As a gifted long-distance runner, Josh Helgeson’s self-motivation puts him at the head of the pack in track, cross country, and many other facets of his life.

"The kid is so extremely driven," said Jason Helgeson, Josh’s father. "The amount of miles that he runs at the weirdest hours of the day or night, snow, rain, sleet, it doesn’t matter. I’m not talking two or three miles. It’s eight or ten or twelve miles. He’ll go for a half marathon just for kicks."

Josh’s parents were both runners. His father competed in Ironman competitions and his mother ran marathons. Jason Helgeson recalls going on runs with his son while on family vacations.

"We’d go off and do a 5 or 10K," said Jason. "I’d jog along with him or maybe let him beat me at the end. It was maybe two or three years ago and that was no longer the case."

A three-time all-conference cross country runner and two-time state qualifier, makes sure his teammates are along for the ride.

"I’ve been here for eleven years," said Kyle McMahon, Green Bay Preble cross country coach. "I’d have to say Josh is probably the best leader we’ve had since I’ve been here in terms of leading by example, setting up group runs, making sure the team is accountable to what they’re supposed to be doing."

Due to the pandemic, the cross country season for Green Bay Preble moved to the spring. Shortly after that, Josh will compete in his final track season.

To stay active over the winter, Josh tried out for Preble’s basketball team. He played intramural ball in the past, but this was his first time suiting up for his high school. Josh ended up starting every game for the Hornets and was named to the FRCC All-Conference Defensive Team.

"To me, someone that’s all-defensive, that’s effort and hard work," said McMahon. "That’s what he is and that’s why he’s successful with cross country, track, and academics."

Josh is a star in the classroom as well. He’d likely graduate with a perfect GPA if it wasn’t for one A minus he received as a freshman.

"I finished with a 92.4 I believe," said Helgeson.

Josh used that disappointment as motivation for the rest of his academic career.

"Just from that, I’m like, I’m not going to get another A minus. I’m just going to put it behind me and I’ve been straight A’s since," said Helgeson. "It’s just something that I like to have in the back of my head that I don’t want to have that feeling again."

Josh gained national recognition through DECA, a marketing club that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs.

"Because of him, we’re successful," said Mark Bonetti, Preble’s DECA Advisor. "Other students look up to him. Other students ask him questions. He’s a go-to guy when I need something explained."

Josh also makes an impact on his community. Among many projects, Josh and another student raised money for the homeless population around Green Bay.

"To be able to give that money to the person at the Freedom House, just her smile and her telling me how much this is going to help, it just really warmed my heart to see the difference I can make," said Helgeson.

Josh will attend UW-Madison next year and plans on entering the medical field. He’ll take on new adventures with the same determination he used for running and academics.

"I think that’s just something my dad and my parents both taught me growing up," said Helgeson. "If you’re going to do something, give it your all."

He’ll be missed at Green Bay Preble High School.

"Once in a while you run into these great kids that you’re just lucky enough to be around and that’s the deal with Josh," said Bonetti.

Josh’s parents are excited to see where he ends up.

"He’s been a very close friend of mine," said Jason Helgeson. "As a father, you need to have discipline and you’ve got to be careful of that relationship but he’s someone I’ve admired for years. He’ll certainly be missed as he goes off to college."