The Bethel Park Rotary Club’s October Student of the Month is Bethel Park High School senior Ethan Hrycko. He was recently recognized at a small luncheon at The Garden Restaurant [4912 Gardenville Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15236].
Hrycko is an excellent student who is a National Honor Society member with an outstanding 4.02
weighted GPA. Ethan is also a versatile musician who plays saxophone in the marching band and in the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, the largest audition youth orchestra in the Pittsburgh region, with five year-round ensembles. He also plays the keyboards and electric guitar for the School of Rock South Hills.
Ethan said he loves learning how to master playing so many different instruments because it allows him to explore different genres of music.
“When I’m playing the alto or tenor sax, that allows me to explore my jazz interests,’ he said. “I will pick up the guitar when I feel more rock and roll or metal.”
Hrycko, who suffers from anxiety, said playing music also allows him an escape. “I’ve been through a lot in my life, and I have found that music helps me cope with those things,” he said.
The eldest of Danielle and David Hrycko’s three children, Ethan was born with a double cleft lip and pallet and has endured four major facial reconstructive surgeries and several minor procedures to improve various functions. Also, his younger brother, Evan (15), was born with autism.
“Going through so much adversity from such a young age has made me a stronger person,” he said. “It has taught me the value of patience and perseverance.”
Ethan has not yet made his final college decision and is still considering several options, but his top
choice is Penn State.
Students are nominated for Bethel Park Rotary Student of the Month by administrators, teachers, students, or community members. They are chosen based on academics, education, extracurricular activities, civic honors and awards, organization membership, and leadership.
At a monthly luncheon, honorees receive a certificate acknowledging their contribution to their
community. For more information on Rotary and its mission, please ask any Rotarians about it or visit bethelparkrotary.org. You can also visit their Facebook page.