“Protect the Pride” is Payson High’s HOPE Squad’s theme. The members of the HOPE Squad want to reach out and be your friend. It isn’t enough for most people to feel cared for and safe at school; the members of HOPE Squad want everyone to feel that way. HOPE Squad is dedicated to trying to make Payson High a better place for all who attend. Many members of HOPE Squad have expressed that they want Payson High to be a place where everyone has and is a friend. That is why the HOPE Squad is here: to bring hope to those individuals who feel there is none left.

Intensity, sweat, blood, and a drive for the game.  Our Payson Lions Soccer team has dominated the field and taken over the region.  With a record of 8-0, the boys succeeded in becoming region champions.

The team went undefeated in the region, and fought a hard battle in state.

                As the school year comes to an end, it’s important to recognize all of our incredible sports teams and how well they did this year. We’ve had a lot more region championships this year than we have had in years past. Let’s take a look at how well each team has done.

Wrestling: The most outstanding team this year is the wrestling team. Not only did they take first in region, but they also went on to become state champions! Some individuals also took 1st at state such as Hagen Loveless and Jed Loveless.

Hard work, hours of practice, and strained vocal chords finally paid off on April 26 when the PHS Chamber Choir, along with a few other select choir students went to State Solo and Ensemble at Orem High. Despite the early hours in which they performed, the students’ voices were all warmed up and ready to sing.

The Payson High Wrestling team is still on the prowl as the spring sports season comes to a close. Though the high school season may only run through the fall, that doesn’t stop the team from consistently trying to better their selves.  With open gym practices every night, and the boys putting in the extra effort, the team is undoubtedly ready to pin down the fall season.

Payson High School’s performing arts groups have put the fine in arts throughout the year.  Choir, Drill, Dance Company, Band, Color Guard, Orchestra, Cheer, Drama and Pipe Band have had many competitions and/or performances throughout the year and have done very well.

On Friday, May 23, Payson High Choirs present a showcase of songs from animated movies, including songs from Frozen, Hercules, and the Little Mermaid.  This concert is different from the others in that the students wear t-shirts and jeans.  The songs are more fun, obviously, and include choreography.  Small group numbers are a highlight of the evening. 

As graduation draws closer, everyone has been wondering who will be speaking at the joyous occasion; the last speeches they will ever hear from their peers in high school.  Ali Apgood, Kaila Birchett, Callie Cheney, and McKinley McMullin are feeling the immense pressure to make their families and teachers proud.  Regardless, these girls are prepared to dazzle their senior class with the great memories of high school through creative spoken word. 

Respect all, fear none, this is the motto the Payson track team lives by. They know the importance of having respect not only for their teammates but for the other team as well. We have all heard the saying that respect is earned, not given. You have to prove that you are worthy of someone’s respect, they are not going to just hand it out like candy on Halloween. These incredible athletes have worked hard to earn the respect of their coaches, their team and also the opposing teams.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to win a contest at BYU? Marely Lee knows how that feels. Marely is a student here at Payson High, and she won the video portion of the BYU contest: Getting Ready. I was able to ask Marely a few questions about the contest to find out more information.

Q: What was the video about?

A: “It was about the Gettysburg Address. It was just supposed to show how we feel about the Gettysburg Address, and how it can help other people see how blessed we are to have the rights that we do.”