Division 1 Top-ranked Fencer Ethan Kushnerik Strives For The Best

Ethan Kushnerik is an elite athlete who dedicates his time and energy towards honing his fencing skills while consistently making the Honor Roll as a York Prep student. In 2016, Ethan won the Youth Men’s Pan American and was the North American Champion in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. In points, he has consistently been ranked number one in the USA in Men’s Youth Epee. He is now a “cadet” fencer, which is the category for the under 17s. As the youngest member of the USA Cadet Team, he and his team won the World Team Championships in Klagenfurt, Austria, in late October. In January he placed third in the Men’s division N. American Cup in Charlotte North Carolina. This month he will be traveling to Slovakia to compete in the International Fencing Federation World Cup.

When did you enter York Prep?

6th grade

Tell us about any outside projects or events that you are working on outside of school.

I am working on getting better fencing. I practice every day but Sunday until about 9 pm.

How did you start fencing?

I started when I was 10, and realized that I liked it right away. I really enjoy it. It’s fun.

What are three characteristics that you aspire to embody? How do you (and did you) apply these characteristics to your student life?

Always be positive, try-hard, and be the best. In class, I could be sick, upset, or tired, but I always try to stay positive. On every assignment, I take my time and do it to the best of my ability. And I always want to be the best. Even if I’m away all the time I still try to be the best.

What is your favorite subject and why?

Math. I like it because there are always many different ways to solve a problem.

Who is your favorite teacher(s) and why?

I like most Teachers and people so I can’t say who is my favorite.

Who do you look up to at York?

Mr. Stewart, he is a very great man. He is kind and an excellent leader.

What has been your best memory at York? What moment/achievement are you most proud of?

My best memories at York are with my friends at lunch. I don’t have time after school or on the weekends to hang out so lunch is a very important time to me.

If you could give advice to yourself as a student entering York Prep, what would it be?

Do your homework.

What do you plan to do after you graduate from York? After that?

I plan to go to college and study something with math. Whatever I do though, I will try to be the best at it.

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