By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The 2016 Helena High School senior class will be the school’s second graduating class since the school opened its doors in August 2014, and collectively the group has accomplished many feats in the classroom and athletically. The senior class was recognized in a special ceremony on Monday, May 16.

The senior class filed into the HHS gymnasium for one of the last times as parents and family members gathered to take pictures and see what the senior class has accomplished.

Collectively, the HHS Class of 2016 received more than $4.1 million in scholarships as of May 11, and Helena High School principal April Brand commended the seniors on their achievements.

“This senior class has been awarded in excess of $4.1 million in scholarships,” said Brand. “As you can see, Helena High School is blessed with many, many talented and bright capable young people, and we’re certainly proud of all their accomplishments.”

At the awards ceremony, faculty members recognized seniors for awards in english, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign language, career technical education, fine arts, special awards, scholarship acknowledgements, senior awards, individual athletic and team awards and more.

The Helena High School boys soccer team was recognized for winning the schools first team state championship and received a standing ovation when commended on winning the blue map trophy on May 13.

Helena girls golf team member Grayson Gladden was also awarded for winning the schools first individual state championship. Gladden has a full scholarship to play collegiate golf at Arkansas State University.

Helena High School senior Jordan Ingram was commended and represents the class of 2016 as the valedictorian. She will further her education at Furman University.

The ceremony concluded with senior decoration as students were awarded for acceptance into the National Honor Society, Art Honor Society, International Thespian Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, Quill and Scroll, Rho Kappa, School Service recognition, Science Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and those graduating with honors.

After the awards ceremony, the students concluded the day with a senior luncheon at Birmingham’s Harbert Center.

Helena High School’s graduation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24 at the BJCC Concert Hall at 6:30 p.m.