Ping Pong: Serves Up

Ping pong is considered a favorite pastime for many kids at Payson High School. In Mr. Thompson's room many students can be found play ping pong before or after school. Lunch, however, is the most popular time to play. Around fifteen kids show up every day to "pong it up". The games are very competitive, and the most popular game played at the sessions is called Around the World.

Around the World is a game where three or more players run around the table clockwise and hit the ball switching off every hit. When Mr. Thompson was asked about why he keeps the ping pong table in his room he said, “I have enjoyed ping pong since I was a sophomore in high school. When I was a sophomore my older brother taught me to play ping pong and we played usually every morning before school. And I got pretty good at it, and since I was successful and something I enjoyed I just continued doing it.”

Mr. Thompson also loves seeing the students grow and progress the more they come in. “It’s been fun to see students come in and see them improve their technique. It’s also really good to see students come in and have something to do instead of sitting around waiting for class to start. I’m glad to be able to provide some entertainment and something for them to do, and giving them some place to go. So I’m glad it’s provided that opportunity for students.”

Come to Mr. Thompson's classroom before and after school or during lunch and come serve it up.