'Go be great': Helena High School sees more than 200 graduates in 2026 class

Helena High School seniors graduated on Saturday at Valley Bank Field at Nelson Stadium at Carroll College with smiles on their faces, tears on their cheeks and plenty of support moving forward.

There were 216 members of the 2026 graduating class, including 12 valedictorians and five salutatorians.

Speeches were given by Principal Brian Kessler, English teacher Jeff Sykes and Senshu University Kumamoto Tamana High School Principal Masataka Watanabe, who was visiting his school's sister school in Helena this week.

Kessler told graduates they have all had people throughout their lives that uplifted them, moved them forward and supported them every step of their way.

"One day, you'll find yourself facing a challenge or opportunity and you'll realize that someone who cared about you had already prepared you for it," Kessler said. "... As you walk across the stage today, you will join one of the greatest alumni communities in the world."

Watanabe, the principal of HHS' sister school in Japan, told the Bengal graduates to not be afraid of new challenges they will face and to move into their futures with confidence and courage.

Sykes told the graduates to make good choices in their lives and continue moving forward.

As the graduates' names were called throughout the morning, everyone received applause and cheers from the crowd. "That's my brother!" an attendee yelled toward the stage.

After graduation, some are off to higher education, the workforce or military. Regardless of their next steps, Kessler reminded the graduates they are Bengals forever.

"Go be great. And as always, go Bengals," he said.