Special to the Reporter/Erika Bibbs

HELENA–As the school year finally comes to a close, students and faculty at Helena Intermediate School celebrated with taking a day off filled with fun and activities. This day, known as H-Day, is a yearly tradition at the school where students and faculty enjoy themselves and also raise money for the school’s needs.

Coach Brandon Byars served as this year’s sponsor for H-Day. For his first year, Byars explained that he wanted to make H-Day a bit different from last year.

“Well this year for H-Day, we tried to revamp it and make it an all-day big event,” he said. “Instead of just an hour and a half to two hours for the kids.”

This is Byars first year teaching at Helena Intermediate School.

The students were asked to donate $10 for the school’s physical education department this year. The money will be funded to upgrade their facilities outside including a track and an outdoor fitness playground. In return for their donation, the students received a water bottle sponsored by Wolfe Orthodonics and limitless activities.

Those activities included a dance party, movie time, a dunking booth, inflatables, a snack shop and games.

More than 50 parents volunteered for this year’s H-Day and there were a few vendors such as Heavenly Donut Company and Frou Frou Boutique.

Byars isn’t sure of a goal amount for the department’s facilities, however, he is sure that the money will be raised soon to complete the desired track and outdoor fitness playground.

He also gives credit to his colleagues and parents for making this year’s H-Day a success.

“Just having administration support and parent support has been great,” Byars said. “Seeing the kids having a great time is well worth the organization and planning. Our motto here is being the difference and that’s exactly what we are striving to be.”