March 2013

PHS Scholar Athletes 2012-2013

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Here at Payson High School we are bursting with pride and talent. From Payson’s fine arts department to our sports and athletics, we are one proud school.

                We would like to recognize the aspiring athletes here at Payson High, who are the Allstate Scholars of 2012-2013. This is a huge accomplishment for these individuals, and they’ve worked hard to achieve it.

                In girls basketball we would like to congratulate Priscilla Hales and Katelyn Hannifin, and in boys basketball we would like to congratulate Jacob Humphreys.

                We’d also like to recognize Devan Judd, wrestling Allstate Scholar, and Katie Nelson, Drill Allstate Scholar.

                Last but not least, here’s a shout out to our soccer girls for receiving an honorable mention. These girls include Calli Jensen, Kaneesha Goodworth and Ciera Lundberg.

                Part of what makes Payson successful is these athletes willingness to give 100% in every game, match and competition. These students put an innumerable amount of time and energy into perfecting their athletic talents, and Payson High is proud to have these young athletes representing.

2013 Huff Music Competition

 

On February 26, 2013, Payson High School hosted the annual Huff Music Competition.  Young experienced musicians from the Payson area performed for judges and the winners received trophies. 

                 Vocal soloists were Jacob Hayes, Jaden Grill, Kathleen Morgan, Jessica Bastean, Catherine Havens, Emily Garrett, Carlie Beckert, Skyler Fitzwater, and Ashlin Alexander.    

Instrumental soloists were Grace Heaps and Abby Bennion.  Piano solos were Kimberly Skousen, Jessica Bastean, Jacob Hayes, Stewart Evans and Rachelle Wilkinson.  The only instrumental ensemble was Jesseca Owens on the bassoon, Christianna Ward on the flute, and Kimberly Skousen on the piano.

The Huffs always come to watch the gifted students here at PHS. 

“We’re so excited over all the talent at Payson High School,” said Colleen Huff.

                The three divisions each had one winner and then there was a sweepstakes winner.  The instrumental winner was Abby Bennion and the piano winner was Jacob Hayes.  The vocal victor was Ashlin Alexander and the overall sweepstakes winner was….Rachelle Wilkinson.

                This competition was started over 40 years ago by Lewis Huff.  When he died in 1989, his family wanted to continue the tradition of fostering a love of music in high school students.  This contest is only available for PHS students.  Typically, about 20 students participate.  The three divisions are vocal, instrumental, and piano for solos and ensembles. 

 “It was fun competing and hearing everyone else perform,” said Rachelle.

Congratulations to all of the participants; you did a great job.

Physics Students Make Trebuchets

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By Cherilyn Elder

 

The weeks of March 4-8 and March 11-14, Mr. Nielson’s physics classes designed, built, and tested trebuchets, or catapults with slings.  Mr. Nielson supplied the wood and other materials needed and the students went to work.  The point of the project was to put to use the things the students learned.

“The students are applying what they learned in class:  rotational speed and energy,” said Mr. Nielson.

The only requirement was that the trebuchet be no more than 12 inches tall from the platform. 

Most students just started cutting wood before deciding exactly what the trebuchet would look like.  The platform is made first and then the supports are glued to the sides.  Holes are cut through the tops of the supports for the metal piece to fit through.  The arm of the trebuchet is slid onto the metal and then the metal is clasped to the outside of the support.  A sling is made out of duct tape and string or fishing wire.  A nail is placed at the end of the arm for the sling to attach to.  Then a weight is tied with wire to the arm.  The clay ball is placed in the sling, the arm is pulled back, and then the clay flies across the hall. 

            Some students had to learn new skills such as using hammers and saws.

            “When you only do what you think you can do, you’ll never get anything done,” said Kylee Beaudry, about working on her trebuchet.

A few exceptional students went above and beyond the requirement.  A couple trebuchets are about 4 feet tall.  One is covered in silver paint and jewels.  Another trebuchet looks like a dragon. 

            The trebuchets were fun to make, but didn’t always work as well as the students hoped they would.

“It’s exhilarating to watch the projectile soar through the air… and land three feet behind you,” said Jessica Barker.

 

 

PHS LIA Students Attend Conference

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                On March 1st LIA went to a conference at UVU where they attended workshops that taught them about going to college and reaching your dreams. While there, they heard from Marlen Esparza, an American boxer who was the first woman to qualify for the Olympics in the first year that women’s boxing became an event.

                “Marlen Esparza was so inspiring because she told her journey of being a girl trying to make in a male-dominated sport. And she made it,” said Carina Garcia, who attended the conference.

                The conference was surely an inspiring experience for the LIA members. LIA is an awesome organization and, of course, Payson’s is the best! Keep it up, friends!

 

Lighting the “Legacy” Fundraiser

              There have been many epic events that have happened in the city of Payson.  For example, we are the home to the original Footloose, and not only that but we are a town filled with so much school pride, in fact that the class of 1953 decided to leave a lasting image that will be around countless of years.  The greatest monument in the city of Payson, P-Mountain, has been a distinguishing feature to passerbys making their travels north or south on I-15.  P-Mountain sparks jealousy to rival schools and fills the pride of Payson students as they drive to school and notice the large P on the mountain reminding them where they belong.

                It is now time to bring our P to life, it is time to take the next step and leave a new monument for the next generation to see and respect, it’s time to light the P.  Payson High School’s student council is raising money so they can light the P on this upcoming Prom, through the “Lighting the Legacy” fundraiser.  They are asking the community to help with this project and will have jars set up at restaurants so they can hopefully raise enough money to make the P come to life at night.  Their goal is to raise 2000 dollars and have the P to be lit by May 4 on Payson High School’s Prom night.  The student council are pulling all the strings for this one and need everyone to help, so if you know a student council member please contact them.  Also while you are at any restaurant in Payson look for the jars that say “Lighting the Legacy” on them and help donate!

 

Officer Jay Hurst Speaks to PHS Students

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On February 26, Officer Jay Hurst of the Payson City Police Department was the guest lecturer for the Payson High School "Windows on the Workplace," program. Officer Hurst spoke with the students about what it takes to be a police officer and the educational path he took to achieve his career goals.