Mathematics.....

It is known that Ethan is a mathematician.  As a sixth grader, this would be his third time competing in this particular competition.  Also his last year in this specific event.  In seventh grade they move on to another group to compete.  If a student places in the top 3 in one or both events, they move on to state.  This is also the third year Ethan was invited to attend the state competition held in Springfield Missouri.  He won first place in problem solving.  Shawn was the lucky one that got to take him to the state competition at Missouri State the following month. (If I haven't mentioned it previously, Ethan is also taking 7th grade advanced math as a 6th grade student.  In 7th grade he'll take algebra.  And as an 8th grader he will need to be bussed to the high school for his math class.)

Ethan was also able to attend a week long math camp in Bolivar Missouri.  An extensive in depth look into math.  They also taught him ways to improve his skills when it comes to competing in math competitions.  It's not hard to see that Ethan has a knack for mathematics.  A gene he must have  inherited from his father.