1050 S. Main Payson, UT 84651 - (801) 465-6025 - (801) 465-6067 fax
September 2009
Three PHS Students Travel Europe with the All State Choir
Fri, 09/25/2009 - 13:03 | by ts
This summer three Payson High students had the opportunity to travel abroad with the Utah Ambassadors of Music. Kody Davis, Landon Hale, and I went to Europe with other high school students from all over Utah to share music.
The adventure started long before the actual departure date. We received our choral music in January, rehearsed in June, and again before leaving in July. Learning the twelve pieces we would perform on tour was a stressful as well as fun preparation for our trip. The musical selection ranged from Latin renaissance to spirituals and American folk songs. With some of Utah's finest choral directors, rich, expressive music, and hard work we became a magnificent choir of 150 members.
Bright and early on Sunday, July 5 we boarded a plane to London. Here, we performed in Wesley Chapel, experienced authentic fish and chips, the Thames River, Les Miserables, and the hustle and bustle of one of the world's most famous cities. Paris, the city of love, was our next stop. The city wasn't quite what we'd all dreamed of, but still had stunning features such as the Paris Opera House, Notre Dame, and of course, the Eiffel Tower. After a few days we were again on the move. Paris and London were nothing in comparison to the magnificence we experienced in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. "It was a beautiful town on the mountain side where you could relax and feel safe," said Landon Hale. The people were so welcoming and the luscious green mountains were a sight to behold.
Reluctant to leave beloved Switzerland, we climbed aboard our buses and journeyed to Austria, then Italy. Only getting to spend an afternoon in the picturesque city of Venice, we made good use of our time by performing in St. Marks Cathedral, shopping, and eating gelato. Despite our desires to stay and experience more of Venice it was onward to Germany. Here we visited Dachau, a World War II concentration camp, and the Medieval city of Rothenburg.
For most, Germany was the last leg of the trip. A small group, on the extension tour, continued on to Athens, Greece. Though considered part of Europe, Greece was so different than anything we'd seen on our tour. From the Acropolis and windy weather to the exotic food and people, Greece was an interesting and unique experience. "I was impressed by the food and the people.not the dirt, though," said Kody Davis.
Every country we visited there were places to go, scenery to appreciate, food to taste, and people to meet. Yet, for Kody, Landon, and me the highlight of the trip was getting to share music. To see smiles on the faces of those we performed for and to see how tears were brought to their eyes during our final song made our European adventure a rich and meaningful experience that we will cherish the rest of our lives.
PHS Pipe Band Returns from September 11th Memorial Service
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 17:14 | by ts
Members of PHS Pipe Band left to right: Shay Chestnut, Mika Burrel, Ashley Robbins, Michael Marsh, Anna McClellan, Ashley Mcclelan, and Jannet.The Payson High School bag pipe band recently returned from West Jordan where they showed their patriotism in tribute to September 11. "It was fun and really cool because we got to play for the military." said Meika Burrell. Between parades, Scottish Festivals, and competitions, the bag pipe band is in for a fun time. There is count of approximately seven members in the band and Kerri Welton is their director. Anna McClellan is the pipe major and Janette Olson is the drum major.
From learning how to play from his dad, to performing on stage, Ian Smith loves being part of the band. He decided to join because he wanted to show off his extreme bag piping skills to some of his friends, who are also in the band. When asked what it feels like to perform in front of so many, Smith said "It feels pretty good, but it's kind of scary because a bunch of people are staring at you."
But there's no need to freak out when the band is made up of such amazing students. Burrell believes more people should be interested in being in the band because "It's a lot of fun; we get to learn new things and go a lot of places. You just have to have a really strong lung capacity." Way to go and good luck with future performances! Once again you've managed to blow us away.
Rachel Ann Kersch Wins Payson Idol 2009
Thu, 09/24/2009 - 17:11 | by ts
Payson High School senior, Rachel Ann Kersch took home this year's Payson Idol Award. Each Idol contestant preformed a song written by their favorite singer during the opening rounds of competition held Monday through Wednesday. The final round of competition was held Thursday September 24, with stiff competition between the winners of each round performing yet another musical selection. Payson High students were serenaded by some of Payson's finest such as musical duo Aaron Etheridge and Justin Craig, Audrey Moffat singing and playing the guitar, and Bria Brown and Aubrey Garner singing "Colors of the Wind," from the movie Pocahontas.
Rachel Ann Kersch won the hearts' of the judges with her performance of "If I don't have you," by musical diva Alicia Keys. Special thanks to this year's Idol judges: Eloise Bridges, Melodie Henderson, David Rockwood, and Andrew Wright.
And the Yellow Jersey Award goes to: Kay Moos!
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 12:07 | by ts
Moos.jpgRecent recipient of the Payson High School Yellow Jersey Award, Home Economics teacher, Kay Moos is recognized for being a life-long teacher. Moos shares her talents not only with current students but former students, the community, and faculty. "I was in Kay's class working on my curtains for my house. I was overwhelmed by gratitude that Kay would help me with my home projects. Then when I got to her classroom there were former students of hers in there working on various projects. I thought it was an example of a person who is a life-long teacher. Along with helping me, and her former students Kay was also sowing all the costumes for the entire Wizard of Oz community play. She did not get paid, and she spent a lot of time and money of her own for the community to enjoy the play. In my mind Kay Moose is a champion," said fellow teacher Marjie Ralph. PHS Principal Bart Peery awarded Moos the Yellow Jersey Award at a faculty meeting held on September 16, 2009.
PHS Homecoming Week 2009
Wed, 09/23/2009 - 12:01 | by tsWell, that special time of year has come again, Homecoming Week, Yay! Students of Payson High School have been scurrying around trying to find that perfect date for the dance! With only a few days left you can feel the excitement in the air!
The following are activities for the school and community that will be going on September 21 - 26.
Monday: Superstar Rally at 5:30 on the football field. Payson Idol during lunch.
Tuesday: Tye dye and crazy hair day, Tailgate party behind the school at 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday: Flashback Day, and Powder Puff football game at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: Spirit Day - WEAR GREEN! Slip n' Slide from 3 - 4:30 p.m. at Peteetneet, and the PHS Class of 1989 will be holding an alumni assembly at the high school.
Friday: Game Day! GO LIONS! The Payson Lions vs. Maple Mountain High School Golden Eagles, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: Homecoming Dance, located at PHS in the main gym.
Payson High Announces the Fall Musical!
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 17:37 | by ts
Pic courtesy of Kari Haskell, picturedin the photo is Valarie Mott and Mathew PayneAre the hills alive with the sound of music? This year they will be because the PHS drama department will be presenting The Sound of Music as the fall musical.
Tryouts will be held September 15th and 16th. Students intrested in tryingout willneed to come prepared to sing an upbeat song, preferably from a musical. Songs from The Sound of Music are acceptable.
You will need to sing 16 measures bring sheet music or sing it without music. Please don't bring C.D.'s or tapes. Dance auditions will be taken care of as part of call backs. Ladies don't be scared to tryout! There are plenty of female parts for you! But that doesn't mean we don't need the guys! Also talk to your parents about letting your little brothers or sisters tryout as well.
They are looking for kids that are around the ages of five, seven, and nine.
If you have any more questions ask our amazing directors: Mr. Dane Allred Theatrical Director; Ms. Holly Petty Dance Director; Ms. Melody Henderson Music Director; Mr. Clinton Blanco who will helping with the music along with the dance The Directors are all extremly excited to do this play and are eager to begin. "The sound of music, what's not to love? It has everything from kids playing in curtain clothes to nazis!" said Henderson
Payson Lions Football 2010: Great Start to a Great Season
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 17:19 | by ts
In the past it's been said that the Lion's football program as a whole is going nowhere. Well the boys in green have something to say about that. The Lions are heading into the 2009 season with high hopes for the year. Through the first few weeks of the season the lions are yet to disappoint, although they lost a tough game in the home opener to Timpanogos, they got things on track at Orem the following week, and kept the momentum rolling the week after in Westlake.
Timpanogos vs. Payson
August 21, 2009
In Payson the Lions were looking to start the new season off strong, but the visiting Timberwolves were able to put up one more score then the Lions were. The Lions were able to learn a lot about their team. Payson went on 2 big scoring drives, and they were only a play and a half short of an opening game victory, falling 21-12 to the visiting Timberwolves.
Payson vs. Orem
August 28, 2009
In Orem the Lions were eager to get back on the field after a tough loss the previous week . The Lions stumbled a bit out of the gate giving up 13 straight points before taking the game by force. After trailing 13-0 with only 4 minutes to go in the 1st half the Lions senior QB Colton Cannon put a ball right on the money for Chris Robbins for a 37 yard gain, which then set up touchdown pass from Cannon to Jeremiah Guzman, making the halftime score of 13-7. The Lions we able to battle through multiple penalties and call backs to roar to a second half comeback victory fuel by 2 more scores by passes to Robbins and a rushing score from Cannon to give the Lions the 20-13 victory.
Payson at Westlake
September 4, 2009
The lions didn't mess around with the team out by the lake. The home opener and first ever game that has been played at Westlake High, was a great place for a win for the Lions. The Lions got right down to business scoring twice in the first quarter, and adding another touchdown before halftime on a 96 yard fumble returned for a touchdown by Brady Loveless, which I'm calling the Play of the Game. The Lion's offense would strike twice more in the second half, and give the Lions a 34-27 victory.
Upcoming games for this rest of this month are big match ups against 3A Rival to the south Juab on September 11th, before the lions return home for a pair of home games to open region play against Springville and another first year school, Maple Mountain September 18 & 25. The Lions are coming off a big victory are full of confidence, and after a few more weeks to get ready for region play, they will have a very legit shot at a region 8 crown.
Payson High School Newspaper Staff 2009 - 2010
Mon, 09/14/2009 - 17:15 | by ts
(back row) Sam Critchfield, Ryan Shumway, Brianne Penrod, Justin Craig, Kari Haskell, Amanda Sonderegger, Mercedes John, Ms. Baker (2nd row) Audrey Miller, Brianne Hiatt, Rahcelle Whatcott, Jennifer Dees (front row) Zac Quist, Sarah Weber, Candace BurningPayson High School's newspaper is back for the 2009-2010 school year. This year you can expect to see many, fun, amazing articles. "I am really excited about this year's Newspaper Staff. We have a lot of natural talent as well as diversity of interest," said Ms. Krystal Baker the newspaper adviser. As a staff we will be covering school, as well as local events. We even have the unique opportunity to have select articles appear in our local newspapers. "Newspaper is my favorite class because I get to meet a lot of new people, the atmosphere is amazing, and Ms. Baker is the best!" said Audrey Miller.
This year's sophomores are Mercedes John and Audrey Miller. The juniors are Justin Craig, Jennifer Dees, and Brianne Hiatt. Now finally the seniors, Candace Burningham, Sam Critchfield, Kari Haskell, Brianne Hiatt, Brianne Penrod, Zac Quist, Ryan Shumway, Amanda Sonderegger, Sarah Webber, and Rachelle Whatcott.
