“He’s the brains and inspiration, and we’re the grownups who have to do all the stuff,” Lauren laughs while speaking of her son, Everette, who attends PA Cyber.
Two summers ago, the Wilson family test-tasted a lot of shaved ice while on vacation. It was an easy choice for dessert because gluten and dairy-containing foods make Everette sick.
Once back home in Ellwood City, they researched ice-shaving machines and flavorings. They opened Ellwood Ice in early 2023.
This past winter they expanded the shop to accommodate indoor seating and private party space.
“We have 30 flavors,” says Everette. “And we have all different kinds of ice cream and toppings. My favorite kind of ice cream is the dairy-free vanilla.”
At the shop, he restocks supplies and takes orders and payments. The whole Wilson family plays a part in the shop. PA Cyber held a field trip at Ellwood Ice in May 2023.
Everette showed fellow students the process of making icy treats and talked about owning a business. Everyone got their own treat, and many chose the flavor of the day, “The Archie,” named after PA Cyber’s owl mascot.
Everette enrolled at PA Cyber amid the pandemic but stayed because he enjoyed the flexibility of taking classes from home. “Our schedule has a million things in a week,” he says. “We go somewhere every day.”
He belongs to Cub Scouts and plays soccer and piano. As a gifted student, he is able to accelerate his learning. He aims to be an engineer when he is older.
“We’re really proud of him, and we’re glad that we have the option to do school a lil’ differently,” says Lauren.
Learn more about personalizing your child’s education at pacyber.org.
PHOTO CAP: Everette’s goal for Ellwood Ice is to “make people happy.”