On Wednesday night, October 6th, the combined choirs from Salem Hills High School put performed their fall concert, "Sing Me to Heaven." Justin Bills, their director, chose music ranging from classical and traditional to new, contemporary, and popular songs. It was a great concert featuring the Salem Hills Singers, Concert Choir, Serendipity, and Men's Camarata. The Concert Choir finished the concert by singing the title song, "Sing Me to Heaven," by Daniel Gawthrop, and then the combined choirs sand "I'm Runnin' On" by Mack Wilberg and then wrapped it all up with the school anthem, "We Are the Skyhawks."

Select students from Salem Hills, Payson, Maple Mountain, and Springville sang in the 700-voice Utah All-State Honor Choir this past Saturday in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. About 12 students from each of the four high schools were chosen to participate. They each had to attend special All-State rehearsals, and learn and prepare 6 pieces outside of their normal choir responsibilities. The choir, directed by Casper College Professor, Dr. Pat Patton, sang beautifully, to a sold out crowd Saturday night. Justin Bills, the Salem Hills choir director said, "This has been an incredible experience for all involved. Our schools and district were represented very well. We're so excited to continue this incredible tradition!"

In preparation for their fall concert, the Salem Hills High School Singers visited both Mt. Loafer Elementary School and Foothills Elementary on Wednesday, October 6th. They performed selections for their concert and the students in the audience really loved the assemblies! Salem Elementary came to Salem Hills on Tuesday morning, October 5th for a similar assembly. The style was very casual, and everyone had a very good time.

Kamela Poulsen Kamela Poulsen is a senior at Salem Hills. She is unable to pinpoint how she was chosen for this award but holds her dazzling smile and vibrant personality. Kamela enjoys being on the debate team and participating in mannerly arguments that at some times can become heated. In her free-time she takes pleasure in counting dots on the ceiling and having Halo parties in parking lots. Who is Kimber Christiensen? Kimber is a junior and has a lot of great things that people have had to say about her. “She’s an all around good person” states Megan Wilson of Jr. Student Council. I met up with Kimber in her photography class taught by Mr. Call; all he had to say about her was “WOW”. Take that as a good comment. I asked Kimber why she was chosen to be student of the month. “ I really don’t know” she said “I walked in Mr. Callahan’s class one day and he said ‘I chose you to be student of the month’” This left me with asking Mr. Callahan why he had chosen Kimber. “I was looking through my role one day trying to find a good choice and Kimber walked in. I thought, ‘who could be better?’” Mr. Callahan replied. Kimber says she doesn’t quite know why this happened, for nothing like this has happened before. “All I know is that my parents were happy which is very good for me” she laughs. Melanie Phillips Melanie Phillips holds the age of a senior but the wisdom of a student of the month. She was hand-picked by Mrs. Boothe because she always tries to include people, generate team unity and overall strives to be a good leader. What makes Melanie successful is that she will never quit on a job until it is done. She always gives everything her best shot. Melanie enjoys tripping, being a “spaz” and raising sheep. Alexis Larsen Alexis Larsen is a sophomore at Salem Hills High School. She is a student of the month for the month of October. She was selected by Mr. Call, the photography teacher. Mr. Call chose Alexis for several reasons which include: her photography was inspiring, she was always helpful during class and she was always kind to her fellow classmates. Alexis is a very good student who gets her homework done before she gets home for the day. She also gives advice to students who want to succeed by saying, “if you want to succeed, study.” I’m sure that several students can agree with that statement. We can all look up to her amazing example. Tevyn Tanner Tevyn Tanner is attending Salem Hills in her senior year. She was chosen by Mr. Macdonald for student of the month. Tevyn values school because to her, schooling determines the future. Her favorite class is Spanish. She also enjoys painting and likes to take part in her art class she has with Miss Shuler. When she has a minute, Tevyn likes to spend time shopping and driving on the freeway in her car. Noah Talley Noah Talley is a student that pushes himself inside and outside of school. Noah has been rocking a 4.0 since He was entered into the grading system. Not only does he strive to do the best he can in school, he is a accomplished cyclist. Racing motorcycles, mountain bikes, and pedal bikes. One of Noah’s most recent accomplishments is he took second in nationals for mountain bikes. Ms. Sheperd thinks of Noah as a very knowledgeable student who strives his hardest. He knows more about food and nutrition than any high school student ever should. Odds are if you see Noah he will probably be training for racing doing homework or eating the healthiest foods you have never heard of. Noah is a hard worker in every sense, he even runs his own bread business.

On Thursday, September 23, Salem Hills High School girls Volleyball team played against Springville High School. The Skyhawks forced a 5 Set match but Springville came out victorious winning three out of the five matches. The match was well played on both sides and Salem won the first match. The second match was won by Springville to begin the rollercoaster battle. Salem was close behind in the second set with a final score of 26 to 24. Salem won the third match. Springville caught up and rallied in the end and beat the Skyhawks in the final two sets. Each team played their hardest and did an excellent job. Stefani Diamond from Salem Hills said, “Our team is great! The game was so intense!”

On Thursday evening, the Salem Hills Girls Soccer Team enjoyed a hard earned victory against the Payson Lions. With a final score of 3-1, each and every one of the girls put forth their best effort to help lift the lady Skyhawks to an impressive victory over the lady lions of Payson. Margo Brockbank and Madi Eidem both scored unassisted goals in the waning minutes of the first half. “Starting strong was a big contributing factor in the teams win.” Coach Gillie said after the game. Midway through the second half Sarah Armstrong assisted Erika Egbert for a stunning goal moving the Skyhawks into a strong 3-0 lead. “The team was very unselfish,” said Gillie, “they played for each other, and were very self motivated to beat Payson”. Although the lady Skyhawks’ play was not perfect (allowing a goal off a penalty kick in the last three minutes). Coach Gillie expressed how extremely proud he was of his team and the way they played. “The girls came to practice with victory in mind and worked very hard to achieve it,” he said “the girls did an expert job getting ready for the game both physically and mentally, they where very focused and got each other motivated to play to their full potential.”

Salem Hills volleyball played their first home match Thursday, September 2nd. Pursuing their victories, the team took a win over Timpanogos High School. Salem Hills accomplished their victory by winning their first three sets against Timpanogos with the ending score 3-0 for Salem Hills. After the match sophomore Mckenzie Treanor said, “I thought are defense played very well, we were loud and attacked great!” Her mother, Kathy Treanor, head coach for the Salem Hills volleyball team, agreed saying “Our attacks have greatly improved and our defense did great.” She also stated, as most coaches do, “There is still plenty of room for improvement.” The volleyball team usually plays on Thursdays at 6:30 PM. So come on out and support out girls and cheer them on to their next victory. You might find it more intense and exciting then you think. So far this season the volleyball team has a record of 2-2. Pre-Season ends Sept. 14 and region starts on September 21st.

On August 30, the Skyhawk’s Cross Country team hosted their first home meet of the season with Payson, Juab, and Spanish Fork participating. The Cross Country team had a phenomenal showing running their first 5K, with Nathan Peck (time 17:53), Matt Chesnut(17:59), and James Wright(18:31) taking the top three spots in boys. The Salem girl’s team managed to take five of the top six, with only third place being taken by Juab. After the game was finished coach Bart Thompson said,” Our team ran a really good race today. We beat a really good Juab team and I’m really pleased with where we’re at for our first home meet.”

Skyhawk girls tennis team faced Payson’s girls tennis team on Tuesday, Salem being the home team. Salem dominated: Varsity 4-1 and JV 4-1. Salem Hills girl’s varsity team has a few secret weapons explaining such a vast victory on Tuesday. The varsity lineup is Morgan Miller: first seat, Jennica Dutson: second seat, Kenzie Saunders: third seat. And for doubles it is Hannah and Katherine Riley: first seat, and Katie Cook and Mckenna Davis: second seat. Coaches and parents had a lot to brag about. “Morgan’s backhand is unstoppable!” accounted the Assistance Coach Clarke. This being a strong point because more often than not, forehands tend to be the better of the two for most; this backhand is an extraordinary secret weapon for Morgan. Not only Morgan, but Jennica Dutson is one of the most competitive players on the team. Her drive is what leads to her wins along with her consistency with her shots. However, Kenzie Saunders being one of the youngest players on the team is dominating her third seat spot for single. Currently Kenzie is undefeated, even bringing home a win against the infamous Maple Mountain. Kenzie’s hard work for years resulted in perfect form, ace serves and beautiful tennis playing ability. “She is excited about her freshman year on the tennis team!” Recounts her Father. “Her secret weapon is the mango Gatorade!” For doubles varsity, the Riley Twins are a great pair. Despite being sisters they play extremely well together. These girls are charming and polite on the court yet their heads are always in the game. The ‘Twinners’ won it with a great fore hand hit by Katherine, they won all three sets. Mckenna and Katie took their match also. Skyhawks are looking at a great tennis season!