The Vince Payne’s Autism Shootout, which raises money and awareness about Autism, was held Jan. 26 at Hamilton Township High School. The shootout occurred at halftime of the Hamilton Rangers vs. Amanda-Clearcreek Aces boys varsity basketball game. Two participants were chosen by raffle to see who could make it to 13 baskets first to win half of the raffle money. Sophomore Nadir Langston (right) junior Ziann Payne (left) competed in the shootout with Payne taking the win and over $100 in prize money. The event’s name honors Vince Payne, Hamilton Township Schools’ former public relations director, who created the event a decade ago, but who passed away in 2021. Vince Payne served as the district’s public relations director for 13 years and was also part of the Ranger volleyball coaching staff for many years. Prior to coming to Hamilton Schools he was an award winning broadcaster and journalist. “Vince will always be a big part of the Hamilton Ranger family,” said Kaitlin Duncan, Hamilton Schools director of public relations. “He is known as the voice of the community keeping us up-to-date on all the ‘Hamilton Happenings.’ Vince had been planning the Autism Shootout for many years – his love for the school and the people he worked with never went unnoticed. Which is why it made perfect sense to name this event after him.”
