Helena Lagos

On November 29, 1995, a star was born in Comayaguela, Honduras named Helena Lagos. Although it would turn out to be a limited time on earth, the girl would make sure she left an impact. She would become a top-notch scholar, a savvy businesswoman, an aspiring artist, a world traveler, stern leader, and most important, a great daughter.

“Top Notch Scholar”

When she was old enough to attend, Helena was enrolled in the Mayan Bilingual Elementary School in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, where she became fluent in both her native tongue of Spanish and English. Destined for greater things, she moved from her beloved Honduras to the United States where the drive to excel only grew. As a student of Legacy High School in North Las Vegas, Helena would join the “Distributive Education Clubs of America”, also known as DECA, whereas a sophomore, she was elected “Secretary of State” for the Nevada Chapter. Her leadership skills would also extend to her graduating class of 2014 when she was elected Senior Class President. Her thirst for knowledge would not end there.

She would continue her studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as an International Business Major with a Minor in Global Entrepreneurship. She would study abroad in Europe where she picked up her third language, Italian. Always looking for ways to expand her knowledge and leadership, she continued with DECA, and eventually joined the “Rebel Venture Fund” where she would hold the position of Executive Director.

“Savvy Business Woman”

At UNLV, she started the “REMMEDY Company”, a pill dispenser project designed to reminded people to take their medication and provide cool water to wash it down. This project was recognized by the State of Nevada and was awarded scholarship funds. That was one of the numerous businesses Helena started, the first at the age of 7, where she sold doughnuts, bunnies, chocolate covered bananas, and what would later become her passion, avocados. Her latest business was the owner of “Rebel Fruits”, an Import/Export Business she started at the age of 21. Those who contacted her knew she would go the extra mile and provide quality service, which included her beloved avocados.

“Aspiring Artist”

Seeing the world through a different lens, Helena would capture certain moments and put it to a canvas. Drawing from her early days in Honduras, she would create her first project, “Honduran Village” and would win recognition. When an idea would hit her, she would take a blank canvas and go to work. Flowers, small paintings, or large projects, like an elephant walking on the moon holding a balloon, her focus on the smallest of details is what made her stand out.

“World Traveler”

Helena would view the “world as her playground” and experience other cultures. From swimming in the crystal blue Caribbean or taking in the architecture of Spain, she would make it a point to try and see every corner of the world. At the age of 19, she would take advantage of “studying abroad” to enjoy the European sites. She walked down the streets of Paris, floated down the water-filled streets of Venice, drenched herself in the Summer Rains of London, and enjoyed Milan with her Tia Yolanda. Helena would see more of the world in her short time than people would see in a lifetime. She left no stone unturned.

“Leader”

No matter the project she was working on, Helena would focus on the task at hand and ensure that those who worked with her, or for her, would give nothing less than 100%. If deadlines were established, she would ensure that they were met. If work was substandard, she would send it back for corrections. If she was setting the pace, she expected you to keep up. She was a motivator who saw what people could accomplish and made those around her better. Some of her accolades included:

- President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence

- Future Business Leader of America

- International Business Plan Event Award

- Volunteer Service Award

- Published Author

- Executive Director, Rebel Venture Fund

“Daughter”

Finally, her greatest attribute was being a great daughter to her mother, Elena Pineda. Drawing from her strength, her knowledge, and the closeness they shared, Helena and her mother will share a bond that will last an eternity. Always ensuring that her needs came first, Helena would never forget the sacrifices her mom made and would be the first to tell you that she was the one she admired the most. Elena loved, adored, and was so proud of her “pollito”, and was proud of her successes.

Helena is also survived by her Nana, Irma Inestroza Paz, who provided strength and nourishment for her when she was growing up, her Uncle, Nick Arevalo, a steady influence when she was in Honduras, and her Father, Kash Christopher, who would tell all that his greatest accomplishment was calling her “daughter”, because “step” never entered the equation. Numerous Tia’s, Tio’s, and Primo’s that considered her more of a sister/daughter than cousin surrounded Helena. The person that Helena was from her Honduran Family; one she carried with her proudly.

We ask that you remember how Helena lived. If she was your friend, you had a special bond with her. There was nothing fake about her. Don’t be sad that she’s gone; be happy that she was here. And she hasn’t died…she just left and went ahead of us.

“It’s Hard to Forget Someone Who Gave You So Much to Remember”