By Ciara Talley
A person who lives their life devoted to the service of others is rare. This is why I have come to enjoy the company of the lovely Ms. Whitnie Whitbeck, a new teacher at PHS; she is truly a breath of fresh air.
The reason Ms. Whitbeck is here teaching is all because of her high school math teacher named Mr. Stuckie.
“He was awesome and he made me feel like I was awesome. Not only at math but in life, he gave me confidence.” Whitbeck said.
By Sierra Steele
You might not expect a junior to start varsity over a senior, but at Payson that’s exactly the right move. Easton Smith is a 6’3” junior who is currently starting varsity quarterback this season. Head football coach Jeremy Chapman says he see’s unique potential in Smith
“Easton see’s the game like a coach.” said Chapman.
“He’s a very smart football IQ kid and he has the physical tools. He’s long and athletic and has a pretty good arm. But his biggest, best attribute is his IQ for the game.”
By Landon Penrod
Ask any football player and you will know that the Lions Football program has a whole new motto this year; in fact, its called DDT. This stands for being what Coach Chapman calls, “Disciplined, Dedicated, and Tenacious.” Something else new that this year football team is the attitude of the players.
And after last week’s homecoming defeat, where the Lions put up a strong fight, you can see our Lions are working hard.
By Erika Gee
The Lady Lions volleyball team has made some changes this year. Head coach Kaylee Eliason is new to the team this year and is proving so far, to be a good coach.
“I like her methods. She knows how to inspire,” said Amy Pouliot.
So far in the season the Lions are 4-2. On September 19, the Lions played Juab and won 3-2. The team is hoping to continue to be victorious.
By Erika Gee
Payson High Cross Country is starting the season off big. After five races, the girls team is ranked 1st in the region and the boys are 2nd behind Richfield. On September 11, the Lions faced multiple teams including the 5A school Copper Hills. Freshman Alison Pray came in first for the girls and helped the girls take second place trailing Salem by six points. The boys took fourth.
Interview with New PHS English Teacher Ms. Connelly By Jamie Finch
Q: What is your full given name?
A: “Amy Camille Connelly, but my students can’t call me Amy.”
Q: Where are you from?
A: “I spent most of my life in Illinois, but I moved to Salem in high school and lived on a farm. I currently live in Provo.”
Q: Do you have any pets?
By Krystal Baker
Kathy Gull is retiring from being a janitor at Payson High School for the past 28 years. She has a love for Payson High School that is noticeable to all around her.
“Payson has been the greatest experience of my entire life. I will always hold the memories near and dear to my heart for the rest of my life. Thanks you for all of the opportunities Payson High!” said Gull.
Gull’s fellow janitors say she will be missed.
By Krystal Baker
Mr. Elwood Wall is retiring from teaching math at Payson High School for the past 30 years.
“It’s been a wonderful ride,” Wall said.
Wall’s students appreciate his dedication to student learning.
“What I really liked about Mr. Wall was that he wasn’t the teacher who just stood up all shy and taught and sat down. He wasn’t afraid to stand up there and actually teach successfully,” said Ashley Cisneros, junior at PHS.
Retiring Teachers
Mr. Wall
Retiring after 30 years
“It’s been such a wonderful ride.”
Mr. Mathewson
Retiring after 31 years
“I thought retiring would be exciting, but it’s actually really sad. I’ve had lots of great students and have loved the faculty here at Payson, it’s going to be a hard goodbye.”
Leaving Teachers
Mrs. Hall
Leaving to Springville High School
On Monday April 29, PHS had an assembly to reveal to all the 2012-2013 school year prom royalty.
In the duration of the assembly nominees from each grade were introduced and were then able to say in a video why they wanted to be prom king or queen. There were a handful of students from each grade, but only a few made it to prom royalty.
