A hero is not always someone with a cape or a secret identity that gets all the attention. It is the person that goes out of their way to help others or to do the right thing when it needs to be done. This perfectly describes the 2022 Northeastern Oklahoma Area Hometown Hero Elias Warren of Kansas High School.

Although others consider him a hero, Warren takes it in stride and just lives his life the way he always has.

“When someone calls me a hometown hero, I don’t really feel like a hero,” he said. “I just try to be myself. I am just doing what I have been taught growing up and helping others when I can and don’t leave someone in need if I have the ability to help them.”

As a junior, Elias is a member of the student council, Business Professionals of America, Beta Club, the Future Farmers of America, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also plays baseball, football, and basketball for the Comets. Away from school, he plays the drums for the worship team at his church. He says that he loves the atmosphere in the community where he lives and is thankful to be a part of it.

“I enjoy being in a small town,” he said. “I love that everyone looks out for each other and that the people here are friendly.”

There have been people throughout his life that have had an impact on Elias, not just athletically but also as a person, and helped him become who he is today. 

“Coach Graham has been one of my biggest influencers,” he said. “He has always pushed me since middle school to be better. The biggest role model in my life and probably my biggest fan is my Papa George because he always supports me through any situation.”