Lapeer East's Payton McCallum recognized by Kiwanis Club as a stand-out student-athlete

Payton McCallum, a stand-out student athlete at Lapeer East High School, was named “Donald B. Sark Student-Athlete of the Month” for April by the Kiwanis Club of Flint.

Photo caption (left to right) East varsity head coach Jake Weingartz, Payton McCallum, Joe Hensel, varsity football assistant defensive coordinator coach.

Payton will be honored at a Kiwanis Club meeting later this month.

In his senior year, Payton was captain of both his varsity football and basketball teams and achieved a number of Flint Metro League honors, including First Team All-League and scholar athlete in both sports. He was also named to the “Lapeer County Dream Team” in both sports.

He was honored as Team co-Most Valuable Player in football and Most Valuable Player in basketball in 2009-2010.

In basketball this year he led his team in scoring, rebounding, free throws attempted and made.

Payton carries a 3.3 grade point average and has been a member of the National Honor Society since his junior year. Payton also volunteers with the Lapeer County Historical Society, assists with Sunday School at his church and is a volunteer coach for an elementary school flag football team.

Payton signed a National Letter of Intent to play football at Grand Valley State University as a scholarship athlete and is planning on majoring in engineering or pharmacy.

“Payton is the epitome of a student-athlete,” said Ms. Sharon Miller, East’s athletic director. “He excels both on the field, court and in the classroom. We are proud to have Payton represent Lapeer East.”

Lapeer East High School students to sign athletic commitment letters

Two Lapeer East High School athletes will sign commitment letters to colleges at a signing ceremony in the school’s Media Center on Wednesday, February 3, at 2:30 p.m.

Payton McCallum, who played offense and defense for the Lapeer East High School varsity football team, will commit to play college football at Grand Valley State University. He was named a First Team offense and defense player in the Flint Metro League and was co-Most Valuable Player.

Volleyball player Ellery Owen will accept an offer to play for St. Clair Community College next year. Owen was a Flint Metro League First Team selection.

Parents, coaches and teammates of the two students are expected to be at the ceremony.

All-State Athletes from East/West announced

So far four Lapeer high school athletes have been named to All-State athletic teams.

Lapeer West golfer Catherine Benscoter was a Division II First-Team All-State selection.

Lapeer East football player Payton McCallum and Lapeer West football player Preston Haggadone were honorable mention All-State into Division 1-2.

Lapeer East soccer player Ethan Konschuh was an All-State honorable mention player.

We'll keep you posted on additional selections.