only child among the five nominees. America was asked to vote in November of 2013 based on a video each finalist submitted.

“We attend Midtowne Church in Benton, so I asked staff members, Dave Johnston and Dave Lewis, to help with the video,” said Carla Harris. “There really wasn’t a script, especially since there wasn’t much time to prepare. We helped him with a few things to say and do, but he came up with much of it on his own. I wanted this video to show his personality. At times, you can hear the passion in his voice. That cannot be scripted.”

And Ethan’s passion definitely comes through in the video. In the first part of the 60-second video he talks about who he is and what he has been able to do to help his local club through fundraising. But it’s the last part of the video that really stands out. This is when Ethan reminds us that one person can make a difference and that we can each play an important part in someone’s life.

Do you remember when you were a kid? Which grown up do you remember the most? A special teacher? Your coach? A volunteer? It just takes one. It takes just one day. It takes just one caring adult. It just takes one Boys & Girls Club.

In addition to receiving the distinction of being named a 2013 ‘Maytag Dependable Leader,’ Ethan has won a $20,000 award to help the Boys & Girls Club of Bryant. On December 16th, a public award ceremony was held at The Center at Bishop. Two Maytag representatives were on hand to present the $20,000 check to Ethan and the Bryant Boys & Girls Club. Several city and state officials attended the event as well as family, friends and community members. Arkansas State Senator Jeremy Hutchinson presented Ethan with an American flag that flew over the Arkansas State Capitol as well as a Senate citation, rarely given to a child.

Soon Suzanne Passmore, Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Bryant, will sit down with Ethan to discuss things he would like to see purchased for the club, from a child’s perspective. He already has prepared a mental list of items to include playground equipment, tablets, game systems, etc.

“The Bryant Boys & Girls Club was tremendously supportive throughout the entire process,” adds Carla Harris. “Suzanne Passmore saw what I see in Ethan every day. She noticed that he is passionate about helping others and wants to make a difference. If it weren’t for Mrs. Passmore taking the initiative to write the letter and nominate Ethan for the award, he would’ve never been able to experience this journey. Mrs. Passmore cares about the club and cares about the future of the club members. Her passion for the well-being of those children is the driving force behind the Club’s success.”

At the end of Ethan’s video he says “I just love getting people excited about my Boys & Girls Club.” And it’s clear that he is doing just that.