C4Me – College tour trip
Since 2006, Helix’s College 4 Me (C4Me) Tour Program has given all students the opportunity to visit some of California’s top colleges and universities in person. Each spring break, a few hundred juniors board charter buses and travel across the state, exploring a variety of campuses. For many of our students, this is their first glimpse into college life—and often the first in their family to consider attending college. Helix is proud to offer this program to any interested student, regardless of financial ability.

This year’s trip was a huge success! 230 juniors participated in a three-part college exploration series before the trip, covering topics such as college basics, transcript reviews, choosing a major, and more. 

During the five-day journey, students toured 12 colleges in Northern California, attended admission workshops, and connected with Helix alumni to hear firsthand about their college experiences. In addition to campus visits, students also had free time to explore the Santa Cruz Pier and downtown Davis—creating lasting memories with classmates.

Freshmen college field trip
Freshmen also got the chance to experience college! As part of Helix First—a required class that helps freshmen get to know Helix—students took a day-long college tour of SDSU and UCSD. This trip offers a valuable introduction to college life that can only be experienced by stepping onto a real campus.

Trades Day
Our 3rd annual Trades Day event brought together professionals from a wide range of industries to connect with students and share career opportunities. 

Participating organizations included:

• Construction Trades: Electrical Training Institute, Sheet Metal Union, Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association, El Cajon Valley Continuing School
• Law Enforcement & City Jobs: La Mesa Police Department, La Mesa Public Works, Heartland Fire and Rescue
• Military: Navy, Army, Coast Guard
• Culinary Arts: Mesa College Culinary Program, D. The Baker
• Cosmetology: SkinbyEileen, Paul Mitchell School
• Health & Wellness: Laura Rodriguez Medical Assistant Institute, SDInclusive Massage Therapy
• Sustainability: CivicSpark Fellows, GRID Alternatives
• Certification Programs: Grossmont College and Cuyamaca College

Spring Fling Freshmen Showcase & Welcome BBQ
We recently hosted our annual Spring Fling Freshmen Showcase and Welcome BBQ, where incoming families had the chance to explore Helix’s academic programs, arts, athletics, and student activities. 

It was a fun and informative evening designed to welcome new students and highlight all the opportunities Helix has to offer.

Upcoming events:

• Spring Cabaret – May 8 & 9
• Dance Performance – May 15 & 16
• Senior Prom – May 17
• Senior Boards – May 21 & 22
• Graduation & Last Day of School – Wednesday, June 4.

Volunteers needed for Senior Boards – May 21 & 22

Senior Boards is a graduation requirement for all Helix seniors, and we’re looking for volunteers to serve as judges alongside our teachers and staff. As a judge, you’ll listen to seniors share their high school experiences and talk about their plans for the future. It’s a meaningful way to connect with our students and engage with the Helix community. 

We’re hoping to involve as many parents and community members as possible to bring diverse perspectives to the judging panels. You’re welcome to join us for one or both days (May 21 & 22) from 12:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Judges will meet in the library for a catered lunch, followed by a brief orientation explaining the project and the judging rubric. Then, we’ll head to classrooms around campus to watch the presentations. 

If you’re interested in volunteering, RSVP – bit.ly/4lwDgFU

Athletics highlights:

Boys Lacrosse

Boys lacrosse (pictured above) is off to the best start in program history. We started off 10-0 and then lost to San Dieguito Academy in the final seconds. We are currently the number seed in Division II. The team is very unselfish and has great team chemistry. Ryan Appenzeller, Landon Leeke Romeo degracia, Jack Sheenhan and Carter Kleis are the standout players. 

Couldn’t be prouder of this team and look forward to seeing what all we accomplish this season.

Track & Field

Spencer Gray: Not your usual track & field star

By Helix Track & Field Head Coach Rodney Van

Four years ago, a quiet, skinny freshman with a skateboard showed up at track tryouts at the suggestion of his PE teacher. I’ll admit—Spencer Gray didn’t look like much of a runner at first glance. But it didn’t take long to realize I was looking at something special.

From the moment Spencer laced up his spikes, it was clear he had something you can’t teach—raw speed. That freshman year, he quickly earned a spot as an alternate on our varsity 4×100 and 4×400 meter relay teams. He even traveled with us to the California State Championships, where our 4×400 squad broke the school record and medaled.

Spencer’s rise didn’t stop there. As a sophomore, he helped qualify both relay teams again for the 2023 State Championships. By junior year, he had taken his performance to another level—placing 2nd in the 200m at the San Diego CIF Championships and anchoring both our 4×100 and 4×400 relays to CIF titles. He qualified for State in all three events, finishing 15th in California in the 200m.

Now, as a senior in 2025, Spencer is one of the top sprinters in San Diego County. At various points this season, he has led the county in all major sprint events—100m, 200m, 400m, 4×100, and 4×400. College coaches have taken notice. He’s drawn interest from programs like Long Beach State, Cal State Northridge, Northern Arizona, Texas State, and even Stanford.

But Spencer is more than just a standout athlete. He’s an Eagle Scout, a 3.6 GPA student, and a respected team captain. He leads with humility, shows up every day with purpose, and lifts up the athletes around him.

Wherever Spencer ends up competing at the next level, one thing is for sure: that program is getting a game-changer—and an even better human being.

(Courtesy photos)