Kids these days. It’s a common refrain with each generation. Google defines this effect as: “The incorrect belief that children in the present are substantively different and necessarily worse than children a generation or two ago.” Even Google knows that it’s a myth, but we have gone a step further and ventured out into our community to prove that kids these days are, in fact, exceptional. Well, at least ten of them are (plus a bunch more who would have made the cut if we were featuring twenty or thirty of Westport, Weston and Wilton’s finest young folks).
Staples High School, Weston High School, Wilton High School, Greens Farms Academy, Fairfield Prep, St. Luke’s, King School and Wooster School submitted their most impressive upperclassmen from our towns, and the pool is brimming and bright with: nationally ranked athletes, political prodigies, environmental stewards, award-winning artists, published writers, multilingual phenoms, school ambassadors and budding medical researchers. Each of our finalists juggles a mind-boggling schedule of academic and extracurricular activities, and every last one is a compassionate human being who proves KIDS THESE DAYS ARE AWESOME.
AUSTIN ETZBACH
Wooster School
Austin Etzbach, a senior at Wooster School, has lobbied for gun control in Connecticut, repaired homes in Appalachia over the past three summers, participated in varsity tennis and cross country, exercised his passion for music and voraciously devoted himself to learning in all of his classes. An upstanding citizen and advocate for justice, Austin was selected as Wooster’s Equity and Inclusion Prefect for this year. “I will work to create an environment where students are provided with the materials needed to feel educated about current issues and topics of interest,” explains Austin. “I believe that, in order to create change, you need to know what you want to change. Because of this, I want to lean into the educational aspect of action.”
As a Wooster School student ambassador, Austin leads school tours to prospective families and represents the school at admission events. He is also a member of Social Impact, leading outreach programs and facilitating partnerships with local non-profit organizations. When invited by his teachers to visit the state capitol and lobby with CTAGV (Connecticut Against Gun Violence), Austin actively sought out ways to effect change. “While there, I started talking to representatives on the Democratic side, where almost all the representatives were already involved with the bill. Because of that, I wanted to use my time to speak with those who were less familiar with the prospective bill,” explains Austin. “With the hope of having meaningful and productive conversations, I went to the opposite side, where the Republican representatives were located. We spoke about the bill, what was in it, and my perspective on the need for gun control in our state.”
Austin has volunteered with ASP (Appalachia Service Project) for three years and been involved in the orientation team for the past two. “Each summer we go to the Central Appalachian region to help make houses ‘warmer, safer, and drier.’ I have learned a lot about the region and the challenges facing families,” he says. “I have installed insulation, repaired damaged and rotting flooring and installed new soffit. It is difficult work, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences and is something I look forward to each year.”
Contemporary Improvisation Ensemble, Glee Club, Chapel Band, musical theater, Model UN Club—Austin can be found onstage in an impressive array of activities. He has loved all of his classes, from folklore to chemistry and calculus. He is considering history and English as college majors and then possibly law school.
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What is the greatest challenge you have overcome?
Finding balance. I hold myself to high standards, and it can be difficult to not get swept up in the search for perfection. Additionally, it can be very difficult to balance my personal time while having school, after-school activities and a year-long part-time job.
What would you tell your freshman self?
Keep an open mind. I was so focused on doing my best and working the hardest that I didn’t leave much time for myself. I would say to take on life for what it is and cherish the moment.
Which teacher had the biggest impact on you?
That, for me, is a really hard question because there have really been three who have been tremendously impactful in many different ways—one of whom is Mrs. Corrie Herrmann who taught me history sophomore and junior year. She taught me to learn with more of an open mind and to go at something for the sake of it rather than for the outcome. Another teacher is Dr. Brian Sullivan who taught me statistics and calculus. He taught me the importance of loving to learn, and to love everything. Lastly, Mr. Christopher Priedemann has had a great impact on me as a person. He has taught me how to live a meaningful life and how to live in the moment. All three of these teachers have been instrumental in making me the way that I am today.
Words to live by?
“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. he optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” —Winston Churchill