Greeting to all and welcome to E-Sader #7! Your "links" to Helias are on the right, as always. Enjoy!

Helias Traditions                 

As Helias High School has grown, evolved with different student bodies and staff, embraced changing times, and preserved high academic, character, and social standards; its traditions have followed suit. Writing in to share a favorite Helias tradition, are five alumni and one senior.

When I was in school at St. Peter's the boys classrooms were on the first floor and they were taught by the Christian Brothers.  On the second floor the girls were taught by the Notre Dame nuns.  We did have study hall in the library-boys on one side-and girls on the other.

 I remember we had such fun at the Haven.  It was a room across the front of the second floor of Selinger Center.  The Haven was open at lunchtime and for a couple of hours some evenings.  We had a juke box, booths, and we could buy snacks and soda as well as hang out with our friends.

Things really haven't changed.  We received a great education in a Christian and moral environment just like the students at Helias today. 

--Mary Ann Vogel Hyleck ‘53

HHS

As I look back on my days at Helias I recall many great traditions as a young man attending a Catholic high school here in the Midwest.  However my most memorable tradition was one that I have come to appreciate more and more over the years and a tradition that truly set our students apart from the majority of high schools in our state.  However, I suspect that I will be in the minority when I tell you that my favorite tradition was our dress code; a dress code that included a tie, dress shirt and dress pants. 

To this day there is something about being dressed appropriately and neatly that allows me to be at my best.  Even back then it encouraged me to be organized and tidy in every aspect of my high school years.  I am also a firm believer that our dress code gave all of us a better chance of respecting not only ourselves but also our fellow students.  Even though today's dress code at Helias is not as stringent as in days past, I can always pick out one of our students in a crowd and I am usually proud of their appearance.

--Nip Neidert ‘67

HHS

It's not easy to explain to the kids who attend Helias today what an integral part of student life the Pepettes were years ago. The name "Pepettes" even seems kind of silly now perhaps. But in the days before there wasn't much available in the way of girls' sports, so the vast majority of the female population at Helias belonged to this organization. 

The Pepettes were basically a pep squad, led by the cheerleaders. We wore a gold wool sweater with a big H on the front, white blouse, navy wool culottes, and navy knee socks.  Each member was required to attend all home football and basketball games, and a designated number of out-of-town games in each of these sports. Buses were hired for all the out- of-town games; generally, there were at least two or three buses [of Pepettes] going to any given out-of-town sporting event.

Both at home and at away games, an entire section of bleachers would be set aside for the Pepettes. We took pride in the fact that we created a sea of gold because we were so numerous. And we could be quite loud as well. The cheerleaders actually got responses when they cheered in front of such a large group.  More often than not, we left the games hoarse.

But there was even more about being a Pepette that made it so much fun-the bus trips.  This was bonding time-both within the larger community of Helias females and in the hushed conversations between two seatmates. A trip to any game was generally noisy-lots of excitement and anticipation, chanting of cheers. But always there was finally a settled, quieter time of visiting with one's friends, or getting to know someone who maybe you hadn't taken the opportunity to talk with for the simple fact that you did not share classes or lunch periods.

Ultimately it's the relationships between people that mean the most in life. Being in Pepettes gave us girls a common purpose and bond, and also the time for bonding. 

--Lisa Butzer Dulle ‘73

HHS

When I was asked to write about my favorite Helias tradition I began to reminisce. Times that came to mind were the many annual events such as the "Get Acquainted" Dance and cheering at the many sporting events as a Pepette. I also recalled participating in our Homecoming events such as the parade, football game and assemblies. All of these events were special to me because of students, faculty, parents and families that were filled with pride and school spirit.

The one tradition that has always been a favorite of mine from when I was a student at Helias to now is the Homecoming Mass. To me this event symbolizes the very essence of Helias-our FAITH. As a student I looked on with awe at the number of alumni who returned each year to participate in this celebration. Now as an alumnus, I always look forward to the Homecoming Mass to reconnect with old friends, see many of the teachers, coaches and staff who played an important part in shaping who I am today, and most of all to celebrate Mass in such a joyous and blessed manner.

We are so fortunate to have a school such as Helias to assist in providing the groundwork of our faith as adults. Through the celebration of the Homecoming Mass we are able to see many generations of the Helias family come together and celebrate our faith as a Family of God.

--Jennifer Heislen Wright ‘86

HHS

Thinking back to my days at Helias High School brings a smile to my face. I have so many fond memories of my high school experience, but I would definitely have to say that the tradition that I enjoyed most was the Homecoming festivities. From working on the floats for the Homecoming Parade to shopping for that perfect Homecoming dress for the dance to the excitement of the football game and all the parties afterward...this was a special time of year at Helias.

My favorite Homecoming memory was the Homecoming Spirit assembly my senior year (Homecoming 1994). We wanted to make a name for ourselves as seniors, so we filled that gym with huge, bright signs and lots of confetti. We made so much noise-it was sheer pandemonium! Everyone could definitely feel the spirit and the energy in that gym. However, the best part of the assembly was a total surprise to the entire student body...near the end of the assembly Sister Jean and Denny Hughes wheeled an enormous cake out onto the floor. We all wondered why we were having cake at the assembly and before we knew it, Leon Vanderfeltz pops through the middle of it, shouting, "Give me an H - E - L - I - A - S.  What's that spell?"  What a great man sharing in all of the fun of this Helias tradition.

--Lori Reinsch Lopez ‘95

HHS

My favorite Helias tradition occurs along with the many homecoming festivities. While some may prefer watching the parade march down High Street or the school spirit assembly, I enjoy the class spirit days. Although competitions among the classes rage on all week, none is more important than your class's spirit day. For seniors this moment is extra special because they are expected to uphold their tradition of winning. No matter how hard the juniors organize and prepare, the seniors just seem to be able to outdo them and the other two classes. From dressing up and supporting your class's theme to parading around school and proclaiming your school spirit, nothing else truly describes and explains what Helias traditions are all about.

--Bobby Rauch ‘08

First Hall of Fame Event a Big Hit!

The induction ceremony for the Helias Hall of Fame was held April 20, 2008. 

The Hall of Fame inductees were selected based upon their service to Helias and involvement not only with Helias, but in the community as well.  Pictured above are (front row) Larry Kolb, Louis Rackers, Ann Schnieders Bax, John and Dennis Rackers (on behalf of Jim Rackers) (back row) Jim Wisch, Leon Vanderfeltz, John Wegman, Ray Hentges, John Krautmann.

266 attended the induction ceremony which included a Mass for the inductees and their families celebrated by Fr. Doyle, social hour (courtesy of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board, Fechtel Beverage, and Scheppers Distributing), dinner (compliments of Fresh Ideas), and program (emceed by KRCG's Mike Roberts).  The event took place in the Helias Commons, which was transformed from school cafeteria to banquet hall thanks to round tables donated by Capitol Plaza Hotel, and beautiful decorations created and provided by Mike Bruns.

Over 40 Helias students volunteered to move tables and set up for the event, serve dinner, and clean up afterward.  These young men and women represented Helias well.  Their service did not go unnoticed; many positive comments were made by guests about how well the Helias students conducted themselves and worked to ensure a successful Hall of Fame event.

Sue Morton Berendzen '82, representing the Missouri Wine and Grape Board, pours a glass for Chelle Luebbering Shepard '80 during the social hour.

Thanks to all those who helped make this event succesful, and congratulations to the 2008 Hall of Fame Inductees!

  Helias Football 2008 Lift-A-Thon

There is a saying that "Champions are not born, they are made" and that is a motto that the Helias Football team is trying to live by. The weight room is so vital to our success and we have made an extreme commitment to making the weight room a place all of our players love. Last summer we had over 80% attendance from our entire team and there is no doubt that dedication played a big role in our 10-1 record and state ranking. This year we expect even greater numbers (90 players in our sophomore through senior classes) and even greater weight room attendance. We hope that this leads to even greater success next season. 

To help offset the ever increasing costs of running an effective program and weight room, we will be holding our second annual Lift-A-Thon this July 14^th - July 18^th. Our players all collect pledges (usually one to five cents per pound) based on how many pounds they lift in the Bench Press, Squat, Hang Clean, and Incline Press. This year the money will go towards our new weight room equipment and our new video equipment. If you would like to place a pledge towards a player or make a donation to our cause, please feel free to contact Head Coach Chris Hentges (chentges@heliashighschool.com or 573-291-3422) or Assistant Head Coach Phil Pitts (ppitts@heliashighschoo.com or 573-230-5483).

Thank you so much for your consideration and we hope to see you next year at one of our 5 home games. Helias Football is taking another step closer to returning to the top and we would love for you to be a part of it. 

--Chris Hentges and Phil Pitts

Save the date:  Helias Foundation's 20th Annual Golf Tournament is September 8, 2008

Choose from the following courses:  Redfield, Eagle Knoll, Meadow Lake, and Osage National.  Watch for more details in the next E-Sader or contact Marti Dupuis with questions.  See you there!

Memphis Mission Trip

By Brandon Martin '98

Christian service isn't new to Helias, but mission trips are. This year students, faculty, and staff were given the privilege of participating in two sponsored mission trips-the Mexico Mission Trip and the Memphis Mission Trip. Created by Didier Aur, the trips were intended to help Helias further its Christian service to needy communities and to promote to students that a lifetime of service to others can be rewarding and...fun!

The Memphis trip was supposed to be the first mission trip of the year and take place in February, but icy roads and chaperone illness delayed it until April 4-6.

On April 4, nineteen students, two teachers, one administrator, and one nun met in the Helias chapel for Mass and a special blessing, which helped unite the group as one community of mission workers. That afternoon, the group left for Memphis wearing new Helias t-shirts donated by the Helias Mothers Club to help bring the group closer.

Shortly after the vans crossed the Memphis-Arkansas Memorial Bridge, the group reached the Poor Clare Nuns Monastery, which is in a deprived part of Memphis, Frayser. Everyone quickly unpacked before meeting in one of the monastery's chapels for a night prayer service. Aur led the night's prayer service beginning with, "Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world...Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness,'" before lighting a candle that was set in the middle of the circle. Every person shared answers to questions about faith from Aur. The questions helped everyone look into their own faith and service and how to build upon it.

On Saturday morning, Mass was filled with those from Helias; the Poor Clare Nuns; and Father David Knight, the celebrant. Junior Samantha Martin said, "I liked the homily from Fr. David Knight the best, because he educated us on the Mass and the faith, and I liked the community feeling."

Then the mission's true labor got underway: cleaning and painting a 150 foot by 10 foot hallway. Brandon Martin (English teacher) led the nineteen students in a two-hour cleaning process that included vacuuming, mopping, and washing walls with soapy rags. When the walls dried, Mark Friggle (Art teacher) showed the students how to properly paint with brushes and rollers. Students broke into groups for trim or roller work. Despite a short lunch break, the painting took the duration of the day. Senior Kevin Miller said this about his experience, "What I got out of it mainly was, meeting students that I don't know in school and getting to know them and work with them."

That evening, although some students were tired from painting and others had "service stains" (paint) embedded in their hair, everyone was ready to see the town of Memphis. Aur, native of Memphis, took the group to Central Barbeque, where they cheered on Memphis in their game and ate barbeque. Memphis won!

Next it was off to Beale Street, where the group watched street entertainers, shopped in the blues stores, or took trolleys around downtown. The next stop was the Lorraine Motel, the place where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Because it was the weekend to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the assassination, silence surrounded the scene and students felt its atmosphere.

On Sunday, the group packed and left the monastery and headed to Mass at Holy Names Catholic Church. Along the way, Aur pointed out the Sisters of Charity (Mother Theresa's order who wear the blue-striped, white habits) house and it happened that the sisters were just leaving to pick up poor people in the community for Mass.

Father Maurice Nutt, his clergy, and his congregation delivered a moving Mass that included dancing, drums, audience participation and response in a homily, and Nutt sweating during his homily while delivering positive messages centered to the Helias students. Nutt said, "Martin [Martin Luther King Jr.] lived so you may all have a future. I need you! Our generation needs this generation to succeed."

Senior Clayton Dorge said, "I thought the whole thing was a great experience, from the painting to the Sisters of Charity who picked people up in vans and brought them to church on Sunday. It helped my faith by showing me how my faith can be better and how it can better me."

After Mass, Helias members were treated to a brunch that included fried chicken and ziti in the cafeteria of Holy Names Catholic School. Then they were given a tour by current principal Sister Donna Banfield and past principal Aur who told stories about the school, one about Elvis getting kicked out of the Saturday night school dances in the gym.

Then it was time to return to Jefferson City. The group united for one final prayer service in Taos, Missouri, before heading to their homes.

Plans for a summer mission trip to build houses for Habitat for Humanity, with the support of Helias alumna Dana Huber Plummer '87, are being made for Springfield, Illinois in June.

Hitting The Helias Hallways             

For those wondering what is going on in Helias' classrooms these days...take a look!

        Delighted in Depression

The students in Mr. Mike Jeffries' American History class were delighted to get out of their uniforms and wear a "Depression" outfit for the week of April 7-11, 2008.

Flowers Meet Liquid Nitrogen

On Thursday, April 10, 2008, Lance Winkler's chemistry class was captivated by Dr. Allan Pringle (Missouri University of Sciene and Technology, Rolla) and his assitant--liquid nitrogen. In this picture students surround Pringle before putting flowers into the liquid nitrogen which freeze-dried them immediately.

                    Western Wednesday 

Mr. Martin's 5th Hour English class poses for a picture on Wednesday April 16, 2008. Students were allowed to dress down for "Spring Fever Week," April 14-18. The theme for that day was "Western Day."