PCPS Announces Wildcat of the Week: Ryan Turnipseed

The Heather Cannon Wildcat of the Week #12 for the 2020-2021 school year was presented this week to PO-HI Senior, Ryan Turnipseed.

Superintendent Shelley Arrott said, “Ryan Turnipseed truly represents all of the characteristics of the Wildcat Way! However, when I think of Ryan, LEADERSHIP comes to my mind. Ryan is a valuable and talented trumpet player and a member of many Ponca City High School Fine Arts activities including Wildcat Chorale, Symphony Strings Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Big Blue Marching Band, and he is a leader in all these programs.”

“Many will recognize Ryan as the drum major of the Big Blue Marching Band. One thing for certain is that as the Big Blue Band takes their traditional march from the band room to Sullins Stadium for a Wildcat football game and as the band marches onto the field, there is no question who is leading this band. The way Ryan carries himself and the presence he exhibits, leaves no uncertainty as to the leader of the Big Blue. When leading the Big Blue Band half-time performances, Ryan will turn around and face the crowd on the drum major podium, with a huge smile and a glimmer in his eye. He loves being the drum major and it shows!”

“In addition to his musical activities, Ryan is a member of the PO-HI Mock Trial Team and was named best witness and best attorney for at least one of the team’s matches this year. While participating in all these activities, Ryan has maintained one of the top 20 GPAs for the graduating class of 2021.”

“In addition to being involved with school activities, he is highly involved with musical activities at First Lutheran Church in Ponca City. He is a friend and mentor to many of his peers, and staff members enjoy having these wonderful conversations with Ryan. When anyone visits with Ryan he carries on a discussion like a seasoned conversationalist. As he converses, it is obvious he is well-spoken and as he is engaging, he is kind, courteous, respectful, personable, insightful, and witty! Ryan is just a joy to be around and a very poised young man.”

“Ryan, I remember the first time I met you several years ago. The District was presenting new band uniforms for the Board of Education to consider and take possible action to purchase. Your directors selected you to be the model wearing the band uniform for the Board members to consider. You came early with your directors and we fitted you with the uniform. You were at such ease and carried on a conversation with me like I had known you for years. When the Board Meeting began, you were quite at ease showing off the uniform. Many adults would have been intimidated, but not you! You held your head high, worked the room, and pointed out each part of the uniform your director was describing. I remember being so impressed with the way you carried and represented yourself. I remember thinking that boy is impressive, and he will blaze a trail to a successful future!”

“Until you reminded me today, I had forgotten the Mock Trial Team was previously scheduled to make a short presentation to the Board right after you modeled the new uniform for consideration. You presented wonderfully and acted as if you were in street clothes like the other Mock Trial presenters, not in a band uniform. As you know, the Board did approve the purchase of those uniforms and you continue to wear it with as much pride as you did that night.”

“You are a take charge person, no matter what the circumstance, and I have absolutely no doubt, you will be successful in whatever you set out to accomplish. You have the work ethic, leadership skills, positive attitude, talent, and personality to make anyone want to follow your lead!”

“Thank you so much for representing Ponca City High School and your community with such great character, pride, and dignity. I am so proud you are a Wildcat, and it is a privilege and an honor to know you. Without a doubt, I know your teachers and classmates feel the same way!”

The Wildcat of the Week receives a Wildcat of the Week T-shirt, a Wildcat window sticker, and a coupon for a delicious burger basket from Ground Round. The award is sponsored by TEAM Radio, Heather Cannon Honda, Tyndall Family Dentistry, Ground Round, and Legacy Signs.

The award is open to ANY Ponca City High School student. TEAM Radio makes the final selections and coordinates with school officials for presentations. Please use this link to nominate a high school student for Wildcat of the Week: https://www.poncacitynow.com//32875-2/

#Workethic #Improve #Leadership #Discipline #Compete #Attitude #Teamwork #wildcatway #pcpsproud  

#pohichorale #wildcatjazzband #pohisymphonystringsorchestra #musicalwildcat #quitetheconversationlist   

Pictured below:  Krystina Muralt (Assistant Principal at PO-HI), Ryan Turnipseed (Wildcat of the Week #12), and Shelley Arrott (PCPS Superintendent)