Helix Highlights: Helix students prepare for the end of the school year

By Jen Osborn

While the school year is winding to a close, there is still plenty going on at Helix.

Graduation

We are excited to be celebrating the accomplishments of the class of 2015. Graduation will take place Thursday, June 4, at 6 p.m. A ticket is required for admission; graduating seniors will be able to reserve tickets through the school. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

College tours

Approximately 150 freshmen were able to participate in a college visitation field trip to see what some of our local universities have to offer. Three buses full of students and chaperones traveled first to San Diego State University, where they were greeted by Helix alumni attending SDSU. After a campus tour and discussion with the ambassadors about their college experiences, the group moved on to the UC San Diego campus. They were again hosted by a group of Helix alumni who gave the students some insight regarding what it takes to be admitted to the school, what the expectations are as a college freshmen, and much more.

This type of experience is an important part of Helix’s culture. Allowing students to be on a college campus and talk with others who have the same background makes attending college more attainable in their minds. As sophomores, the students will visit other San Diego campuses; then, as juniors, eligible students can participate in College 4 Me and visit 10 to 15 campuses all over the state of California.

Art winners

balboaweb — “Balboa Park Tower” by Aysha Alani (Courtesy Alani)

flowersweb — “Koi Fish and Flowers” by Belinda Mata

Two Helix art students placed in the 2015 Congressional Art Competition. The competition was open to all high school students in the 53rd Congressional District, represented by Susan Davis. First place went to Aysha Alani, with her depiction of Balboa Park. She won two round-trip tickets to Washington, D.C., and her artwork will hang in the U.S. Capitol building for a year. Belinda Mata’s “Koi Fish and Flowers” work earned an honorable mention.

Alumni outreach

Helix alumni are an important part of our campus, and many people come to give back to their alma mater. Recently, exchange student Joao Paula Vereza (1997, from Brazil) visited and presented a signed copy of his book of short stories to the Helix library. There are many talented and notable Highlanders in our community. We would like to find opportunities to connect our alumni with on-campus activities. Anyone interested can contact [email protected].

Community service

The Helix Student Empowerment group organized a Spring Youth Service Day on a recent Saturday. Seventy students spent more than three hours sprucing up the campus by picking up trash, pulling weeds, scraping gum and trimming plants. Their service to their school is appreciated.

Tennis on top

The boys’ tennis team finished the season as co-champions of the Grossmont Valley League. In individual achievements, seniors Nate Hottel and Joey Chen earned the doubles championship, and freshman Senay Woldeab took the singles championship. Sophomores Jorge Kcomt and Jonathan Bojorquez also qualified in doubles. As of this writing, all will be competing in the San Diego CIF championships.

—Jennifer Osborn writes on behalf of Helix Charter High School. Reach her at [email protected].