Disney has selected Ethan as a winner of the "Hop into the Animal Kingdom Challenge," launched in celebration of Disney and Pixar's all-new film "Hoppers," the 30th anniversary of the Disney Conservation Fund, and the 35th anniversary of Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots USA.
Ethan was recognized for his Seven Lakes High School Prairie Restoration Project, an effort to revive the Katy Prairie and educate fellow students about the importance of conservation.
Ethan is one of 10 exceptional young people nationwide to receive this honor.
The goal of Roots & Shoots is to empower young people to be the change in their communities, and the "Hop into the Animal Kingdom Challenge" also helped do just that.
In order to participate in the challenge, students had to submit a project that helps domestic or wild animals.
Two challenge winners were selected from each of five U.S. regions: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West.
Ethan represents the Southwest.
Winners will go on to be recognized at the Walt Disney World Resort in the fall of 2026, receiving opportunities to network, experience immersive animal adventures, and showcase their impact. They will also be granted $500 to support their ongoing projects or kickstart new ones.
But students don't have to wait to give back.
Roots & Shoots offers resources to help them create community projects at any time.
The Disney Conservation Fund also plays a key role in supporting students and organizations in environmental efforts.
The fund is designed to help save wildlife for future generations through grants to leading conservation organizations who work together to stabilize and increase the population of at-risk animals such as butterflies, elephants, sea turtles and more.
In addition, since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed more than $132 million to community conservation programs.
Learn more about Disney's commitment to conservation here and how organizations can apply for grant programs.
Disney is the parent company of this station.