By LAURA BROOKHART / Community Columnist

At the Helena High School Awards Day held on May 16, graduating seniors filed into the gymnasium to accept recognitions and be decorated by the National Honor Society, Art Honor Society, International Thespian Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Science Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Quill and Scroll.

Scholarship monies over $4.1 million had been awarded to the 2016 Senior Class of HHS as of May 11.

Kristen Blanton, senior counselor at HHS, said, “Students are guided by teachers, counselors and college representatives to apply for scholarships. This class is very special and talented. I am so proud of them and their achievements.”

Landon Genry, Student Council President, welcomed everyone and read the poem If, written in 1909 by Rudyard Kipling for his own son. This classic poem advocates confidence, honesty and fortitude, and encourages extreme endurance in the face of difficulties.

Jordan Ingram, Student Council Vice-President and class Valedictorian led the Pledge of Allegiance.

HHS Student Ambassadors were recognized for their participation throughout the school year—daily flag raising and escorting visitors and parents around the school during events.

The program for Awards Day noted details of the scholarship monies awarded and the name of the college which they will attend. Some nine students received scholarships of over $100,000.

Three young men who will be enlisting in the military received a standing ovation from their peers. Blake Benson and Tyler Franklin will be joining the Marines and Angel Rivera-Acuna, the Navy.

All rose to hear the HHS choir sing the HHS Alma Mater written by Jeff Burnside and Cissy Johnson in 2014, before the senior class recessional departed to celebrate with friends and family. A Senior Class Luncheon followed at noon.