Kerste Bryant Helms (C’91)

A two-time All-American heptathlete, Kerste competed in high jump, long jump, shot put, javelin, 100-meter hurdles, and 200- and 800-meter runs. She holds the school record for the outdoor heptathlon, high jump, 100-meter hurdles, indoor long jump, and pentathlon.

In her junior year, Kerste was State Champion in the 100- and 400-meter hurdles and qualified for the Division III Championships in the heptathlon, placing eighth. She also qualified for Nationals her senior year, placing fifth in outdoor competition and fourth in indoor. That same year, she won Principia’s Willard and Corde Hanzlik Outstanding Athlete Award.

After graduating, Kerste taught elementary school until her children were born. Now that they are older, she teaches part time in the parent education program at Bellevue College in Washington, overseeing curriculum at two co-op preschools in the area.