Culbertson Senior: Friendships, Teammates, Animals Make School Special For Labatte
Between time on the court, days spent showing livestock and a school schedule that includes chemistry and physics, Payton Labatte keeps busy. But when the Culbertson High School senior looks back on her school years, it is the people who stand out most.
Many of her teammates have been by her side for years, growing up together and sharing the experiences that come with being a Cowgirl.
“Probably just my teammates,” Labatte said when asked about her favorite sports memories. “They’ve been great throughout these years.”
Labatte has played volleyball for six years and also plays basketball, serving as a captain in both sports. A leg injury has kept her from participating recently, but at the time of her interview, she hoped to be cleared to return in about four weeks. With basketball season ahead, she is looking forward to getting back on the court with her teammates.
Those friendships have helped shape her senior year, as have the connections within her class.
“It’s been nice that we’ve finally gotten closer with each other,” Labatte said.
Away from sports, much of her time revolves around animals. Through 4-H and FFA, she has spent years caring for livestock and preparing them for the show ring. She shows goats through 4-H and sheep and a steer through FFA.
That work has brought its share of proud moments. Labatte has earned several grand and reserve champion honors over the years. This summer, her accomplishments included grand champion honors in senior showmanship and overall breeding. She also reached the final drive with her steer in showmanship and market competition.
Her interest in animals is helping guide her plans after graduation. Labatte wants to become a veterinary technician and is exploring schools, including an option in Canada that appeals to her because of its shorter program and agricultural focus.
The career would bring together two things she already enjoys: animals and science. At school, science and history are her favorite subjects, and she names Elizabeth Standley and David Solem as her favorite teachers. Her current classes include chemistry and physics, giving her plenty to study as she considers her next steps. Labatte’s accomplishments also reach beyond sports and livestock shows. Last year, she qualified for the Business Professionals of America national competition in SQL database. She recently placed fifth in an FFA veterinary science competition and is also involved in National Honor Society.
For now, she still has basketball, time with friends and the rest of her senior year to look forward to. As she prepares for what comes next, the classmates, teammates and animals that fill her days are giving her plenty to carry with her.
