Elyus Wallace has dedicated his life to impacting the youth of Winchester through coaching, mentorships, and his professional career at the juvenile detention center.

As a young high school student, Elyus did a “ride along” with members of the Friendship Fire Company. He later volunteered, trained hard, and became a certified firefighter at the age of 16. He started lifting weights at the fire station to improve his strength as a firefighter and as a Handley football player.  Police Sgt.. Ricky Timbrook became his mentor and got him into a weight lifting program during his junior year.

Elyus became a first team All Region defensive lineman his senior year. Coach Todd Hill described him as the emotional leader of the 1999 football team.

Elyus has been a volunteer Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician for over 20 years and has served on the Board of Directors for Friendship Fire Company. He has also served on the Winchester Social Services Advisory Board and has participated on the Substance Abuse Coalition as a member of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Prevention and Outreach Team.

Elyus experienced the importance of community first-hand as a young person and strives to give back by serving as a role model and mentor.

He completed Crisis Intervention Training and now serves as a Crisis Intervention Training Instructor. He helps to prepare others to navigate difficult situations and achieve the best possible outcome.

He has been an assistant football coach for Daniel Morgan Middle School.

He has worked with both children and adults with special needs. He is currently a Detention Specialist at the Northwestern Regional Juvenile Detention Center where he strives to inspire and instill a sense of hope by guiding troubled youth toward a better future.

He is committed to the community’s betterment. He actively addresses needs and, by collaborating with community leaders, champions for positive change.

Elyus currently serves on the Winchester City School Board, advocating for education and youth development. He hopes to inspire the young members of our community and supports the tradition of “learning for all, whatever it takes.”