For those in South Georgia that are familiar with Valwood School, one thing is for certain. Whether on the gridiron, the courts, or in the classroom, being a Valiant is synonymous with being a winner. The preparation that goes into a Valwood education is second-to-none, and their high standards of excellence shine in their students, staff, faculty, and alumni.
What makes Valwood such a respectable school to attend, however, is that the transition between the venues is seamless. You may approach an All-State athlete, and, through conversation, discover that he or she is also very active in the community. Or, you may talk to a class president with a perfect grade point average and find out that he or she is also the star of a particular team or club. The ideal at Valwood is excellence. There are no exceptions. The school prides itself on shining across all platforms.
These two young men are prime examples of what the Valwood community produces. While making their name in athletics, their accomplishments away from the field are just as impressive. Their hard work, selfless attitudes, and commitment to excellence are the epitome of what Valiants should strive to reach.
Tyler Richards
5’11”, 180 lbs.
Linebacker/Fullback
Parents: Tony and Kathy Richards
When speaking to Tyler, the first thing that one will notice is that that he is very team-oriented. He never takes credit for himself; everything is done for the greater good.
“I love the environment here (at Valwood),” Tyler says. “We’re one unit. The team, the students, the teachers; we’re all in this together. Everybody just loves seeing others succeed.”
For the last three years, Tyler has been a strong presence on the Valiants’ varsity football team. He began playing the game around the age of 5, and has played every year since (with the exception of his freshman year of high school). He is an invaluable part of a team that (as of this writing) has gone 26-4 since 2013. They have also remained undefeated in region games during the stretch (they are currently 12-0 in region contests since 2013).
“We strive to get better everyday,” he says. “(Head football) Coach (Ashley) Henderson always tells us to stay humble. We’re blessed to be where we are, and we never take it for granted. We just take things one step at a time. We don’t skip ahead, and we don’t get comfortable where we are.”
As with many Valwood students, Tyler’s talents are widespread. He is also a member of the varsity baseball team, and has been contributing as a pitcher and third baseman since his sophomore year. But perhaps his greatest accomplishment as a Valiant comes away from the athletic realm. Tyler will also graduate with the honor of being named the Vice President of the Class of 2016. Aside from his duties as Vice President, he is also a member of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
After graduating, Tyler plans to remain in Georgia for college. He has not made a decision as to which institution he will attend (he has narrowed his choices down to Mercer, LaGrange, and Valdosta State University), but he knows that he will major in biology. He would like to pursue a career in the medical field.
Coach Henderson on Tyler Richards
“Tyler is the third of three brothers that have played at Valwood. He is a two-sport athlete, all while holding down a super GPA. He’s a dominant linebacker who works just as hard in the weight room as he does on the playing field.”
Tyler’s Valiant Moment
“Last season (2014), we were looked at as a tremendous underdog going up against North Florida Christian. And we gave it our all. We didn’t win the game, but we only lost by one point (35-34). Win or lose, we fight. And I was definitely proud to be a Valiant that night.”
Jack Helms
5’10”, 160 lbs.
Running Back
Parents: Jeff and Cathy Helms
Like his teammate, Jack is also a standout on the gridiron for the Valiants. Hailing from Clinch County, he also began playing football around the age of 5. He played in recreational leagues regularly, until making his debut with Valwood in middle school.
“I played a little defensive end and receiver when I was coming up in Clinch County,” Jack says. “But eventually I got settled in to running back. I’ve spent time at defensive back, and I’m in a few of our Special Teams packages. I’m the type that will just play where I’m needed. I’m willing to do what’s best for the team.”
His talents have come in handy for the Valiants. Whether on the field, in practice, or in the weight room, he is a leader; and his lead-by-example attitude has Valwood sitting at 4-1 on the season (as of this writing).
What makes him exemplary, as with many Valwood student-athletes, is his work ethic and dedication to his talents away from the field. While he does participate in other sports (he spent two seasons on the basketball team and five playing soccer for the Valiants), he also excels in academia and beyond. An enthusiast of U.S. Government, he hopes to pursue a degree in either political science or foreign policy in college. This year, he was named an “AP Scholar with Distinction”, meaning that he earned an average of 3.5 or higher on all AP exams taken, while also earning grades of 3 or higher on five or more exams.
But perhaps his most impressive accomplishment as a Valiant has been his contribution to bettering the lives of those around him. Earlier this year, as a part of the Red Cross Student Leadership program, Jack helped organize blood drive in Clinch County, and the results speak for themselves. After the Red Cross was only able to collect 4-5 pints of blood from the area in 2014, this year’s drive managed to bring in about 20.
“It’s something I’ve always been interested in,” he says. “There’s always a demand, but in our area, there’s not always a supply. I contacted Red Cross, and they helped me get the event together here.”
Jack is also a member of the Mock Trial team, the Dance Marathon Committee (which raises funds for the Children’s Miracle Network), and he plans to take part in the inaugural Model UN program this year. Outside of school, he is active in the Boy Scouts; he began as a Tiger in first grade and received the honor of being named an Eagle Scout in January 2013.
Coach Henderson on Jack Helms
“Jack Helms goes 100 miles an hour in everything that he does. I remember my first workout we had when I first came to Valwood; he was in eighth grade and was out-working the seniors. He is a role model on and off the field; he is everything that is good about Valwood.”
Jack’s Valiant Moment
“My freshman year, we were in the semifinals against John Milledge Academy (Milledgeville, Ga.). It was late in the game, and we were only up by three points. They had possession on the last play of the game, and we knew that, if we wanted a shot at a title, we had to hold them. We sacked the quarterback on the final play to win the game. I’ve never seen that many people go that crazy.” (Valwood would go on to win the GISA Class AA State Championship in that year.)
South Georgia / November 2015
Jack Helms
Tyler Richards
Valwood School
Hahira, Ga.
Valwood Duo Primed for Success After Graduation
By James Washington
Photography by Lindsi Jones
