The snow is just about ready to set here in Cache Valley and that can only mean one thing – seven months of winter. Let’s face the truth, Utah State is the best school in the country, but the winters would be unbearable if it weren’t for our one saving grace – Aggie basketball.
The Payson High School Debate Team returned from their first tournament October 24. The Snow Speak-Off tournament, held at Snow College, hosted teams from all over the state. “The team did really well,” said Debate Coach Michelle Walker. “Alesha Lee did an amazing job at her first tournament and took 3rd place with her Oratory on gun rights. The public forum teams, Monika and Sierra, and Ashley and Keliah, debated the UN's role in global environmental protection vs. poverty reduction; both teams won 2/3 rounds.
Everyone is different. We have different hair, different body shapes, and even different skin colors. We are all different on the outside, and we are all different on the inside too. Everyone has their own specialties on the inside. Some people love, some people care, and to be honest some people are just flat out ornery. We as a school and a community need to look what is on the inside more than the outside; being a little person myself I understand the difficulties of looking on the inside.
Our Payson Paysetters dance to the motto “Stand Out,” and what better way to standout than by wearing zebra print? Trying to incorporate zebra print into all of their costumes is not the only way they are preparing to “Stand Out” among the other drill teams. The drill team is prepared to challenge themselves by doing difficult pieces and pushing them selves to the limit. They are doing very creative pieces and are putting many new ideas into their routines. "We're going to be the best we can be," said Coach Judd.
Here at Payson High, we have some top-class cheerleaders who never stop cheering for our school. Coach McMurdie said, “This year squad is incredibly talented, and full of surprises (in a good way)”.
Maria Zambrano is Payson High School’s Liaison for Latino students. She “bridges the gap” between Latino students, their parents, and the administration. Maria loves what she does; she thoroughly enjoys the kids she works with. She and the students laugh together, hang out together, and even cry together. “She helps people understand why school is important. She helps you with your social life, school stuff, and every other way she can,” Adriana Cruz related.
The Cross Country season is coming to a close with much to brag about. With their many wins and new school records set, the team has represented Payson well. "Cross country kids are great to work with!" said Coach Peck. The Cross Country team had an especially young team this year with most of the top runners being sophomores. Team captains Kai Schulze and Chloe Williams ran the three mile course with times of 17:42 and 22:09.
The Payson High School cross country season is in full swing, and Coach Rockwood is impressed with his team. The team defeated Spanish For and Emery September 29th on the new course. "Kai Schulze led the way with a second place finish over all and a new school record," said Rockwood. Chloe Williams also finished with a second place finish and a new school record. Tyler Watson, Clayton Skousen, Blake Reynolds, Jordan Fuentes, Cody Kenison and Nathan Womack finished strong defeating Spanish Fork.
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.
