Dreams DO come True

 We LOVE stories about Childhood Dreams Coming True!  We encourage Childhood Dreams every chance we get.  Such Dreams are a precious part of humanity!  This is a remarkable story of how one boy's dreams came true even beyond his wildest childhood imagination.  

Above is 10-year-old Ethan Clark expressing his Dream on his 5th grade Halloween.  Ethan's Hero was Weather Channel Living Legend Jim Cantore.  That's why you see Ethan with a Jim Cantore nametag and a Weather Channel microphone!  Ethan's love of all-things-weather and Jim Cantore spurred the boy to become his own somewhat larger-than-life weather forecaster.  In doing so, Ethan became a Hero to countless North Carolina residents who love and respect Ethan's ability to "talk weather" to them.

Here's how Ethan put it in his own words: "It’s a dream come true! Last week, I was given the amazing opportunity by CBS News David Begnaud and The Weather Channel to fly to The Weather Channel’s headquarters in Atlanta and meet Jim Cantore! CBS News also has done an amazing interview and story about me." 

"If you’ve been friends with me long enough or followed me on my weather page, you probably know how much I love weather and have been a fan of Jim Cantore my entire life. I started this weather page when I was in middle school; most of my friends in middle and high school didn’t know about the page. I always was worried people would think I was weird, so I just didn’t talk about it. Over the years, I’ve worked hard to follow through on my passion and help people across our state. I’m honored that CBS News and The Weather Channel took the time to do an amazing story about me; they even brought followers who have followed my page for years to meet me two weeks ago. Many of whom I helped provide forecasting for during Hurricane Helene. I’ve always had a passion for weather, and I really and truly am at a loss for words that I got to meet someone that I dressed up as in 5th grade."

David Begnaud & Crew did a truly outstanding piece of work producing this video about Ethan.  Grab some tissues or a hankie--it's definitely gonna tug at your Heart Strings:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/meteorologist-lifesaving-forecasts-meets-jim-cantore/

Quite The Pair to draw to, eh?  Jim Cantore and Ethan Clark.

We've been a Jim Cantore Fan Boy since he joined the Weather Channel in 1986 so this story really resonated with us.  Plus, as you know we're a Weather Geek from Way Back.

Ethan acted like he was right at home on the Weather Channel sound stage.  Jim Cantore was impressed and even joked that he wouldn't have needed to finish college if he had done it that well on his first time.  But, Wait!  There's MORE!

Ethan received North Carolina's coveted Dogwood Award from Governor-Elect Josh Stein.  Here's how Ethan described it:  "I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the State of North Carolina and Department of Justice Dogwood Award from Attorney General Josh Stein—one of the state's highest civilian honors. This award recognizes my work on the weather page and, more recently, my efforts to support North Carolinians during Hurricane Helene and PTC 8. My mission has always been to save lives and help everyday North Carolinians through my weather forecasts, and I am truly touched that the state has recognized my work in this way. The Dogwood Awards highlight individuals working to improve the health, safety, and well-being of their fellow citizens, and I am still in disbelief that I was chosen for such a prestigious honor. I never expected something like this!

“Ethan Clark is a young leader who found a way to use his talents to help others,” said then Attorney General Josh Stein. “His work running North Carolina’s Weather Authority gave lifesaving updates to people as Hurricane Helene hit. I was impressed by his dedication and look forward to seeing all that’s ahead for him.” 

I really appreciate the support that everyone has given me over the years and the last few weeks, I am honored to continue the goal. Regardless of your political beliefs, I ask you to keep these comments away I am just fortunate that the State has awarded me and appreciate their support! We’re all North Carolinians and I am determined to help make this state better and prepared anyway possible."

Ethan wasn't the only one who received the Dogwood Award.  The others are listed and described here:
https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-josh-stein-honors-triangle-area-north-carolinians-with-dogwood-awards/

But, Wait!  There's MORE!  Ethan's Facebook page "North Carolina’s Weather Authority" has 659,000 Followers!  Not only that but the page 1,491 Reviews--ALL 100% Positive!  WOW!

Huge Congratulations to North Carolina's Weather Authority Ethan Clark!  I hope there is a little kid somewhere today dreaming of being YOU and than you can someday greet that kid up on the Great Stage of Life!

Thank You, Ethan, for following your dreams with such dedication, diligence, determination and tenacity!  Best of Success Always and ALL Ways!