A Spirit of Excellence

Seventeen-year-old Ethan  Miller serves as concert master for two symphonies and will enter  college next year as a sophomore

by AMBER E. WILLMAN

photo by ABBY ELLIOTT

Last Christmas, this family photo was taken of the Miller family.  With Ethan are his parents, Larry and Kimberly, and younger brother, Grayson.

Words have power. Names have meanings. When choosing a name for a tiny human, you are writing that child’s future. Did Larry and Kimberly Miller know what they were setting in motion 16 years ago?

From the Hebrew, meaning firm and strong, Ethan Miller is living up to his name. A junior at Arkansas High School in Texarkana, Arkansas, Ethan is on track to graduate in May 2022. Because of his stellar academic record which includes straight A’s and 72 college credits, he will enter college at Texas A&M as a 17-year-old sophomore. Although this is a great achievement, most teenagers would be intimidated at the thought of being two years younger than their classmates.  “I was at first, but now I thrive on the fact that I am the youngest. I take pride in being the youngest in college because I feel like I deserve to be where I am,” Ethan explains.

During a Dolly Parton concert on September 30, 2017, Ethan played “The Star-Spangled Banner.” 

Ethan’s attitude of excellence is not limited to the classroom. At age 4, Kimberly Miller handed her son a violin. He eventually fell in love with the instrument. Not only did Ethan have natural music talents, but his work ethic made him an accomplished young musician. Since seventh grade, he has held the title of concert master for the Arkansas High School Orchestra. A concert master leads the orchestra, is an assistant to the conductor, and is chosen by tryout. Additionally, this is a title Ethan has held for three years for the Texarkana Youth Symphony Orchestra and for two years for the Southwest Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.  His advice to budding musicians is to “stay consistent and play pieces you enjoy.  Finding the right instrument to fit you will make the difference.”  

Ethan’s devotion to academics and music is a significant time commitment. Many teenagers would balk at trying to balance both.  “I work hard, I use my time wisely, and I study smart. For me, it all comes down to hard work and motivation.  I make good use of my time and NEVER procrastinate,” Ethan says. “Also, know what is important to you and thrive on this.  Even when you don’t feel like practicing, go ahead and do it.  Invest in yourself, and this will return great profits for your future.”

Two months ago, Ethan performed with his violin teacher, Dr. Tim Chung, at Central Mall.

Ethan’s reputation for hard work and academic success has expanded beyond the school walls. On Thursday, October 7, he gave a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new building on the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana campus. Ethan was chosen by the dean, and his speech, “How to be Successful in College at a Young Age,” was received well by his audience. In fact, he was asked to give another speech next January. “For me, it’s about making a difference with my words and making the best impact I can.  If I am able to help one person, I have succeeded,” Ethan said.

Ethan credits his mom, Kimberly, for his success, citing her as the most influential person in his life.  “She has helped me get to where I am today. No matter what my problem is, she will always be there to help me.  She gets real with me, and I appreciate that.  There have been many times that I struggled, and she has me come back to what is important.  My dad is always there for me, and I know that he always will be.  He and my mom balance me.”

On October 7, Ethan played the violin and made a speech during the dedication of the new University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana facility.

In his spare time, Ethan enjoys football, working out, and spending time with friends. He is intrigued by muscles and the human body. This interest has prompted him to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He believes he can achieve this milestone by age 22.  “Make academics a priority. It is very simple; if you work hard, it will pay off.  Don’t give up or give in; you can be anything you want to be, just make sure you are being the best you!”

Social media is flooded with memes, posts, and stories complaining about teenagers. They are viewed as lazy, unmotivated, and troublesome. This is as unfair a generalization as any other age, gender, race, or ethnic stereotype. In a society where adults consistently voice concern about “this new generation,” it is reassuring to know that there are kids like Ethan ... kids with gentle humility, positive attitudes, and spirits of excellence.  From the Hebrew, “Ethan” is firm in his convictions and strong in his work ethic.