More Nebo Administrative Appointments -- Payson High & Payson Junior

Jesse Sorenson – Principal of Payson High
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Jesse Sorenson as the Principal of Payson High School for Nebo School District. 

Mr. Sorenson earned his bachelor’s degree in English Education from Utah Valley University and his master’s degree in Education Administration from Southern Utah University.
                
Mr. Sorenson has served as the Principal of Payson Junior High for the past two years, Assistant Principal of Payson High for three years, and as Assistant Principal of Payson Junior High for three years. He taught English at Payson Junior for a total of seven years. 
                        
Mr. Sorenson was honored with the Nebo School District PEAK Award in 2016. He is also a two-time Leadville Trail 100 finisher. He received the 2014 Latinos in Action Administrator of the Year.  Jesse serves on many boards including the Specialized Foundation board of advisors with the ride for focus program, the Payson City Trails Committee, Communities that Care Board of Directors, and Orphanage Support Services Organization Board of Directors.         

A colleague said, “Mr. Sorenson is dedicated to his work as an educator. His greatest strengths are his love and respect for students. He speaks fluent Spanish and was influential with the Latino’s in Action group. Mr. Sorenson is a self-starter and self-motivated. He has natural leadership skills and a calming influence.”

Mr. Sorenson’s motto includes: “The student first and always. Students must know that we believe in them. That the work we are engaged in is important; that we won’t give up on them even when they give up on themselves.”

“I’d like to thank all the great teachers and administrators who worked with me as a student; and, also, those I’ve had the opportunity to work with in this great profession. I’m especially grateful for my wife and kids and my lifelong friends at Payson Junior High,” stated Jesse.

Jesse enjoys mountain bike racing, adventure motorcycles, canyoneering, snowmobiles, traveling and spending time with family. He is married to Patty, and they have four children.

Kevin Mecham –  Principal of Payson Junior 
The Nebo School Board of Education appointed Kevin Mecham as Principal of Payson Junior High School in Nebo School District. 

Mr. Mecham received his master’s degree in Educational Leadership and his bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Education both from Brigham Young. He was also selected as the Leadership Preparation Program (LPP) recipient.

Mr. Mecham has served as the Assistant Principal of Payson High for the past two years. He also served as the Assistant Principal of Salem Junior for six years and taught mathematics at Payson High and Payson Junior High.

Mr. Mecham was selected as a PEAK Award winner for Nebo School District in 2017 and was voted the Teacher of the Year by Payson High students in 2010. He organized a math tutoring lab and has coached girls’ softball at Payson High and boys’ basketball at Payson Junior High. He has worked with the scouting program for over 10 years.

A colleague said, “Kevin’s easy demeanor and personality allows him to instantly develop a relationship with students, parents, and staff alike. Kevin approaches every interaction by listening first. He is helpful and friendly to everyone and gives our school a great face for first impressions and meaningful problem solving. Kevin truly is a successful leader.”

“Show kindness to others and that kindness will be reciprocated,” stated Kevin. He loves the outdoors, hiking, fishing, camping, and watching my children participate in sports and dance. Kevin is married to Valerie, and they have five children.

Holly Henderson – Assistant Principal of Payson High
Holly Henderson was appointed by the Nebo School Board of Education as the Assistant Principal of Payson High for Nebo School District.

Mrs. Henderson earned her bachelor’s degree in English Education and master’s degree in Educational Leadership both from Brigham Young University.

Mrs. Henderson has served as the Dean of Students of Maple Mountain High for the past two years. She taught English, Creative Writing, and Chinese at Mapleton Junior High for six years. She was recognized as Teacher of the Year for Mapleton Junior High; and, of course, she earned the favorite aunt award.                
                        
A colleague said, “Holly is passionate about her responsibilities from school and event supervision, conferencing with students and parents, to teacher development and training. All of Holly’s professional experiences as a teacher and school leader have prepared her well for an administrative position. She is extremely bright and capable without question. She has a fun personality and will keep you laughing and energized all day!”

“Educators get to work with the most thoughtful minds and hopeful hearts of our community—what a gift to learn from students every day!” stated Holly. “My mom is the most influential teacher in my life–an example of resilience and growth. ‘And though she be but little, she is fierce!’ ~by William Shakespeare.”

Holly is married to Devon. She enjoys racquetball, cast iron cooking, and board games.

Tammy Halcrow – Assistant Principal of Payson Junior High 
With the appointment of Cheri Campbell as the Curriculum Specialist, the Nebo School Board of Education appointed Tammy Halcrow as the Assistant Principal of Payson Junior High for Nebo School District.

Mrs. Halcrow received her bachelor’s degree in History from Utah Valley University and her master’s degree in Psychology with a School Counseling Endorsement from Utah State University, and an Education Administration Endorsement from Southern Utah University.
        
Mrs. Halcrow has served as the Dean of Students of Payson Junior High for the past three years. She also served as a counselor at Salem Junior High for four years and taught history at both Salem Junior and Mapleton Junior High schools. She coached girls’ basketball at Salem Junior for four years.

A colleague said, “Tammy knows how to find a solution. She has worked through several complicated student service and behavior issues. She offers many insights on experience and expertise on data collection, master scheduling, and teacher training. One of Tammy’s greatest strengths is her ability to connect with difficult students and parents. She proves repeatedly that she truly cares about each student and finds ways to teach, lead, and nurture.” 

“I believe all students can learn. Furthermore, I believe all students want to learn, our job is to help them discover this desire and create lifelong learners,” stated Tammy.

Tammy enjoys traveling, running, reading, working on puzzles, and spending time with family. She is married to Brandon, and they have six children.

#DiscoverPowerWithin #NeboHero #NeboSchoolDistrict #StudentSuccess #EmpowerStudents #EngageStudents #FocusOnStudents #LoveUTpublicSchools #UtPol #UtEd #ThankATeacher #LoveTeaching