Congratulations to our Mighty Lions Wrestling Team. Payson took second place at the Juab Winter Classic. In the tournament of 24 schools, we only lost to Millard High School.

These last two weeks have been two intense weeks of wrestling competitions for our wrestlers. Our varsity wrestlers have had 21 matches in the last 2 weeks, that’s a lot of matches. At the Juab Tournament we had 6 undefeated wrestlers: Mitch Brown, Jed Mellen, Cole Ford, Zac Loveless, Kaelen Loveless and Brady Loveless.

As a student body we raised $2678 in the annual and very competitive Penny Wars! It was truly a success. Student Council spent two weeks holding jars for students to put their change in. Student Council did a great job in persuading people to donate all their change and dollar bills. “The student body crushed every record, I am so proud,” said Mr. White, Vice Principal. “The student body is responsible for this success, it is amazing how they opened their pockets and gave so much to penny wars,” said Mrs. Brotherson, Student Council Advisor.

            Friday December 3rd, Payson crowned a new king. Braiden Muniz is this year’s Mr. Payson, with Trevor Gneighting as first attendant, and Will Parson as second attendant.

Payson High School students competed in the first annual Gender Wars competition January 21. Male and female students competed in such events as marshmellow stuffing, plunger racing, bobbing for onions and a burping contest. Although the competition was close, the winning gender was the females. At the end of the contests students cheered for Mr. Peery who was watching over his last assembly as principal of Payson High School.

Payson High should be proud of all the students who have gone on to serve in the military. They are the reason that this country is free and they need to be honored for their service. On the wall next to the main office is a memorial with the names of people in the Payson area who have served our country. Paul Meredith, with his wife, Larraine, made it a project to create the memorial. “I have such admiration for these guys; they have willingly served our country and they need to be honored,” said Meredith.

Dancing to the motto, “We are the dancers, we create the dreams” the Dance Company girls are practicing hard every day and getting closer as a company. “We’re preparing for concerts and looking forward to performing,” said Coach Mason. Dance Company President this year is none other than Ale Hernandez, Vice Presidents are Saralyn Winget and Bethany VanMoos, Secretary is Hannah Menlove, and the Historian is Katelyn Cook. “I love all the girls and they are all motivated and dedicated,” said Ale Hernandez. Although the girls have to show up for 6 a.m practices, it is all worth it!

It’s that time again… yes, boys basketball season! All the boys are very excited to kick off the season. Our first game is Tuesday the 23rd at home against Tooele! “This year the teams goal is to win more games and become state champs!” said Coach Lunt and Clint Bateman. This year they plan to work hard with help and strength from seniors, juniors, and even some of the sophomores and of course the captains who are BJ Ford, Braiden Wright, Kolton Jewett, and Clint Bateman. All together there are 24 boys total on this year’s team.

At the start of this month LIA started serving a Wilson Elementary school on a reading program twice a week. Each LIA students has been assigned an elementary school student to work on. They will also cater to the teachers and assist with classroom needs. “I like to help out younger kids and it’s a fun experience,” said Kimberly Rodriguez. Yesenia Casillas helps her child recognize words, colors, and motor skills. “Its way fun and the little kids get attached to you, it’s just way cute,” said Casillas .

On November 11, 2010 PHS faculty, staff, and students had the opportunity to listen to one of our own Payson High School graduates and military man, General Jeff Burton. General Burton spoke about his tours while in the military and how important it is to honor our soldier’s everyday not just on Veteran’s Day.  “The assembly made me reflect on how we should show more support and thankfulness for the soldiers I know and any soldier I see. I really enjoyed it,” said PHS student Audrey Miller.

For H.O.S.A. week, they had vital signs done, dress up days, a spirit day, and also a blood drive. But perhaps the most exciting activity of HOSA week was dissecting cow hearts. HOSA advisor Mr. Blake received cow hearts from Dixon Meats in Payson and the students gathered to cut them apart. “I want to be a doctor and so cutting a heart into the left aorta was my favorite part,” said Aaron Etheridge.