Po-Hi Wildcat of the Week is Senior Jenna Stockton

The Heather Cannon Wildcat of the Week #16 for the 2021-2022 school year was presented to Po-Hi senior Jenna Stockton.

Superintendent Shelley Arrott said, “”Many times the Wildcat of the Week’s nomination focuses upon an extra-curricular activity. However, Jenna’s nomination focused more about how she is helping others close academic gaps in math due to the pandemic. As president of the Math Club at Po-Hi, Jenna has led a team of AP Math students in a peer tutoring project providing math help to 8th grade students. She is also responsible for expanding this project to include freshman students at Po-Hi. Even though she was a leader of this academic project, Jenna is also that student who is involved in many extra-curricular activities that make her such a well-round student. For those who may have attended Wildcat Football games, Jenna may be recognized as one of the drum majors for the Big Blue Band, where she demonstrated great leadership skills. She is very involved in our music programs because she is also a bassoonist in the Po-Hi Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she is on the Po-Hi Mock Trial Team and has taken on attorney roles and has excelled with them.”

“Jenna’s teachers say she is responsible, intelligent, kind, puts forth her best effort in class, is always smiling, and steps up to help out with anything. The band directors say in addition to her leadership skills as a drum major, Jenna’s positive attitude and demeanor helps to create a positive culture within the band program. Mr. Murray, her Mock Trial Coach said the attorney roles she has taken on are new to her and she exhibits great talent and drive. Mr. Mazboudi, her AP Calculus teacher and sponsor of the math tutoring program is so proud of Jenna because she is dedicated to her education and is first in his class. Without doubt, Jenna and her leadership skills are well-admired by her peers and by the staff at PO-HI.”

“Jenna, when you were nominated for the Wildcat of the Week Award, I looked you up in PowerSchool, and when I saw your picture, I immediately recognized you as one of our drum majors. While watching you at football games, I could tell you were a great leader of the Big Blue. Even though you are such a tiny girl, you had a commanding presence on that field! It was obvious by the way you carried yourself with confidence, which certainly made the band want to follow your lead!”

“I am so proud of you for leading the endeavor of creating the tutoring programs to help 8th and 9th graders close math gaps created by disruptions in learning due to the pandemic. It’s hard to believe but 8th graders have not had a normal school year since they were in 5th grade, and the 9th graders’ last normal year was 6th grade. Obviously, you are a fabulous math student and research proves that peer tutoring is one of the most effective instructional strategies that make a huge impact on learning. Your efforts to help this global need for Ponca City students are so admirable and we appreciate your dedication to this cause.”

“Jenna, I know you are planning to attend Johns Hopkins University and major in Biology. As I mentioned to you today during your AP Math class, as an educator I want to advocate for you to be a biology or advanced math teacher. However, I know you really want to major in biological research, and you will excel and have a successful career. No matter your higher education or career path decisions, I promise you that your family, your school family, and the city of Ponca City are beaming with pride for you! So proud you are a Ponca City Wildcat!”

The “Wildcat of the Week” Award is sponsored by Heather Cannon Honda. The award is for a deserving high school student who follows the characteristics of the Wildcat Way which are Work Ethic, Improve, Leadership, Discipline, Compete, Attitude, and Teamwork. These characteristics may be exhibited in any setting and is open to all Ponca City High School students.

Several Ponca City patrons are involved in making the “Wildcat of the Week” a reality. These partners include: Tina Christian, Senator Bill Coleman – TEAM Radio, Heather Cannon – Heather Cannon Honda, Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters, and Tyndall Dentistry.

Each week a new “Wildcat of the Week” will be selected from the nominations of TEAM Radio listeners and viewers. Winners receive a free BBQ sandwich meal from Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters and a T-shirt from Boss Custom Tees. PCPS will make the presentation weekly at Po-Hi. If you know an outstanding student at Po-Hi who is living the Wildcat Way, please use the form in one of these links https://www.poncacitynow.com//32875-2/, or visit www.PoncaCityNow.com, www.PoHiSports.com, or www.pcps.us.