Father Van Dyke presented Ethan Ristu ’24 with the Gregory F. Gannon ’68 Award. Ethan is the fifth recipient of this high honor.

Gregory F. Gannon, a member of the Class of 1968, demonstrated a commitment to Christian Service throughout his time at Georgetown Prep, and took that spirit of service to his life at the University of Notre Dame, and his subsequent professional life as a teacher, as the founder of the Washington Higher Achievement Program, his work for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, and his commitment to his parish and his family.  

In honor of their 50th Jubilee, the Class of 1968, with the help Class of 1969, created the Gregory F. Gannon ‘68 Award, in memory of their classmate, to be bestowed on that rising senior, who through his dedication to our service program and whose growth as a man for and with others reflects the spirit with which Greg Gannon lived his life.

This year’s recipient, Ethan Ristu, has served as a tutor and mentor of elementary and middle school students of Ethiopian and Eritrean descent who lack the resources to hire tutors on their own. He has also worked with the children of migrants through the Holy Trinity Parish Migrant Program, served the homeless at the Shepherd's Table soup kitchen, and played with disabled youth at KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now). Ethan has also volunteered with the Ethiopian and Eritrean Alliance for Education since January 2023.

Last year, Ethan organized a scholarship fundraiser for St. Joseph's School in Ethiopia to benefit a young person in need. He is the co-founder of our Refugee Action Team here on campus and, this year, is taking a lead role in the Environmental Club to help our community celebrate the fourth Universal Apostolic Preference of the Society of Jesus, caring for our common home.

Ethan has further distinguished himself conspicuously in the life and spirit of Prep, through his active mentorship of younger Hoyas on campus, his passionate guidance of the International Relations Club, and his bold leadership with the Black Students Association (BSA). He demonstrates a personal commitment to action, faith and service which builds and extends our community through Jesuit values. A leader in disposition and vision, he is thoughtful, compassionate, and charismatic in his service of others.
He has also distinguished himself in indoor and outdoor track and as a member of our string ensemble.

Congratulations to Ethan!