Tracey Bravo, Dine' will be graduating this year from Payson High School. While some may find the five minute drive to school difficult, Tracey has had to ride the bus to and from Goshen every day to get to Payson High for the past three years.  The bus came around 6:15 every morning and arrived home at 4:00. Tracey rarely missed a day of school. In addition she worked at the Dairy. When asked how difficult it was, she says, “Difficult?

Colton Sleper hails from the Juaneño Band of Mission Indians of California.  They are the original inhabitants of what is now known as Orange County. Colton’s family members are great leaders in the tribe. And you can see their strength through Colton. He was able to graduate with high honors in January from Spanish Fork High School.  He has spent his time exploring his “options.” He is working now and says he will eventually go to college.

 What do the Squamish, Hawaiian, Caucasian, and Maori have in common? They can claim Keala Anderson as their own. Keala comes from these peoples and is very proud of each lineage. He is a hoop dancer, enjoys Hawaiian music, can do the Hauka and wants to one day visit New Zealand, home to the Maori. He is comfortable in many different settings and will soon be spending two years in the Philippines on a mission for his church. Keala is a senior at Spanish Fork High.  He wrestled for the Dons and participated in concert choir during his junior year.

“It is not the strength of the body, but the strength of the spirit.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

It is hard to miss Keoni Boren, a senior from Springville High School.  He definitely has a BIG personality and a strong presence.  You will notice this Navajo/Pacific Islander/Caucasian from Springville.  There isn’t any hiding in the shadows for this kind, generous, social, likeable senior. His family and friends say that he can make friends with anyone and make them feel comfortable and relaxed. Keoni says one very particular “thing,” about him is that he is protective of his sister Ella.  He wants the best for her.

Teyha Amundson, a senior at Salem Hills High School is often described as funny by her friends, witty by her mother, goofy by her brother and an awesome student by her teachers.  She nailed it! She said she thought it would depends on who she is with what they would say and she was right.  We are going to have to add the word, insightful to the list. Teyha is a homebody but she does like to hang out with friends.  They like to watch movies. Some of her favorites are Sixteen Candles and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.

Isaiah’s friends say that he is funny, loyal and caring. He says that his mom would say he is rough around the edges. And then again some would say he is determined and focused. All of these words describe this charismatic senior. He is all about Rugby and is on his way to Nationals with his team this coming week. Kansas City here comes Isaiah!  He lives for the sport. Isaiah says he’s a simple guy who loves the game of rugby, hanging out with friends, long boarding, cruising and once in while taking a bet.

Courtany Durrant is a fun senior who splits her time between Payson High School and the ALC in Springville. She thoroughly enjoys her digital media classes at the ALC. And, her favorite class at Payson High is English. Courtany’s friends and family describe her as being artistic, a good listener, a willing helper and a true animal lover.  She has three dogs, two dachshunds and one Yorkie. Don’t tell Rosy or Daisy, but Slinky one of her dachshunds is her favorite.

“I wanted to prove people wrong,” said Bailey when she was asked about how she was able to finish more than 10 units of classes during her fourth term. The counselors and teachers at Landmark said she was remarkable, determined and just kept working. Bailey who is Navajo/Caucasian moved to our school district deficient enough classes that graduation by the end of July was a maybe, but finishing three weeks before end of school seemed an impossibility.  But Bailey said, “Moving to this school was different, This school inspired me.

Amber Fregoso is one of our fantastic seniors from Springville High School. She is Lakota/Mexican. Her friends and family would say that she is shy when you first meet her but don’t be misled, because once she gets to know you and you get to know her, you will say she is outgoing, loud and joyful.  She is also very caring and has a way of knowing if someone is having a hard time. In her free time she likes to relax with a good movie or just taking a nap.  She also like sitting outside and listening to music.