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BY TYLER RALEY | PHOTOS BY JEREMY RAINES AND ADAM SHORT

One of the most common traditions around the world is that when a person celebrates another trip around the sun, those around them sing, “Happy Birthday.” Even when it’s not a person, but instead a business or an institution, some sort of celebration is thrown.

However, when that celebration count comes to the number 100, it takes on a special meaning of recognizing a history of excellence and the roots from which it grew from.

Helena Elementary School joins the century club in April, and while everyone in the city knows the school for what it looks like today, what many do not realize is the fact that the school is rooted in the same place that it was when it was built in 1924.

For first-year principal Rebecca Laney, while she may be new to the school, the opportunity to be involved in a special event for a school that has reached its 100th year holds a lot of value, especially considering the school set the stage for Helena’s future growth.

“It’s truly special to be part of an event with deep roots in Helena’s history,” Laney said. “HES—now joined by Helena Intermediate, Helena Middle and Helena High School—has long been the heart and pride of our community, drawing many families to Helena for its schools. Honoring those who came before us is a privilege, and we hope it inspires everyone to continue celebrating HES for years to come.”

One of those who came before her and played a substantial role in the school’s history is current Helena City Council President Alice Lobell, who served as the first art teacher of HES beginning in 1990.

Although retired from the position, Lobell still enjoys giving back to a place that played host to a special time in her life, and feels grateful for what she embedded in the legacy of the school.

“It warms my heart,” Lobell said. “The school, the whole community, I just love it. I love going back to that school. They’re still a big part of me, and I’m very proud of the fact that I started the art department there.”

With all of the history that the school holds, Lobell touched back on some of the vision that had come with the development of the city of Helena, which could not have been done without the opportunities that the elementary school had brought.

“Sonny Penhale, who was the mayor when I moved here, his vision was that he wanted Helena to have their own high school,” Lobell said. “He really pushed for housing development during his time there because he knew if we had the population, then Shelby County would let us have our own school.”

Lobell went on to discuss that that vision that Penhale had was one of the many great visions that came in Helena’s early stages as a city, including that of the elementary school 100 years ago, relating it back to the railroads that were built in the 1800s and how it made Helena, Helena.

“In 1924, for them to build a school that big, to me that said whoever was running the city then had a vision for the city,” Lobell said. “I feel like that most of us in public office kind of still have that same vision of keeping that hometown feel.”

One thing that is true about any city is that change is inevitable, and for the previous 100 years, Helena Elementary has experienced that. However, while the school has carried out renovations and additions, it has still maintained the charm as it continues sitting in the same location as when it was built.

“That building, to me, I’m so glad that Shelby County hasn’t torn it down,” Lobell said. “It’s because they had to spend money because our community got so big, they had to build schools.”

In essence, the elementary school that the city knows and loves today is still there because the city had a vision. From the railroad tracks to the elementary school, and now to the intermediate, middle and high schools, Helena had a vision to continue expanding to be a residential and flourishing city. For the last 100 years, Helena Elementary School has played a massive part in that.

The school carries the history of all of the families who have been through it, and according to Laney, that is why it still has its charm.

“While the building has its challenges, its history and charm make it feel warm and welcoming,” Laney said. “The stone wall, the arch at the front entrance, and both the old and new red bricks are iconic symbols of the Helena community. However, the true heart of Helena Elementary School  comes from the generations of students and parents who have been part of its story.”

While she is still new to the school, Laney understands how much meaning the elementary school has brought to the community, making it unique and very special compared to other schools.

“What makes Helena so special is the strong sense of connection,” Laney said. “You can’t talk about Helena without mentioning Helena Elementary School—it’s woven into everyone’s story. This community is built on resilience and hard work. From its beginnings as a mining town to surviving a devastating tornado and thriving despite having no major highway frontage, Helena’s strength and spirit endure.”

If it were not for all of the tight bonds that residents and families associated with Helena Elementary School have, where would this beginning-level educational institute be?

Laney knows it would not be anywhere close to what it is now, as all the moving parts currently help the school to run smoothly in its historical roots.

“This school thrives because of the incredible support from the district, parents and the community,” Laney said. “Parents are always hands-on, helping with everything from playground equipment to technology. The number of volunteers at any given time is truly a blessing—they clean, paint, decorate, pressure wash, plant and landscape, wash windows, read to students, shelve books, deliver materials and care for faculty and staff in countless ways. The generosity of the community provides both funding and volunteers, and other schools, especially Helena High School, send students to mentor and support our young learners.”

So, while the Helena community and the entirety of Helena Elementary School will be celebrating into the night due to all of the accomplishments that they had leading up to the special event, they hope that the legacy it held 100 years ago will carry on into the next 100 years, and that that future will be very bright.

“I believe the students here today will cherish their time at Helena Elementary and have stories to share for years to come,” Laney said. “Many of their own children will likely walk these halls one day. Understanding our roots helps guide our future, and I hope this school continues to grow and evolve while holding onto the heart of the little country school it once was.”

Helena Elementary School may be 100 years old, but in reality, it is 100 years young and still chugging along like it was on day one.

“Years ago, few people even knew Helena existed, yet it was special then, just as it is now,” Laney said. “And with dedication from teachers, faculty, staff, students and parents, there’s no doubt it will remain special for another 100 years.”