RADIATE KINDNESS. “You see a beast in my horse, but I see my best friend.” This is Payton’s favorite quote because her love for horses is as big as her heart. Payton is always smiling and having a good attitude. As she leaves the Valley Heights community, she wants to be remembered as a nice, kind, and big-hearted person.
Payton Woodyard was born March 15, 2004, to Jaqui and Ryan Woodyard. She has two older siblings: Paige and Logan Woodyard. Payton’s family has had the most influence on her. Throughout high school, she has been involved with managing sports such as Football, Boys Basketball, and Cross-Country.
Payton’s senior service project is painting the crosswalks and helping with recycling. Since she takes Advanced Art, she decided that painting would benefit our community and she could have fun doing it. She has been involved in art throughout high school. She has worked on numerous art projects over the years, including painting the windows in the VHHS community in preparation for school events like Homecoming and occasionally for holidays.
Payton has always had a love for kids. She has been babysitting since she was ten and has always enjoyed seeing the little kids' faces brighten up when they saw her. After graduation, she plans to leave the Blue Rapids neighborhood to find a good job. In 10 years, Payton sees herself being happily married and raising a family of three.
Mrs. Haefke, Payton’s mentor, said, “Even though I have a lot of patience, she's been able to help me grow even more patient with others. She’s just easy and fun to work with. I’m going to miss her terribly.”
Article by Kadence Pierson