Charles Helmers Elementary School was named the grand prize winner of the city of Santa Clarita’s “30 Things for 30 Years” contest at the City Council’s meeting Tuesday night.

This creativity driven contest gave elementary school students the chance to reflect on their favorite things about our city and submit a unique entry for a chance to win a party on the official city birthdate.

Students were asked to come up with whatever representation of 30 things they wanted, in honor of the city’s big day. Nearly two dozen entries were received and showcased the creativity, gratitude, generosity and kindness of the students.

The students opted to do everything from 30 acts of kindness to 30 jumping jacks. They drew pictures of their 30 favorite places in the city and even learned how to say “Happy Birthday to Santa Clarita” in 30 different languages.

City staff selected Charles Helmers as the winning school because of the amount of student involvement and what they gave back to the Santa Clarita community.

Their submission was a week of giving, during which they gave a variety of different items to 30 different charities and organizations in the city. Some of the items they collected and distributed included stuffed animals for children at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and pet supplies for our local animal shelters.

“The students and staff at Charles Helmers Elementary School really impressed us with their school-wide participation and the volume of their generosity,” said Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth. “We were honored to have so many students, parents and teachers attend our council meeting and we are looking forward to celebrating with the entire school at their party on December 15.”

Helmers Elementary will be the location for the city’s birthday party on December 15. The school will celebrate with the City Council, Sheriff’s Station, Fire Department and California Highway Patrol. The celebration will include tasty treats, fun, entertainment and information on what 30 years of cityhood has brought to Santa Clarita.

“The ’30 Things for 30 Years’ contest was such a clever way for the city to share the celebration of its 30th birthday with the students of Santa Clarita,” said Dr. Joan Lucid, superintendent of the Saugus Union School District. “We are so pleased to be included in that celebration. The children, staff and PTA at Helmers worked very hard on this and we are so proud of this achievement. Great job, Huskies. And happy birthday, Santa Clarita.”

All submissions for the ’30 Things for 30 Years’ contest are available for viewing on the city’s website at santa-clarita.com/30Years.