Helensview School expects up to 68 graduates;
students select Sgt. George Weatheroy to
be their keynote speaker

Helensview graduate Sophia Herrera, who delivered the keynote address, and Portland Mayor Sam Adams at PCC's
Future Connect event

Helensview graduate Ashley Pearson
with her family

Helensview graduate CJ Clark (left) at the PCC Future Connect event. With CJ are Isauwni Castillo and Nicole Blasing, students at Alliance @ Benson HS and participants in MESD's Alternative Pathways program

The 2012 Helensview School graduation will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6th the Hammonds Conference Center at the Portland Holiday Inn on NE Columbia Blvd. in Portland. 

With an expected graduating class of 68 students, Helensview School Principal Kris Persson is extremely proud of this group. 

“This year holds the first class of graduates, based on the students’ cohort year, who have to meet the state essential skill of reading before obtaining a regular diploma.  I am really proud of the number of students committed to meeting this standard,” said Kris.

Kris said the importance of receiving a regular diploma (instead of a modified diploma) cannot be overstated since federal financial aid is the key to opening doors to college or other post-secondary training.

“This is a standard that many students thought may have been out of their reach based on their individual school/learning histories and their previous scores.  The stakes are really high now because if the students don't pass this exam, they are ineligible for federal financial aid to assist them in paying for post secondary learning options,” she said.

“So, the pressure has been on all year and the students are rising to the challenge. I am so proud of their perseverance and commitment to learning...it blows me away!”

Helensview students have selected Portland Police Department’s Sgt. George Weatheroy as their keynote speaker.  For the past few years Sgt. Weatheroy has been leading popular discussion groups on a variety of topics with students.  His presence at the school has helped increase the students’ understanding of police while also building bridges between officers and students.

“This is pretty amazing that the youth of Helensview would select a police officer to be their speaker,” said Kris.  “The students are also honoring him at the graduation with a plaque for his ‘passion, advocacy and support of Helensview youth.’"