How Columbus High's Ethan Hulsey Overcame Adversity To Excel

Meet our latest Most Valuable Pupil: Ethan Hulsey, an 18-year-old senior at Columbus High School whose story reads less like a highlight reel and more like a reminder of what grit actually looks like.

Two years ago, Ethan’s life changed in an instant after a serious truck accident left him fighting for his life. Three major surgeries and two weeks at Billings Clinic followed, along with a long, uncertain road to recovery. For most teenagers, that kind of setback would be overwhelming.

As they say, sometimes it takes a village.

Supported by family, friends, and a tight-knit community, Ethan worked his way back academically, athletically, and personally. He maintains a strong GPA while juggling a packed schedule that includes volunteering to help people move into homes, mowing lawns for those in need, and working part-time at Super 8 and in construction, helping build homes between Laurel and Billings.

Photo by Dave Adamson on Unsplash

Football has been a major chapter in Ethan’s comeback story.

Unable to play during his sophomore year, he stayed involved as a team manager, learning the game from the sidelines. By junior year, he was back on the field as an offensive and defensive lineman. And this season... he dominated the field.

Ethan earned the Dwan Edwards Outstanding Lineman Award, was selected for the Class B All-Star Game, named to the Football All-State Team, and received the Athletics and Academics All-State Selection for the seventh time.

On and off the field, Ethan Hulsey represents the best of what student-athletes can be: tough, humble, hardworking, and community-minded. He's certainly earned a starting spot on our Most Valuable Pupil roster.

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If you would like to nominate a Billings-area student, please do so HERE.

Each weekly MVP winner receives a prize from our prize vault and will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win $1,000 cash, thanks to our friends at Gerstner Adam Law. Got into an accident or workplace injury? They'll fight for you at Gerstner Adam Law.