Ethan Schieber – Third of Ten 2018 WBOC Jefferson Awards Winners

BERLIN, Md.-  Ethan Scheiber works hard at Worcester Preparatory School in Berlin. He is preparing to become a veterinarian. But it is his volunteer work in the community that makes him a 2018 WBOC Jefferson Awards winner, which are given annually to volunteers on Delmarva who provide extraordinary public service.

“Thank you so much! I don’t really know what to say,” Ethan said.

The high school junior actively volunteers at organizations throughout the Eastern Shore, especially at the Worcester County Humane Society.

“It’s not always a glamorous volunteering job, but he’s willing to do anything it takes, whether it’s to get down and dirty or help at an event,” said Heather Bahrami with the Humane Society.

Ethan said he volunteers because “Animals don’t really have a voice like we do, and I think that by me putting myself out there, I’m sort of displaying that voice for them.”

To be able to help others he has even had to overcome personal struggles, including an autoimmune disease that often leads to blindness.

“I think it’s better to look past my struggles and try to help others instead,” he said.

Lawmakers from across the state congratulated the teen on his Jefferson Award.

“I’m very impressed with the fact that Ethan has taken on the responsibility and the opportunity to lead,” said Berlin Mayor Gee Williams.

Bunky Luffman Jr. of the Maryland Governor’s Office, read a letter from Gov. Larry Hogan.

“It says, ‘Dear Ethan, congratulations on earning the prestigious national Jefferson Award for your more than 500 hours of volunteer service at the Worcester County Humane Society, Art League of Ocean City and Temple Bat Yam.”

Diana Purnell of the Worcester County Commissioners told Ethan, “You’re doing a great job. Thank you so very much. I appreciate you.”

Winning a Jefferson Award is a Scheiber family affair. His sister, Emily Scheiber, won an award two years ago.

Rina Thaler of the Art League of Ocean City said of Ethan, “I don’t think he thinks twice about it. It’s just what he does.”

And he is the first Worcester Prep student to win an award.

“We are very proud of Ethan. He’s done extraordinary things,” said Dr. Barry Tull, headmaster of Worcester Prep.

And that’s exactly why Ethan is a 2018 Jefferson Awards winner.

“I feel very welcomed now,” he said. “I see a lot of people care about what I’m doing and me as a person.”

Worcester County Preparatory School