Payson Roundup

Photo by Andy Towle

Congratulating Dalley Hicks, the 14-year-old winner of a meth coalition poster and literary competition award is Gila County Sheriff’s Office Bureau Commander and Meth Coalition Chair Claudia Dalmolin (left) and Donna Rhoda (Hicks’ grandmother) and Tommie Martin, a Gila County Supervisor.

Literature class writes to celebrities

Payson High School English teacher Lindsay Smith is having students in her American Literature and World Literature classes write letters to their favorite celebrities. And they are getting answers back.

In an effort to get students to write more and better, Smith has her students write letters to movie stars, rock group members, athletes or other current celebrities.

Students are surprised and pleased to get letters back, many with signed photos, from superstars like Travis Pastrana (motor cross rider), Robin Williams (comedian), Gary Allan (singer) and Cat Von D (tattoo artist) to name a few, Smith said.

Smith then posts the responses on her classroom bulletin board for all to see and enjoy. Students are proud of their efforts and can see the positive return on the investment in their writing skills.

After the semester is over, students get to take their heroes home and put them on their own walls.

Payson school district to hold open enrollment for next school year

Payson Unified School District will hold open enrollment from March 1 through March 31.

Open enrollment allows families to request that their students attend a school out of their regular attendance area.

Applications are available at the schools, the District Office at 902 W. Main St., or by calling 474-2070 to receive an application by mail.

All applications must be returned by March 31, to the Payson Schools District Office,