Scotties on Parade: Helix High Celebrates 60th Commencement

Although her name appeared in the program as a diploma-presenter, Rani Goyal was absent from the 60th graduation of Helix Charter High School. On Wednesday night, the school executive director who resigned 12 days earlier was never noted by adult or student speakers.

But traditions held. Families fought for parking—made worse by the performing arts building project. Valedictorians Kevin Chen, Shayla Gavin-Futas, Courtney Haibach-Morris, Trevyn Langsford and Marc Loschen gave emotional and humor-filled speeches—all conspiring to quote passages from the work of subversive children’s author and poet Shel Silverstein.

And Damon Chase, the grade-level principal acting as MC, noted the accomplishments of the class of about 500: About 200 graduated with honors, and 85 percent were headed for college. After 33 minutes, all the grads had gotten their diploma covers (the actual diplomas were distributed in the Dance Room afterward). They tossed their caps in the air, awaiting the rush of family and friends onto Jim Arnaiz Field.