Youth Development Coordinator: Nicole Payton

Phone: (406) 728-2400 x6071

E-mail: hhsflagship@mcps.k12.mt.us

Links:

Program Schedule  Internship Overview    Internship Application 

Hi! I’m Niki Payton, and very excited to be the new to Hellgate High School Flagship Coordinator. Over the years, I’ve become familiar with Hellgate through former and current students, parents, teachers and my personal volunteer experience with a Zine/Mix Tape Club and a brief Hiking Club.

I was born in Spokane, WA, spent a few of my early years in Southern California but it’s safe to say I’ve very much grown up and been shaped by my life in Montana. From 1990-1999 I called Miles City home, making several trips north to Glendive to visit my grandfather who spent countless hours with me in Makoshika Park, teaching me about the Dinosaurs that once roamed there.

During my own High School years, I was heavily involved in classic athletics and music: Volleyball, Track & Field, Softball, tennis, band and choir. I’ve since discovered the joys of Cross Country Skiing, Cycling, Hiking, Folf, Kickball and Missoula’s vibrant local music scene.

Music excites me. Over the years I’ve organized and promoted several all ages shows and DIY Bazaars, DJ’d at KBGA for 9 years, released a full length LP compilation of some of my most favorite local acts and “played” drums in a band called Duel with my friend Dan.

 I have been an active community member in Missoula for many years now. I moved to Missoula to attend the University of Montana, simply clueless about my direction in life. I chose Photography as my academic and artistic focus, graduating in 2004 with a BA in Photojournalism. While my love for photography was strong I decided to shelf my degree and fully explore Missoula and the great outdoors that surround us.

I look forward to meeting and working with the talented and creative students at Hellgate who are interested in pursuing their passions, their outlets and personal expressions. I’m very excited about this opportunity to help connect the students at Hellgate with the wealth and wide variety of excellent resources the Missoula Community has to offer our awesome youth.

Thank you for supporting Hellgate Flagship!!