Age: 17
School: Columbus North High School
Who are your parents/guardians, grandparents and siblings?
Parents: Dan and Rebecca Payton; grandparents: Jerry and Phyllis Schlotter
Which elementary and middle school did you attend?
St. Bartholomew Catholic School.
What’s your favorite class or part of the school day and why?
My favorite class of the day is AP Psychology because I find it very interesting to learn what happens in the brain and why people act the way that they do.
In which extracurricular activities do you participate?
Columbus North Debuteens and Music Men, Spanish Club, Key Club, National Honor Society, Columbus North Student Assembly, and dancing at Sonya’s Dance Zone.
When you’re not in school, what’s your favorite place to be and why?
When I am not in school, I love to volunteer around the community. I find it comforting knowing that I can help those who can’t help themselves.
What has been your greatest high school memory so far and why?
My greatest high school memory is participating in North’s annual Can Drive conducted by Student Assembly because we get to miss the last day of school before Christmas break to help underprivileged families in Columbus.
What are you looking forward to after graduation?
After graduation, I am looking forward to starting college at Loyola University Chicago, living on my own, making new friends, and making the most of every opportunity.
Who in your life has inspired you or whom do you look up to and why?
I have many people in my life that inspire me to be the best version of myself every day. Some of these people include my grandparents, Jerry and Phyllis Schlotter, and my parents Dan and Rebecca Payton. They have encouraged and helped me throughout my entire life and I am forever grateful. I look up to my mother the most because she has been by my side and has dedicated her life to ensure my success.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned during, or from, high school?
The most important thing I have learned throughout high school is that success isn’t presented to a person, it requires a person to work hard and go through many ups and downs throughout the process.
