Willow Peyton, a senior at SMHS earned first place out of the best 46 students at the State Poetry Outloud Competition. Last year, Willow was the state runner–up, just short of qualifying for nationals. But this year was different. She ended up as the state champion and has qualified to go to nationals in DC on May 1. For achieving number one in the state the school received $200 and will receive $500 if she wins nationals.