For recent Glenwood Springs High School graduate Matthew Helms, the path to a medical career has been shaped by more than textbooks and classrooms — it’s been built poolside, lifeguarding at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, and in the moments that tested his courage when lives were on the line.

Now, thanks to a $16,000 award through the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort Higher Education Scholarship, Helms is taking the next step toward that career. He plans to study integrative physiology at the University of Colorado Boulder this fall, laying the foundation for a future in medicine.

“I’m so grateful for this opportunity,” Helms said. “Working at the Hot Springs has helped me figure out the kind of person I want to be. It’s taught me how to stay calm under pressure, how to lead a team, and how to help others when it matters most.”

Helms, who has worked at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort for nearly three years, serves as a team lead lifeguard — a position that requires overseeing fellow guards, managing guest safety, and stepping up during medical emergencies. He’s also a certified American Red Cross lifeguard instructor, training the next generation of lifesavers.

“Matthew’s a standout in every way,” said Taylor Mays, general manager at Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. “He’s mature beyond his years, patient with guests, and a strong mentor for younger lifeguards. We knew early on that he was special.”

That leadership and quick thinking were on full display in 2023, when Helms and his team were recognized by the American Red Cross with the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders. The award honored their efforts in saving the life of a 61-year-old man who suffered a cardiac arrest at the Glenwood Hot Springs Athletic Club.

Mays said it’s rare for someone Helms’ age to hold such responsibility at the resort.

“We typically don’t have team leads or instructors that young, but Matthew’s professionalism and dedication made it clear he could handle it,” Mays said. “He’s been a huge asset to our team.”

Helms credits his time at the Hot Springs for helping shape his goals — and giving him a sense of purpose.

“I’ve learned that I want to help people, and that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life,” Helms said.

The Glenwood Hot Springs Resort Higher Education Scholarship was created in 1995 to support local students in pursuing their academic and career goals. To date, the program has awarded more than $275,000 to students attending accredited colleges, universities, community colleges, or trade schools. Scholarships are distributed across four years, with recipients required to remain in good academic standing.

While Helms will head to Boulder this fall, Mays said the resort is hopeful he’ll return during school breaks to lend a hand.

“He’s part of our family, and we’ll always have a place for him here,” Mays said.

For Helms, the scholarship isn’t just a financial boost — it’s a reminder of the community that’s supported him along the way.

“It means a lot to know that the Hot Springs believes in me,” he said. “I’m excited to keep learning, growing and finding ways to help others.”