Grad Chat Chronicles: From Elyria High to Army Officer

Four years ago, we sat down with Ethan Trampush, a remarkable young man who had just graduated high school and earned a full congressional scholarship to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Our podcast was in its early days—his story was one of our first, and one we never forgot.

Today, he returns as a West Point graduate and a newly commissioned officer in the U.S. Army.

In this powerful episode, we catch up on the journey that transformed a determined high school student into a disciplined leader. He shares what it took to navigate the physical, mental, and emotional demands of West Point, the growth he experienced along the way, and the sense of purpose that now drives him as an Army officer.

Adding a deeply personal layer to his story, he’s joined at his commissioning ceremony by a special guest—his former high school teacher, John Wallace, a U.S. Army veteran who inspired him from the start. In a moment full of tradition and emotion, he honored his mentor with his first salute as an officer, a gesture that speaks volumes about the influence of teachers who lead by example.

This is more than a story of achievement—it's a story of commitment, transformation, and the people who shape us along the way.

It's a great day to be a Pioneer! Thanks for listening. Find Elyria Schools on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!