Helix High School

{{Multiple issues| {{More citations needed|date=January 2021}} {{Unreliable sources|date=January 2021}} }} {{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Use American English|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox school | name = Helix Charter High School | native_name = | logo = Helix High School logo.jpg | logo_size = 150px | motto = ''Once a Scottie, Always a Scottie'' | established = 1952 | address = 7323 University Avenue | city = La Mesa, California | zipcode = 91942 | country = United States | coordinates = {{coord|32|45|16|N|117|2|14|W|type:edu_region:US_dim:370|display=title,inline}} | campus = | type = Charter public comprehensive secondary | affiliation = | affiliations = | president = | principal = Paula Ann Trevino | rector = | dean = | founder = Johnny Aguilar | chaplain = | chairman = | head_label = | head = | staff = 105.59 (FTE)<ref name=NCES/> | ratio = 24.09<ref name=NCES/> | enrollment = 2,544 (2023–2024)<ref name=NCES>{{cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=0616230&ID=061623002023|title=Helix High|publisher=National Center for Education Statistics|access-date=January 22, 2025}}</ref> | enrolment = | grades = 9–12 | district = Grossmont Union High School District | oversight = | accreditation = Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) | colors = {{Color box|green|border=darkgray}}{{Color box|gray|border=darkgray}} Green and gray | colours = | newspaper = Highland Fling | yearbook = Tartan | nickname = Scotties/Highlanders<ref>{{cite web|url=http://helixscotties.com|title=Home|website=helixscotties.com|access-date=2019-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824204838/https://helixscotties.com/|archive-date=2018-08-24|url-status=dead}}</ref> | free_label2 = | free_text2 = | free_label3 = | free_text3 = | website = {{URL|www.helixcharter.net}} | footnotes = | picture = }}

'''Helix High School''', or '''Helix Charter High School''', is a charter high school in La Mesa, California, built in 1952. It received its charter in 1998. Helix is part of Grossmont Union High School District, and serves a mid-level socioeconomic community. It has a student body of approximately 2,400 students. Helix serves parts of La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and Spring Valley; however, as a charter school, all high school students in the state of California are eligible to attend.

Helix High School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and was named a California Distinguished School in 2001 and 2009.<ref>[http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/disting2001.asp]{{dead link|date=October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/disting2009.asp |title=2009 Distinguished Middle and High Schools - California Distinguished Schools Program (CA Dept of Education) |publisher=Cde.ca.gov |date=2010-04-02 |access-date=2010-10-07 |archive-date=September 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150901033748/http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/disting2009.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/ap/distingcounty.asp?county=37&submit1=Submit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311081314/http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/sr/cs/ap/distingcounty.asp?county=37&submit1=Submit|url-status=dead|title=List of California Distinguished Schools in San Diego County|archive-date=March 11, 2007}}</ref>

==History== {{Unreferenced section|date=February 2026}} Helix Charter High School opened as the second high school in Grossmont Union High School District in September 1951, to relieve record enrollment of 3000 at Grossmont High School. Its first principal was Benton Hart. In November 1950, East County voters overwhelmingly approved a local bond issue for $1.9 million that financed "the University Avenue high school." Helix's first year of studies was held at Grossmont while the new campus was being built. The two schools operated on double sessions that year.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

Helix, receiving half of Grossmont High School's students, attended class in the afternoon. Grossmont's 1500 students attended in the morning. Because of rapid population growth in the area, Helix soon grew overcrowded itself. This resulted in plans to build and open El Cajon Valley High School four years after the opening of Helix.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

==Remodeling==

Since the opening of the school, much of the campus and technology have deteriorated or become outdated. With voter approval of Proposition H in 2004 and Proposition U in 2008, Helix High School will undergo remodeling projects. These projects include a new administration building, a new science building, a new performing arts center, and the remodeling of all standard classrooms.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

The remodeling of the campus has already started, and has been completed for buildings 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 1100, 1140, 1200 the new science building (1800), the performing arts center (900) and the lecture hall (1300), which officially opened in January 2014. The remaining buildings to be remodeled include 1000 (Gym), and 1600 (cafeteria). Building 800 has been demolished, and the new Administration/Student Services Office is located in its old location. In addition to the renovation efforts of the campus buildings, all of the landscaping on the school grounds will be rehabilitated.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

==Traditions==

===Bagpipe Band=== Helix Charter's pipe band includes several pipers and a drum corps consisting of several snare drummers, tenor drummers, and one bass drummer. During autumn, the bagpipe band accompanies the Helix Highlander Band in parades, football games, and sometimes field competitions. Additionally, they march the varsity football team out onto the field before home games. During the rest of the year, the pipe band frequently performs at paid as well as volunteer gigs, and competes at various Scottish Highland Games in Southern California.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://helixband.net/HIMA/Ensembles.html |title=Performing Ensembles |access-date=2014-01-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708041013/http://www.helixband.net/HIMA/Ensembles.html |archive-date=2012-07-08 }}</ref> The bagpipe band is funded by the Helix Instrumental Music Association.

===Battle for the Musket=== Every year since the school's opening in 1952, Helix and Grossmont High School have competed against each other for this musket, given to the winner of the Grossmont vs. Helix varsity football game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lamesa.patch.com/groups/sports/p/helix-and-grossmont-football-to-battle-for-the-musket-league-title-friday|title=Helix and Grossmont Football to Battle for the Musket, League Title Friday|date=28 October 2013|website=patch.com}}</ref> Typically, this football game is one of the most attended of the season. This is just one of several weapon-themed rivalry games that Helix holds with the surrounding high schools.

==Notable alumni==

*Lalo Alcaraz,<ref>{{cite news |last=Sauro |first=Tony |title=Comic strip artist set to speak at Delta College|date=April 18, 2017|newspaper=The Record|url=http://www.recordnet.com/entertainmentlife/20170418/comic-strip-artist-set-to-speak-at-delta-college}}</ref> 1982, American cartoonist most famous for creating the first nationally syndicated, politically themed Latino daily comic strip La Cucaracha * Evan Arapostathis, 1981,<ref name="shanahan">{{cite news |last=Shanahan |first=Tom |title=Allen has legendary stature in San Diego Lincoln High product isn't the only local icon |date=January 25, 2003 |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |page=SPECIAL: SUPER BOWL XXXVII-1}}</ref> former NFL punter * Reggie Bush,<ref>{{cite news |last=Brand |first=Steve |title=High school Top 50 |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |date=November 9, 2010 |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/nov/09/high-school-top-50/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113042504/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/nov/09/high-school-top-50/ |archive-date=November 13, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 2003, former NFL running back for the New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and the Buffalo Bills * Chuck Cecil,<ref>{{cite news |title=Cecil to join College Football Hall of Fame |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |date=July 15, 2010 |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jul/15/cecil-join-college-football-hall-fame/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018094048/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jul/15/cecil-join-college-football-hall-fame/ |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 1983, former NFL free safety for the Green Bay Packers, Phoenix Cardinals, and Houston Oilers; formerly defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans * Kerry Chater, 1964, songwriter; bass guitarist for Gary Puckett and the Union Gap{{citation needed|date=February 2026}} * Jalen Davis, 2014, NFL cornerback<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hjnews.com/logan_hj/davis-a-standout-corner-for-usu/article_0f2760ef-fd50-5709-9580-ae9ef4574096.html|title=Davis a standout corner for USU|first=Jason|last=Turner|work=The Herald Journal|date=September 7, 2016|access-date=April 7, 2025|quote=The former Helix High (California) star felt he played better as a freshman than he did as a sophomore, and that gives him extra motivation in ’16.}}</ref> * Karl Dorrell, 1982, college football coach<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofsandiego.com/sports/2020/11/27/colorado-led-by-helix-high-alum-faces-san-diego-state-in-replacement-game/|title= Colorado, Led By Helix High Alum, Faces San Diego State In Replacement Game |work=Times of San Diego|date=2020-11-27|access-date=2022-10-31|quote=The Buffaloes are 2-0 under first-year head coach Karl Dorrell, a 1982 graduate of Helix Charter High School in La Mesa.}}</ref> * Bruce Gillingham,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.classcreator.com/La-Mesa-California-Helix-1977/class_classmates.cfm|title=Helix High School Class of 1977 Classmate Profiles|website=www.classcreator.com}}</ref> 1977, U.S. Navy Surgeon General * Dennis Hopper,<ref>{{cite news|title=Helix High's Hopper rebels without pause|date=February 4, 1990|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|page=E-1|first=Divina|last=Infusino}}</ref> 1954, actor, artist, and film director * Cordelia Mendoza, 1967, antiques expert, appraiser<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ana-appraisers.org/directory-of-appraisers.html|title=Directory of ANA Qualified Appraisers|website=Appraisers National Association}}</ref> and philanthropist * Wilbert Olinde,<ref>{{cite news|title=Three Metro stars selected to County all-star basketball|newspaper=Chula Vista Star-News|page=B-4|date=June 7, 1973|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/57064254/|access-date=August 10, 2020|via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> 1973, basketball player * Kyra Phillips,<ref name="high cost">{{cite news |first=Tom |last=Blair |title=The high cost of losing . . . |date=October 15, 2010 |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/oct/15/the-high-cost-of-losing/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110040323/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/oct/15/the-high-cost-of-losing/ |archive-date=November 10, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 1986, news anchor, CNN *Barry Pressing, 1967, contemporary artist and sculptor living in Australia<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.e-yearbook.com/yearbooks/Helix_High_School_Tartan_Yearbook/1967/Page_63.html|title=Helix High School - Tartan Yearbook (La Mesa, CA), Class of 1967, Page 63 of 238 &#124|website=e-yearbook.com}}</ref> *Marc Raab,<ref>{{cite news|first=Jim|last=Trotter|title=From Pacific Bell to NFL: It's a snap|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|date=December 14, 1998|page=C15|quote=Marc Raab, a 29-year-old manager with Pacific Bell, thought he was having a pretty good week when his alma mater, Helix High, won its first CIF-San Diego Section football championship in 16 years on Tuesday.}}</ref> former NFL center * Jake Reed, 2011, baseball player<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2009/nov/20/versatile-helix-qb-has-foes-guessing/|title=Versatile Helix QB has foes guessing|work=U-T San Diego|access-date=October 24, 2014}}</ref> * Brandon Sanders,<ref name="shanahan" /> former NFL defensive back * Cathy Scott,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/apr/12/book-launch-at-helix-on-friday/?print&page=all|title=Book launch at Helix on Friday|author=Karen Pearlman|work=U-T San Diego|access-date=6 March 2015}}</ref> 1967, true crime author and national journalist * Keionte Scott, 2020, college football cornerback for the Miami Hurricanes<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://miamihurricanes.com/roster/keionte-scott/|publisher=Miami Hurricanes|title=Keionte Scott}}</ref> * Josh Simmons, 2022, NFL offensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs<ref>{{cite web |title=Josh Simmons - Football 2022 |url=https://goaztecs.com/sports/football/roster/season/2022/player/josh-simmons |website=San Diego State Aztecs}}</ref> * Alex Smith,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20050424/news_1s24sullivan.html |title=Alex Smith answers call as top choice by San Francisco 49ers |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |last=Sullivan |first=Tim |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125061806/http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20050424/news_1s24sullivan.html |archive-date=January 25, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 2002, former NFL quarterback, San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins / Football Team, and #1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft * Casey Tiumalu, 1979,<ref name="shanahan" /> former NFL running back * Levine Toilolo,<ref>{{cite news |title=S.D. tight ends known for quality, not quantity |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |date=October 6, 2017 |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sports/high-school-preps/sd-sp-preps-all-time-0930-story.html}}</ref> 2008, NFL tight end for the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions * Bill Walton,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/waltobi01.html|title=Bill Walton Stats - Basketball-Reference.com|website=Basketball-Reference.com}}</ref> 1970, sportscaster and former National Basketball Association (NBA) Hall of Fame center Portland Trail Blazers, Boston Celtics and San Diego Clippers (now the Los Angeles Clippers); Center for the UCLA Bruins *Bruce Walton,<ref>{{cite web |title=Title IX helps baby brothers, too |publisher=San Diego Hall of Champions |url=http://www.sdhoc.com/newswire/title-ix-helps-baby-brothers-too |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519014330/http://www.sdhoc.com/newswire/title-ix-helps-baby-brothers-too |archive-date=May 19, 2012 |url-status=usurped }}</ref> former NFL offensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys * Todd Watkins,<ref>{{cite news |title=Scouting the Raiders |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/oct/27/n39331-scouting-raiders-chargers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091114111934/http://www3.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/oct/27/n39331-scouting-raiders-chargers/ |archive-date=November 14, 2009 |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |url-status=dead }}</ref> 2001, former NFL wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders * Leon White,<ref>{{cite news |title=Steven Haynes, founder of Athletes for Education, dies at 56 |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/mar/03/steven-haynes-founder-of-athletes-for-education/ |newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324045018/http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/mar/03/steven-haynes-founder-of-athletes-for-education/ |archive-date=March 24, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 1980, former NFL linebacker, 1986–1991 Cincinnati Bengals, 1992–1993 Los Angeles Rams

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * [http://www.helixcharter.net Helix High School] * [http://www.guhsd.net/ Grossmont Union High School District] {{Grossmont Union High School District|state=collapsed}}{{Education in San Diego County|state=collapsed}}{{Portal bar|Schools|California|Education}} {{authority control}}

Category:High schools in San Diego County, California Category:La Mesa, California Category:Charter high schools in California Category:Educational institutions established in 1952 Category:School buildings completed in 1952 Category:1952 establishments in California

Helix High School

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