Youth Spotlight: Ethan Montgomery builds skills from cake to craftsmanship

Ethan Montgomery, a 13-year-old a home-schooled student, is already known for his chocolate ganache cake, which sold for $1,250 at the Socorro County Fair auction last month. Whether he’s baking, biking, or helping lead STEM activities, Ethan brings a hands-on spirit and quiet determination to everything he does.

“I’ve always liked working with my hands,” he said when discussing his second year in 4-H.

His projects span leatherwork, baking, welding and archery, each one rooted in curiosity and care. His cake, made from scratch with buttercream frosting and a rich ganache filling, caught the eye of State Rep. Rebecca Dow, who placed the winning bid.

“Me and my mom would bake a cake every year just for fun,” Ethan said. “I’ve always liked baking.”

He said he is just as comfortable on the grill, cooking burgers and steaks, and just as focused when it comes to school. Ethan attends Pecos Cyber Academy, an online school where he’s earned straight A’s and serves as a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Last year, he helped organize “fun days” for elementary students who attend the academy, leading creative projects and learning how to teach younger kids.

“You’re the leader of the projects,” he said.

Outside of school, Ethan hikes, mountain bikes, and spends time at San Miguel Church, where he sings in the choir and serves at the altar.

“We have a celebration for the patron saint, Saint Michael. Ethan will be Fiesta Prince, which means the community picked him to represent the church.” Valerie Montgomery, his mother, said.

Ethan’s sister will also be serving as the Fiesta Princess.

Ethan’s interests also extend to gunsmithing, a field he hopes to pursue at Sonoran Desert Institute.

“It always sounded like fun to me,” he says. “My grandparents taught me about guns; they go hunting, but I’ve never been hunting before.”

He said he is fascinated by how things work, and the possibilities of gunsmithing mean he could work at gun ranges, ammunition plants, or local manufacturers like Ameritech.

He’s also stepping into a leadership role with Jamie Fassett’s STEM program, helping guide younger students through science and engineering projects.

“I like science more than math,” he said.

From baking shows to welding sparks, Ethan Montgomery is a young man building his future one skill at a time.