PCPS Wildcat of the Week #19 is Hunter Irons

The Heather Cannon Wildcat of the Week #19 for the 2021-2022 school year was presented to Po-Hi senior Hunter Irons.

Superintendent Shelley Arrott said, “Hunter Irons is the perfect example of what it means to be a Wildcat. In addition to his regular course schedule, Hunter plays varsity basketball, is a DECA officer, participates in a student internship with his church, Central Baptist Church, and works a part-time job. His teachers all know that he is conscientious, dedicated to putting his personal best into his studies, always has a positive attitude, is always courteous and kind, and is a great student leader who is respected not only by his peers, but by his teachers as well.”

“Hunter, I am proud of your dedication to your studies and activities and the attributes of the Wildcat Way you exhibit. However, Mrs. Monks said something about you that I had never heard from a teacher regarding the Wildcat of the Way, and it literally gave me the chills. She bragged about how you exemplify the things that a Wildcat stands for, BUT she said your values and your morals are your number one focus. I respect all of your positive traits, but I love that you strive to live a life according to high moral standards. Someone with a strong moral code is willing to take responsibility for their actions and to make changes when necessary. This is a very mature standard to live by and I know that you will live a life of integrity which means putting your values into action.”

“Another level of maturity I see in you is that you are highly responsible. I know you are responsible with your studies, but you are also very responsible with supporting the things that you do with your own money. You work part-time for Mrs. Monk’s family’s lawn care service to purchase your own gas, pay your car insurance, eating out, and other things you need and want to do. The financial responsibility you have as a student will develop the skills necessary to be a good steward of your own funds as an adult. Recently, you experienced a setback that left you without a vehicle to get around. Rather than feel sorry for yourself, you are out there trying to pick up odd jobs to help get you in another vehicle. I am so impressed with your diligence and persistence. Setbacks make us stronger and more responsible, and as expected, you are handling this setback with dignity and grace. My first thought was how I wished I had an extra vehicle for you to use while you get back on your feet, but I know how you are handling this situation will teach you valuable life lessons. Life is not easy, but with strong work ethic, perseverance, and strong values and morals, you can overcome all obstacles!” #pcpsishiringasummerpaintcrew

“I know you are very involved with your church, Central Baptist, and you plan on attending Heartland Bible College to become a youth minister. You will be an amazing youth minister who will impact so many young lives by leading others to live by high standards, values and morals. I hope you return to your hometown of Ponca City with your career as a youth pastor! However, I am sure you will be highly recruited and any church would be fortunate to have you make a difference in the lives of youth groups!”

“We all admire and respect people with high morals, values and integrity. They are true role models and ones that inspire us every day. I want you to know that your family, church family, school family, and community are so proud of your moral compass. Thank you for being a wonderful model for all Wildcats to follow!”

#JustOneMoreThing: “I forgot to say this in front of your class, but I will never forget the last home basketball game at Robson this year. You were in the game and you made an amazing shot right at the buzzer! The Robson Rowdies went wild and so did the rest of us who know you! It was obvious that you are so well-respected and well-thought of! Hard work and dedication certainly pay off!

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.

Pictured Front: Shelley Arrott (PCPS Superintendent), Hunter Irons (Wildcat of the Week #19), and Heather Monks (PCPS DECA Advisor)