Wheeler Ray Helms was the recipient of the prestigious Daughters of the American Revolution Youth Citizenship Award Thursday evening, May 19 at the Stuart Elementary School Seventh Grade Promotional Ceremony.
The DAR Youth Citizenship Award acknowledges attributes such as honor, service, courage, and leadership. Wheeler was chosen for his honesty, loyalty, kindness, unselfishness, ability to lead, good sportsmanship, and his patriotism.
In his spare time, Wheeler enjoys hiking, hunting, fishing, sports, swimming, and spending time with friends and family. He also loves traveling and visiting state parks with his family. Wheeler currently operates his own whittling business and sells his carving at Pickle & Ash Market and Restaurant and at the Rise and Shine Youth Farmer’s Market.
He said he is “proud to be Patriotic and Christian.” He also is proud that he was able to hang the flag at Stuart Elementary each day during the past school year.
Wheeler has earned medals in academics as well as swim competitions. This year, he played middle school football for Patrick County High School. He is an outstanding student involved in many academic clubs. He has been a member of the Stuart Elementary Jr. Beta Club, PC Robotics Team, and Running Club.
His motto is, “Don’t be afraid to try something new. You never know until you try. Taste the new food and talk to the strangers. It could become your favorite meal and the new people could become your best friends.”
As a Cougar, he would like to continue doing well in his academics and later attend college. He has joined the Patrick Henry Talent Search Program and believes it can benefit him in the future. When he graduates, he would like to find a job that gives him opportunities to help others.
Wheeler is the son of Tony and Grace Helms. He lives in Stuart, Virginia with his parents and sister, Milayna. School officials are very proud of Wheeler in this outstanding achievement.
The DAR recipient at Patrick County High School was Suzanne Gonzalez, granddaughter of Larry Belcher.