‘Play for Payton’

The High Plains Community school and neighborhood gathered for a couple hours of normalcy and healing while honoring one of their own.
The HPC community suffered a devastating loss with the tragic death of Payton Ackerson, a 16-year-old sophomore from Clarks who beemed with a bright, bubbly personality and a passion for animals. 
Ackerson was a member of the High Plains volleyball team, a group of girls who showed incredible strength and perseverance Thursday night, taking the floor for the first time since losing their teammate and friend.
Ahead of the match following the National Anthem, HPC Supt. Jason Brown asked a near full capacity crowd to remain standing with a moment of silence for Ackerson.
“Payton was a three-sport athlete who gave her heart to volleyball, basketball and track,” Brown read to the crowd. “She was a beloved daughter, granddaughter, friend, classmate and teammate. She was most recently a proud new aunt. Outside of sports, she loved spending time with her grandparents, family, friends, working on crafts, watching movies and cuddling with her cats and dogs.
“But more than anything, Payton was known for her smile,” Brown continued. “She had a way of bringing joy and fun into every room she walked into, and a sweet, loving spirit that touched everyone lucky enough to know her. Tonight, we hold her family and loved ones in our thoughts and we carry her spirit with us on this court as we play for Payton.”
Ackerson’s parents, Chad and Erin, her two older sisters, Emily and Rylee as well as her niece, Raelynn, were all in attendance Thursday night to support the Storm in its return to the court, offering a bit of healing for everyone inside the Polk gym.
High Plains volleyball coach Haylee Sandman shared following the game that she couldn’t be more proud of her team for the strength they showed throughout the week and the support they’ve provided one another in an unimaginable situation.
“They’ve been doing a really great job and I can’t imagine being as strong as they are,” Sandman said. “It was really good to be back on the court and find a way to keep playing volleyball.”
The opponent showed its support as well as Nebraska Christian wore bright-colored red and blue hair ties during the match and handed out white roses to HPC players and the Ackerson family following play.
Second-year Nebraska Christian coach and 2000 Giltner grad Zach Hunnicutt mentioned that much of the tribute was the team’s idea and he was proud of everyone involved to make Thursday a healing moment. 
“I told our girls before we came here there’s no playbook for what to do,” Hunnicutt said. “This is such an unimaginable thing to go through. We tried to keep the volleyball part as normal as possible and that was the best thing for High Plains to have a few hours of something normal. Both sides handled it really well.”
Multiple teams across Central Nebraska have shown support over the last week for the HPC family. Teams like Aurora and Giltner did so by wearing red and blue hair ribbons during their matches last week.
Aurora coach Michaela Perry shared that it was just a small gesture of support in something far greater than volleyball.
“Our girls wanted to do that and I was absolutely okay with it,” Perry said. “We get the opportunity to go out here and play, so let’s play for something bigger than ourselves. It’s more than just volleyball. Seeing the support from all these area schools is awesome. We are so sorry for the HPC family, their loss and what they’re going through. We’ve sent prayers and our girls have been trying to be supportive. I’m really proud of our girls for wanting to do that.”
Tributes on social media poured in last week in support for Ackerson and the HPC volleyball team, many showing off colorful hair ties and the like.
With each one that appeared, it was another reminder to Sandman as well as the Storm players about how much bigger it all is than just volleyball.
“Just incredible,” Sandman said. “It’s been an overwhelming amount of support. It’s for her (Payton). She touched so many lives and we just want to keep honoring her.”
Following the final point in a match Nebraska Christian won in four sets, the Storm players were met at the net by Ackerson’s parents as each one received a double high five as well as smiles and cheers. 
Before leaving the floor, Nebraska Christian players presented the HPC girls with white roses, including several for the Ackerson family as well. 
It was a small gesture that spoke volumes. 
“The girls did that themselves,” Hunnicutt said. “It was one of those things where you want to recognize it but not be over the top. We just wanted to be supportive and be there for them.”
“It really touched my heart,” Sandman said about the gesture, choking up a bit. “Seeing the support and outreach, how much people care about us and checking in on us has been really, really nice.”
Players and coaches from both sides joined hands in one large circle, in front of a crowd that had no intention of leaving any time soon, and prayed for their teammate and friend. 
In a final show of support for the Ackerson family, the entire crowd rose to its feet and acknowledged the Ackerson family for several minutes in another emotional tribute. 
Folks remained in the gym more than an hour after the final point sharing stories, hugs and holding onto that bit of normalcy for a big longer. 
“Their support and love for one another is insane,” Sandman said. “They have been there for each other every step of the way.”
The HPC volleyball team has launched a “Play for Payton — Play with Purpose” T-shirt fund-raiser. All profits from the shirts will go directly to the Ackerson family.
In addition, community members have organized a donation drive called “Payton’s Paws” to celebrate her immense love for animals.
The drive is collecting pet food, treats, toys, blankets, pet beds, leashes, collars, and monetary donations. All items will be donated to local animal shelters in Payton’s memory. Those wishing to contribute can drop off items at the following locations: Clarks Public Library; The Meat Hook in Polk; Salon Sensations in Central City; Heads or Nail Salon in Osceola.