Wildcat of the Week #12 is Po-Hi Junior Dallas Guenther

The Heather Cannon Wildcat of the Week #12 for the 2022-2023 School Year was presented to Po-Hi junior Dallas Guenther. Superintendent Shelley Arrott said, “Dallas is a very motivated student driven by a strong work ethic. She is enrolled in rigorous classes at PO-HI, is on the girls wrestling team, and is a member of the internship program. She makes excellent grades and her attendance is exemplary. Even with her focus on academics and girls wrestling, she has made a huge impact on the Opportunity Center because she interned with them last semester. Our internship coordinator, Jordan Gross, said both the directors and the clients at the Opportunity Center loved working with her because she is not only hard working and responsible, but also compassionate and understanding with everyone she meets.”

Mrs. Roberts, her English teacher, shared that Dallas is consistent and she can count on her to do her best. She said she is responsible and always lets her know if she’s going to miss class for a school activity. Dallas always wants to know what she can do while she’s away to stay on top of her academics. Mrs. Roberts also said it is not uncommon for her to catch her quietly helping a student nearby. Mr. Taylor, her Physics I teacher, said Dallas is a hard worker and a fierce competitor. In fact, every teacher I spoke with said she’s an exemplary student, so deserving of this award, and they are very proud of her!

“Dallas, I was so glad I was able to present this award in Mr. Taylor’s classroom. I had emailed him and told I would be there, and he was super excited to know you were going to receive the Wildcat of the Week Award in Physics class. He told me you exhibit all the characteristics of the Wildcat Way to the max! Obviously, I wanted to know why Mr. Taylor thought you were a fierce competitor. He said you give your best effort in wrestling, but he also said you were competitive in the classroom, as well. The example he and your classmates mentioned was the Albert Einstein riddle. Mr. Taylor had shared a riddle written by Albert Einstein with a simple premise that gives a variety of clues, and it is said the riddle is only solved by 2% of people who attempt to solve it. Well, I guess you made it your mission to be in that 2%! You do not give up and push yourself to meet challenges and these traits will serve you well in life.”

“As always during a Wildcat of the Week presentation, I ask the recipient about their plans for the future, and as a junior your post high school plans are still a year away. I really had no idea how you would respond, but I was pleasantly surprised you wanted to become a speech pathologist. I can tell you that you will be able to get a job anywhere, and I know where there will be a job waiting for you if you want to be a school speech pathologist once you receive that certification! We all would love you to return to PCPS as a staff member! I visited with Mrs. Gross today, and she told me you had done an internship with one of our speech pathologists last semester, and we would like to work on that opportunity again!”

“It was certainly a pleasure to meet you, Dallas. You are a young lady who is a shining example of what is means to be a dedicated, hardworking and competitive student. You are a leader in the classroom, during internship opportunities, and on the field of play! Your drive and determination are an inspiration to your peers and teachers alike. It is clear, Dallas, that you are destined for great things in the future. Your dedication to your studies, to your community, and your strong competitive spirit will no doubt serve you well as you continue to pursue your goals.”

“Dallas, I am proud you are a Ponca City Wildcat and I am confident you will continue to make a positive impact on our school and community for years to come. Your school family feels blessed to have you as a part of our Wildcat family, and I know your family and our community are very proud of you, too! You make a positive impact in all areas of your life, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for you.”

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: Shelley Arrott (PCPS Superintendent), Dallas Guenther (Wildcat of the Week), and Derek Taylor (PO-HI Science Teacher)