Great 8 Lead the Way at Helix Charter High School’s 61st Graduation

Story by Ken Stone and photos by Chris Stone

They were the firstest with the mostest—from Rose Marie Cabrera Abad to Karla Monserrat Zuniga. 

Helix Charter High School graduated some 483 students late Wednesday afternoon at Benton Hart Stadium as the first school in the Grossmont Union High School District to hold commencement in 2013.

Fourteen more, including alternative schools, will follow though June 19.

The mostest? The Scotties boasted eight valedictorians at the 61st commencement—more than the combined number set to speak at Grossmont, Monte Vista and Mount Miguel.  

Mike Lewis oversaw his first graduating class as executive director at Helix as Elena Smith saw her senior class out as Class of 2013 principal. Next year, she starts over again with a freshman class.

These were the Helix valedictorians (plus their grade point averages and parents):

Kevin Huang, 4.76, son of Ms. Lishan Huang of San Diego.

Ryan Chau, 4.75, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nguon (Phung Tieu) Chau of La Mesa.

Clayton Judy, 4.71, son of Mr. Clayton Judy and Ms. Cynthia Chavez of  San Diego.

Steven Holman, 4.64, son of Mr. and Mrs. James (Minerva) Holman of Spring Valley.

Sarah Banks, 4.59, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey (Elena) Banks of La Mesa.

Amanda Quang, 4.59, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Van (Annie) Quang of San Diego.

Dimas Parish, 4.57, son of Mr. and Mrs. Keleem (Sonya) Parish of La Mesa.

And Amber Sonka, 4.51, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John (Kalen) Sonka of Lemon Grove.

Throughout June, some 5,340 students earning a diploma from nine comprehensive high schools, two charter high schools and three alternative high schools in the Grossmont district will don caps and gowns for commencement exercises.