Superintendent Spotlight: Paul Helmrich
Congratulations to Warwick Valley High School senior Paul Helmrich, who recently achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout! His journey began back in sixth grade, when scouting first drew a young Paul in with the alluring excitement of learning to use a pocket knife. As the years have passed, scouting has piqued Paul’s interest in many areas, and as his skills have grown badge by badge, his commitment to scouting and his community have deepened. Both are put on full display by Paul’s recently completed Eagle Scout Service Project.
Paul’s concept was inspired by a close relative who suffered an accident that left half of their body paralyzed. Paul has seen firsthand the daily challenges they face, including things so many people often take for granted, like being able to simply navigate public spaces. Paul decided he would design and built ADA-compliant picnic tables and Adirondack chairs for Mountain Lake Park in Warwick.
“I was really happy to be able to do something inclusive,” Paul explained. “I saw how difficult things were for him, being in a wheelchair, not being able to get around and participate in family activities, so this project really spoke to me.”
With vision and mission established, Paul began drumming up support for his project. Back in January, Paul took his project in front of the Town of Warwick Town Council. Resolution #R2025-91, a “motion to adopt a resolution granting permission to Eagle Scout Candidate Paul Helmrich to construct an ADA picnic table, a few other picnic tables and some Adirondack chairs for Mountain Lake Park as an Eagle Scout Project,” was approved by the town!
With the Town Council’s go-ahead in hand, Paul next took his idea to the Warwick Valley Rotary and Lions Clubs, both of which threw their enthusiastic support behind the project. Still, bringing his vision to life was going to take more than $500 in local donations. In true Warwick fashion, the community rallied behind him!
Local car dealerships offered their help. Hardware stores pitched in with contributions and discounts. Paul was even loaned a truck by a farm in Pine Island to transport his materials. He used that truck to haul all of his materials to Jersey City, where a family friend -- thanks, Ronnie -- volunteered his services to help with the builds.
Paul’s Adirondack chair design was adapted from an existing template to encourage a more upright sitting position. While that accessibility refinement was fairly simple to figure out, his picnic table design was more complex, featuring a benchless overhang intended to accommodate wheelchairs. Paul was hands-on for every step of the production process, with the exception of operating the power tools and actual cutting, which is prohibited for minors by Boy Scouts of America. Paul and his team put in a monster work session, 5:00 pm until 1:00 am, building the pieces.
“It was actually really fun! Once we finished the first table, it felt rewarding, and the rest just came together,” Paul said, adding that the project has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. From drafting his initial plan to making his pitch, finding donors, coordinating transportation, managing communication, and navigating paperwork, Paul shared, with a laugh, that, “getting through the paperwork… that was actually the hardest part.”
One of the most gratifying moments for Paul was his presentation to the Eagle Scout Board of Review: “Seeing everyone there at the park, hearing them appreciate what we created, that was incredible.”
Town of Warwick Supervisor Jesse Dwyer, on hand for the ceremony, has already asked Paul to lead his troop (this time as an adult supervisor) in constructing additional ADA-compliant tables and chairs for the Town of Warwick Senior Center! And this time, at 18, he’ll be allowed to use the power tools!
Paul begins studying Criminal Justice at SUNY Orange next year, and plans to continue on to another institution for further study and credentials in the same field. His ultimate goal? To join a branch of federal law enforcement. That will align him with a family legacy of police offers that includes his uncle, great-uncle and grandfather. Besides the family connection, Paul’s passion for law enforcement has grown through his involvement with WVHS teacher Eduardo Avila’s Criminal Justice program, which is part of Warwick Valley’s unique in-house Careers & Technology curriculum.
“Being in that class, having the experiences it brings, really opened my eyes to the various aspects of law enforcement, from the rules to the procedures,” Paul said. “It definitely solidified my desire to follow this path.”
Paul is grateful for all of the support he’s received in bringing his Eagle Project to fruition, from family, friends, teachers, and especially his parents, Ronnie, and everyone in his scout troop.
And with his wings achieved, Paul is set to soar into his next chapter, looking forward to more opportunities to serve his community.
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