Franklin urges future Coyotes to try everything

As seniors at Potter-Dix High School prepare for the 2017 commencement ceremony, one in particular is preparing for her last role as a student leader.

Payton Franklin, Potter-Dix Valedictorian, began her high school career her freshman year on the speech team but the following year she chose One Act plays instead and that same year she was inducted into the National Honor Society.

The following year she was named a member of the National Society of High School Scholars all while continuing participation in One Acts and maintaining an excellent grade point average.

Payton also participated in band and track throughout her high school career.

In fact, her favorite high school memory was when she competed at the state track contest.

"The best feeling is when you're waiting in your lane and the announcer is saying your name to the whole stadium," she said.

Her favorite class was English due to her love of reading and writing, and because they instilled in her a love of reading, her favorite teachers were Mrs. Larson and Mrs. Baker, whom she said taught her so many other life lessons as well.

Payton's life lessons didn't come from school alone and she had her biggest supporter at home.

"My mom has always been my best friend and biggest supporter," she said. "She's proud of me no matter what I do even if I'm not proud myself."

While Payton benefitted from the support she experienced at home and school, she didn't hesitate to help others, and the one thing she will miss the most, in addition to competing on the track, is helping younger athletes compete, also on the track.

Payton plans to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney before continuing her education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

"I want to thank all of my teachers and coaches for not only teaching me academics but how to be a better person," she said, and she has a bit of advice for future graduates. "Try everything. One thing I regret was not trying out for swing choir and not sticking through all four years in basketball and speech."

"You cannot find peace by avoiding life"-Virginia Woolf

Editors note: Zachary Librande did not respond to questions prior to press time.