Carson Winkie, Bridgeport Virginia – 2020 Turner Maurice Gauntt, Jr. Exemplary Citizen Award Winner
Carson Winkie is the son of Ken and Leslie Winkie, and the youngest of five children. Carson, a graduate of Bridgeport High School, served as the Student Body president throughout his senior year. He is currently serving as the governor of West Virginia Boys State and as a senator to the American Legion Boys Nation. He was appointed as the secretary of Homeland Security while at Boys Nation. In the Winter of his senior year, Carson was selected as 1 of 2 students from West Virginia to represent his state in the United States Senate Youth Program. This competitive national program aims to instill profound knowledge of the American political process and a lifelong commitment to public service. Athletically, he was the captain of his high school football team and helped lead his team to win the West Virginia AA State Championship Football Game. After the game, Carson was named the State Championship MVP and also broke a record for having the most carries in a WV State Championship game, 43 carries. He also received the distinction of First Team All State for his linebacker position. Carson is an advocate for community service and he always tries to help in anything he can. He has volunteered since his sophomore year in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, where he helps develop young high school leaders. He has also volunteered for Wreaths Across America placing wreaths to honor each veteran in his local community. Throughout high school, Carson was an active member in National Honor Society and was valedictorian of his class. Additionally, Carson was recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction in his junior and senior years. He has lettered in both academics and orchestra throughout his high school experience. Outside of highschool, Carson is a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Stonewood, WV. As a parishioner, he has assisted in the delivery of items to homebound parishioners and played cello for services.
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