Hudson, FL – The graduating class of 2025 at Fivay High School gathered this week for a momentous occasion—one marked by celebration, pride, and a solemn pause to remember a beloved classmate who was not there to walk the stage: Ethan Daube.
Ethan, a student of Fivay High School, passed away before reaching graduation, leaving behind a profound absence felt deeply by his peers, teachers, and the entire school community. During the commencement ceremony, school leaders and students came together not only to honor the graduates but also to pay tribute to Ethan’s life and the impact he had during his time at Fivay.
Though his chair sat empty, Ethan’s presence was unmistakably felt. His name was called during the ceremony, and the auditorium stood in collective silence—a symbolic gesture of remembrance and love. A graduation cap adorned with his name and a floral arrangement rested gently in his honor, a poignant reminder that while he may not have crossed the stage, he will always be counted among the Class of 2025.
Friends and classmates describe Ethan as warm-hearted, loyal, and always quick with a smile. He had a passion for making people laugh and was known for lifting others up, even during his own challenging days. Whether in the classroom, at lunch with friends, or participating in school activities, Ethan’s energy was magnetic and his kindness unwavering.
Fivay High School principal, teachers, and staff also spoke lovingly of Ethan, reflecting on his resilience, sense of humor, and the respect he showed to everyone around him. His teachers noted how he had grown over the years—not just academically, but personally—and how proud they were of the young man he had become.
As the caps flew into the air and families embraced, there was an unspoken understanding among the graduates: this milestone was incomplete without Ethan. Yet, his memory was interwoven into every moment—carried in their hearts, reflected in their joy, and etched in their collective promise to never forget him.
Though Ethan Daube’s life was tragically cut short, his legacy endures in the spirit of Fivay High School and in the lives of all those he touched. He will be remembered not just as a student, but as a friend, a classmate, and a young man whose life, though brief, was filled with meaning.