Not everyone is aware of how many years Helena High has been around, but even more people are unaware as to how much the school has changed since it was established. Helena High was founded in 1876, which makes it the oldest high school in the state of Montana.

Of course there are several differences between Helena High today and during the late 1800’s. First of all, in 1897 the total enrollment of the school was 185 students, the largest on record. According to the 1897 Nugget Newspaper, 16 of those 185 were seniors, and only 80 students were planning to go to college at the time. This is quite shocking, as the current enrollment is 1,674 students. Numbers did, however, increase very rapidly, as by 1898 the school’s total student population was 248.

Found in the 1898 Nugget, was this unique quote: “We most certainly think that HHS should have a Field Day. Does not every school of any importance have a Field Day? We are sure that it would be both beneficial to the school as it would be to the scholars. Does not the HHS aspire to be the best school in the State? It is certainly the finest school so far as mental work is concerned, but it lacks athletic sports which are necessary to every good and thorough school.” A ‘Field Day’ is described as “a day devoted to athletic contests or other sporting events, typically at a school.” This shows how important athletics have always been at Helena High, even 119 years ago.

Throughout the last century, sports have managed to remain a significant pastime at the school. Although the uniforms worn were exceptionally different from uniforms today, especially with Girl’s Basketball where they wore skirts, most of the sports were still the same. However, they also had sports such as Gymnastics. Surprisingly, the boys’ team for gymnastics was larger than the girls’ team. Each team won a state championship.

Additionally, hockey was offered directly through the school instead of as a citywide club. The school has one state championship for hockey, as it has not always been through the school.

Overall, sports during the late 1800’s at Helena High and sports now at Helena High are essentially the same. They have always been one of the more important pastimes for the school.