From left, Maddi Hamm with Kimberly and Andrew Slaymaker. Avery Slaymaker is pictured in front. Photo provided by Combined Community Services

Staff Report 

WARSAW — Maddi Hamm, a 2021 graduate of Eagle Tech Academy, is the recipient of the first annual Payton Slaymaker Love of llama Mental Attitude Award.

Payton passed away in April 2021 after being diagnosed in 2019 with cancer.

The Payton Slaymaker Love of Llamas Memorial Fund was established at the Community Foundation in May to celebrate Payton’s perseverance and bravery through her 21-month battle with cancer and her love of llamas.

Maddi is the daughter of Ben and Stacie Hamm. She was presented with the award Tuesday, July 13, during the Advanced Llama Show at the Kosciusko County Fair in Warsaw. 

Maddie is a 10-year member of 4-H and was chosen as the award recipient because she has shown perseverance, dedication and strength of character, which Payton demonstrated in her life.

Andrew and Kimberly Slaymaker, Payton’s parents, presented Maddi with the award.