Athletic Booster Club Sportsperson of the Month: March 2020
The Saint Viator Boosters Club March 2020 Sportsperson of the Month is awarded to Parker Hellgeth '20, a member of the Saint Viator varsity lacrosse, football, indoor track, and powerlifting teams.
During our time of self-quarantining, Parker’s mom learned of the cancellation of a birthday party for a boy named Liam. Parker, a balloon artist, decided to brighten Liam’s day. With some intel from Mrs. Hellgeth, Parker themed his balloon twisting around Liam’s favorite television show: Paw Patrol.
“I decided to construct a life-size version of one of the dogs from the show, in addition to a few other balloons. I gave my full effort when making these balloons because I thought about how I would feel if I were in the same place as Liam. His party was canceled due to something out of his control, and so I thought I could make him a few balloon creations to cheer him up. This made me feel a sense of pride in the work that I do because I have the ability to make people happy and put a smile on their face,” stated Parker.
During our time of self-quarantining, Parker’s mom learned of the cancellation of a birthday party for a boy named Liam. Parker, a balloon artist, decided to brighten Liam’s day. With some intel from Mrs. Hellgeth, Parker themed his balloon twisting around Liam’s favorite television show: Paw Patrol.
“I decided to construct a life-size version of one of the dogs from the show, in addition to a few other balloons. I gave my full effort when making these balloons because I thought about how I would feel if I were in the same place as Liam. His party was canceled due to something out of his control, and so I thought I could make him a few balloon creations to cheer him up. This made me feel a sense of pride in the work that I do because I have the ability to make people happy and put a smile on their face,” stated Parker.
Parker started making balloons at the age of ten years old.
“The first time I saw balloon art created, I was mesmerized. I started with a book that taught me how to make a dog, sword, and flower, however, I wanted to expand my knowledge and learn more. I then began watching various YouTube videos instructing me on how to make more complicated designs. As time went on, I began to practice making balloons more and more to the point where I could make a large variety of creations from memory. I then created my own business at the age of twelve, and have since made balloons at events ranging from birthday parties to weddings. One of my favorite creations I made was a life-size hockey player for my hockey banquet in seventh grade. I’ve also volunteered my time with special needs events such as Buddy Baseball and Syble Hopp School through football camp,” said Parker.
“The first time I saw balloon art created, I was mesmerized. I started with a book that taught me how to make a dog, sword, and flower, however, I wanted to expand my knowledge and learn more. I then began watching various YouTube videos instructing me on how to make more complicated designs. As time went on, I began to practice making balloons more and more to the point where I could make a large variety of creations from memory. I then created my own business at the age of twelve, and have since made balloons at events ranging from birthday parties to weddings. One of my favorite creations I made was a life-size hockey player for my hockey banquet in seventh grade. I’ve also volunteered my time with special needs events such as Buddy Baseball and Syble Hopp School through football camp,” said Parker.
Parker, a four-sport athlete, is staying motivated during the suspension of spring lacrosse and continues to train in hopes that the lacrosse season will start much later, and hopes to participate in Powerlifting Nationals on May 1.
“I miss my teammates and coaches the most with the suspension of the spring lacrosse season,” he said.
He also advises the young Saint Viator athletes “to cherish every moment to the fullest extent. This means never taking for granted a single practice, team workout, or film session. Time flies and your athletic career can be over before you know it.”
“I miss my teammates and coaches the most with the suspension of the spring lacrosse season,” he said.
He also advises the young Saint Viator athletes “to cherish every moment to the fullest extent. This means never taking for granted a single practice, team workout, or film session. Time flies and your athletic career can be over before you know it.”
Parker plans to attend Iowa State University in the fall and earn a Naval ROTC scholarship. He also hopes to participate in the weightlifting club and compete in powerlifting.
Parker knows Saint Viator High School prepared him for the next level of his academic and athletic career and is “very thankful for the supportive coaching staff I have had for all of the sports I have played, in addition to the numerous teachers who have guided me along the way. One of the biggest lessons I learned during my Saint Viator career is the importance of giving one hundred percent effort in everything. This includes performing well in the classroom in addition to on the field. I learned that I am capable of so much if I am willing to put the work in to get me to where I need to be. I was motivated to work hard all year round for my sports because I refused to give my teammates less of an effort that I am capable of giving.”
Parker knows Saint Viator High School prepared him for the next level of his academic and athletic career and is “very thankful for the supportive coaching staff I have had for all of the sports I have played, in addition to the numerous teachers who have guided me along the way. One of the biggest lessons I learned during my Saint Viator career is the importance of giving one hundred percent effort in everything. This includes performing well in the classroom in addition to on the field. I learned that I am capable of so much if I am willing to put the work in to get me to where I need to be. I was motivated to work hard all year round for my sports because I refused to give my teammates less of an effort that I am capable of giving.”
Congratulations to Parker Hellgeth! We wish him continued success in all of his future dreams and endeavors.
Saint Viator High School
Located in Arlington Heights, IL, Saint Viator High School is a private, co-ed, Catholic school for grades 9-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.