Class of 2022 Salutatorian, Ethan Danielson, is a National Championship sailor, Coolidge Senator, and National Merit Commended Scholar. Another fun fact: he cleverly managed the omnipresent challenge of parking on the Shorecrest campus this year. Celebrating the senior tradition of painting his spot’s curb stop, Ethan forewent the traditional choices of nickname, initials or artwork, and instead painted simply “NO PARKING” on his designated spot. He is one of few individuals who has never arrived at school to find his parking spot borrowed. 

Creative problem-solving is something that comes naturally to Ethan. As the Skipper on the Shorecrest sailing team, navigating challenging waters and weather are second nature; he’s led the team to multiple Championships, including competing at the National level. Sailing is a time-intensive sport, spanning 3 seasons, but Ethan makes time to use his sailing skills to give back to the community through teaching and coaching youth sailing.  

When asked about being a 14-year Shorecrest lifer Ethan shares, “I can promise you that I’ll never wear khaki shorts with a forest green polo ever again —-I’ve already reached my lifetime limit on that fashion combo. But seriously, I think Shorecrest has always had a good sense of community. It’s small enough that we all sort of know one another, yet at the same time it’s big enough that there are a bunch of talented people doing lots of different things. That makes for a great experience.”

Academically, Ethan took the maximum number of Advanced Placement courses, while also pursuing Shorecrest’s Global Scholars Initiative, a rigorous signature program that engages students in global studies courses and experiences. Shortly before graduation, he defended his GSI thesis entitled “Corporate Income Tax Policy and Incentivization Structure in the US and China.” A keen head for math with an interest in business and finance, Ethan is the co-president of the Shorecret Investment Club. 

“Ms. Thorn’s AP Calculus BC class definitely had the greatest impact on me,” Ethan recalls. “I think it was the first time I really had to put in a lot of effort in and out of class in order to succeed, and I appreciate that Ms. Thorn encouraged me to stick with it despite my doubts early on in the year. I think this class really helped me learn what it means to have to work hard to achieve a goal.”

A leader on the water and in the classroom, Ethan is also a leader within the Class of 2022 overall, having served on the peer-selected Honor Council. Named a prestigious Coolidge Senator by the Coolidge Foundation, Ethan will attend Bowdoin College where he has committed to sail and intends to study mathematics.