At Hahnville High School, Ethan Hall stepped out of his comfort zone and joined several groups and clubs.
It paid off.
Hall’s involvement with the Interact Club, Prom Court, the bowling team and TV production made an impact on the school community and on Hall himself.
Hall, who is on the Autism Spectrum, said socializing and being among crowds is a challenge for him. He worried about the transition to high school because he spent two years as a virtual learner during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was very fearful of stepping into Hahnville, where there would be so many people that I didn’t know or remember, or who might not remember me,” he said.
But that year, Hall made the bowling team as a self-taught bowler.
“Being on the bowling team means a lot to me because I’m always there for my team,” Hall said. “I get to talk and cheer on my teammates. Bowling matches provided unforgettable moments where I could talk to and support teammates even when I wasn’t competing in the match.”
One moment Hall will remember forever is being selected as co-captain of the bowling team.
“I will forever be grateful to my bowling coach, Ms. Aimee Carletta, for being my biggest cheerleader at matches,” Hall said. “She never allowed me to give up or doubt myself.”
Carletta said it was a privilege to coach Hall.
“He is an excellent example of perseverance,” she said. “He is one of the most loyal and coachable athletes I have ever had. He could always bring the energy and the spectators into the game.”
In April, Hall was named to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s All-Academic Divisional Bowling Team.
Hall also anchored the school’s morning news show for two years and filmed school and community events.
“Being a news anchor means that I get to speak not only from my heart, but with confidence,” Hall said.
Hall said the advanced broadcasting courses taught by Hahnville educators Jordan Dauphin and Meka Ferris prepared him to pursue a career in broadcasting and digital storytelling with confidence and a strong foundation. His goal, he said, is to create inspirational digital content.
Hall’s love for filmmaking began before he started talking at five years old. He would create custom LEGO sets and turn them into homemade movies.
“Looking back now, I guess storytelling was the real passion all along,” he said.
Hall said the organization that shaped him most at Hahnville was the Interact Club, a student-led service organization.
“The club reinforced the importance of serving others and provided many opportunities for me to do so,” Hall said. “Serving others has taught me to care for the people of St. Charles Parish.”
He plans to continue his community service after graduation.
“Especially those events that involve helping children and those with disabilities like me, such as the Special Olympics, Autism Acceptance Bash, and more,” he said.