The West Columbia Mayor and City Council recognized former Gray Collegiate football quarterback Hunter Helms during a council meeting on April 1, 2025. 

Helms was honored for his academic and athletic accomplishments. His parents, Todd and Kathryn Helms, joined him. 

Helms grew up in West Columbia and participated in various youth leagues, playing for the Cayce West Columbia Cougars football team and the Pineview Dixie Youth baseball team.

He attended Gray Collegiate Academy and excelled in both athletics and academics. He was a member of the National Honor Society, on the Principal's Advisory Council and was selected to attend Palmetto Boys State.

 Helms played football and baseball at Gray. He received numerous honors, including three All-Region selections, three All-State selections, two Region Player of the Year awards and the 2019 State Offensive Player of the Year award.

By the time his Gray career was done, he threw over 9,000 passing yards and had just under 100 touchdowns. 

After graduating, Helms continued his athletic career at Clemson and Rhode Island. He started his years at Clemson as a walk-on and eventually became the team’s main backup. He made nine appearances with the Tigers, completing 22-37 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns.

He transferred to Rhode Island for his final year of eligibility and split minutes with sophomore Devin Farrell. Helms finished the year with 105 completions for 1,270 yards and five touchdowns and helped lead the Rams to their first conference championship and playoff appearance in 39 years.

While at Clemson, Helms earned an undergraduate degree in construction science, was a two-time ACC Honor Roll selection and part of the 2020 College Football Playoff team. 

At Rhode Island, he earned a Grad-Certificate in Labor Relations and continued pursuing his M.B.A.