Ethan Zohn -- 2004 Keynote Speaker

Before he became an instant celebrity for winning Survivor Africa, Ethan Zohn played soccer professionally for teams in both the United States and Zimbabwe. Playing in Africa brought home the tremendous problems facing most African countries in terms of poverty, corrupt governments and most devastingly, the AIDS crisis. When it came time to decide what to do with his newly acquired million and his fifteen minutes of fame, Ethan's decision was easy.

In Africa there aren't movie stars or musicians, and the most popular sport is soccer. Since Ethan has experience in that area, he decided to use his money and fame to help provide AIDS education, using African role models -- soccer players -- to teach children about HIV and AIDS. "On a continent with so many misconceptions about AIDS, good education is so important," Zohn said. "Soccer players are the perfect choice because they are the role models for children and adults in that part of the world."

Grassroot Soccer
Ethan played soccer in Zimbabwe for one year and decided to base "Grassroot Soccer" there because of the great need. The average life expectancy in Zimbabwe was 63 years in 1990, but only 39 years in 2000. By 2010, more than 35 percent of all kids in the country are expected to be AIDS orphans.

More than just another of today's instant celebrities, Ethan Zohn is truly a man of character, interested in helping those in need and speaking to students about their unique opportunities to use their talents for others.

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