Ethan Balman, a senior at Manhattan High School, is making waves and hitting harmonies, as both a swimmer and vocalist. He is known on the pool deck and on the stage. After graduation, Balman plans to attend the University of Nebraska where he will major in business, minor in vocal performance and also swim on the university team.  

At the pool, Balman is a four-year varsity swimmer for MHS but has been swimming for a total of 12 years. During his senior year, he demonstrated skill and determination, notably at the Centennial League championships in February. His 50 freestyle time alongside his technical proficiency in the demanding butterfly stroke made him a key teammate for the MHS swim team. Balman’s personal contributions go beyond individual races. He has been a huge part of relay events. 

“Swim has brought me a lot of memories,” Balma said, “but my all-time favorite memory would be when one of my buddies almost accidentally started a fire at a hotel by putting popcorn in the microwave for five minutes.”

Beyond the environment of the natatorium, Balman has a knack for singing. His vocal abilities earned him a spot in MHS Chamber and Pops choirs. Chamber Choir is an audition-only class where students must prove they can read music and counts to be accepted into the class. Pops is the MHS show choir, where students sing while they dance and perform for the public. 

“In the end I’m just glad I got to experience everything,” Balman said. “I will most definitely be carrying the memories I’ve made these past four years for the rest of my life and I plan to tell my kids about these days.”