Payton Slapsaddle

August 19th, 2020

The 12th annual Pass and Go, hosted by the CMC Education Foundation at Wyatt Johnson Mazda, looked a bit different this year. But for one Rossview High senior, a virtual win still felt just as sweet. Each year, CMCSS sophomore, junior, and senior students who have passed their AP exams with a 3, 4, or 5 are invited to participate in the event. Students receive numbered tickets and are eligible for prizes ranging from gas cards to a brand new car. This year’s virtual event was run much the same. Families could watch the live stream on Facebook or YouTube and listen for their number. Payton Clapsaddle was actually on the way to work when her number was read through the live stream. “I thought my parents were lying,” she laughs, remembering the conversation with her dad. The recent graduate is headed to UT Chattanooga in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing. Which is fitting considering AP Biology was her favorite class this year. Clapsaddle reminisced about her time as a Hawk. “I was on the Rossview Soccer team, National Honors Society, English National Honors Society, and Green Team my junior year.” She enjoyed staying active and involved in school programs. When asked which teacher made the biggest impact during high school, she did not hesitate. “Mrs. Brooks,” she said with a smile referencing Rossview High’s Digital Arts teacher, Hannah Brooks. “She always tried to reach out and make sure I was having a good day. If I wasn’t she would talk to me about it and made sure she left a good impression on me that day so that I would have a better one.” Other prizes given away included gift cards from Domino’s Pizza and Beach Oil, iPads provided by the Education Foundation and laptops donated […]