Por Jennifer Osborn

It was the “Greatest homecoming on Earth!” Homecoming 2017 was a great success, from the Spirit Week, to the alumni events, to the football victory.

The week started with Spirit Week with students and staff participating in different dress-up days, and various activities at lunch.

On Friday, Helix was featured on KUSI’s Alarm Clock Pep Rally. The school was featured all morning, highlighting the rally, as well as other elements of the school, including the new EDGE lab. Students showed off robotics and 3-D Doodle pens, among other things.

Before the big football game Friday night, alumni gathered for a pre-game tailgate party, while others met in special end zone seating to watch the Highlanders take on West Hills. Prior to kickoff, former Helix teacher and longtime football coach, Rick Ash, was recognized and given an award, presented by many of his former students and players. Coach Ash is currently an assistant coach for West Hills.

Helix took an early lead in the game, and went into halftime with a decisive lead. The halftime festivities began with a performance by the Helix Tap Club, a group of about 30 dancers who spend hours after school each week learning technique and choreography as part of Helix’s after-school ASPIRE program. Their performance was followed by a Helix Dance Program number.

Then, it was time to crown Helix royalty! Escorted by people important to them, the members of the homecoming court took the stage. Court members included Landon Delgadillo, Matthew Goldman, Jaize Holt, Richard Kirkman, Leena Salem, Gabriel Saltzman, Tausala Schwalger, Lucy Stronach, and Chelsea Nunez-Tello. They were joined by Homecoming Duke Carlos Huerta (aka Tony Stark) and Duchess Aneta Lajres, who were voted to the court by peer tutors in the Super Scotties program, which serves students with moderate to severe physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Holt and Saltzman were crowned queen and king.

The football game then resumed, and Helix walked away with a 59-0 victory. Fans were then treated to an amazing fireworks display, courtesy of the Helix Associated Student Body.

On Saturday night, students attended the homecoming dance. The gym was transformed, carrying through the carnival theme. The night ended with a surprise appearance by Helix alumnus, rapper Rob $tone, who just released his first studio album on Friday.

And thus ended the “Greatest homecoming on Earth.”

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