Wildcat of the Week #10 is Po-Hi Senior Lynna Storm

The Heather Cannon Wildcat of the Week #10 for the 2022-2023 school year was presented to Po-Hi senior Lynna Storm. Superintendent Shelley Arrott said, “Lynna is a shining example of a student who loves Po-Hi! She works hard to develop a positive culture, including and treating all students with respect, and encourages everyone to get involved in one of our amazing activities. She leads by example because she devotes 100 percent of her effort and dedication to all of her activities and her academics. Lynna is the 2023 editor of Cat Tale, Yearbook, a member of Wildcat Theatre Company, and has been involved with Ponca Playhouse since she was seven years old. She was a member of the 2022 Panic Board that brought the Panic talent show, our beloved high school tradition, back after it was sidelined by the pandemic. In addition to all of these activities she maintains excellent grades and always takes the time to bring kindness and encouragement to every classmate and to every adult.”

As the editor of the Cat Tale, Lynna spends countless hours making sure deadlines are met, quotes are received and accurate, and making sure the photos look just perfect. In addition, it is the Cat Tale’s editor’s responsibility to lead the daily pledges and announcements. If you know Lynna at all, you know she is a confident, poised and great public speaker! Mrs. Marsh-Smith says that Lynna’s commitment to her duties as the yearbook editor are quite remarkable, and that she is an excellent choice for Wildcat of the Week!

As mentioned, Lynna maintains excellent grades in all her classes. In one of her classes, however, Lynna is making an amazing difference in the lives of some students who look up to her. You see, Lynna’s first hour class is Intro to Exceptional Students and the teacher is Ms. Ladner. Lynna is a peer tutor in Ms. Ladner’s self-contained Collaborative Academic and Transitional Success (CATS) program. Ms. Ladner said, “Lynna’s calm and gentle nature draws the students to her. She engages in conversation, asks their opinions, and includes them in events throughout the school. We are blessed to have Lynna as a student in the CATS program.”

“Lynna, you are such an impressive young lady! My first experience witnessing your amazing talents was at the 2022 Panic. Mrs. Dye and I came to watch the show and I leaned over to her and asked her if she knew you. I was blown away by your poise, confidence, and amazing public speaking abilities. You had the crowd in the palm of your hand, and I was so impressed with abilities at such a young age. Public speaking is difficult for many adults. Of course, with your connection to the Ponca Playhouse for so many years and your involvement with Wildcat Theatre, you have had lots of experience and practice, and that’s what helps people overcome the fear of speaking publicly.”

“I will have to say that my heart swelled with pride when Ms. Ladner told me how wonderful you are with her students and the way you make it a priority to include them with all PCPS events. Obviously, my first thought is that you would be an excellent teacher. You have that ability to build positive relationships with anyone, and that trait is by far the most important trait an educator should possess. However, you did tell me you planned on seeking a degree in media and communications and I will have to say that area is certainly your wheelhouse, and you will excel!”

“One more thing I want to add is you have this incredible spirit and sense of adventure. You explained to me you were likely going to a university in Kansas so you could explore, learn about other areas, and expand your horizons, but stay close to Oklahoma.”

“Lynna, I am so glad you love our school and are proud to be a Ponca City Wildcat. I love that you want all students to participate in activities and find a group that matches their interests. You are wise beyond your young years, and we all are better people for having you as part of our school family. We are so proud of you and the impact you have made on our school; I know your family is so proud of you, too, and they know how hard you work to accomplish dreams and goals. Thank you for your teamwork in doing your part to Hold That Line for all Ponca City Wildcats and for our school.”

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: Lynna Storm (Wildcat of the Week) and Shelley Arrott (PCPS Superintendent).