Wildcat of the Week #13 is Po-Hi Senior Malachi Johnson

The Heather Cannon Wildcat of the Week #13 for the 2022-2023 school year was presented to Po-Hi senior Malachi Johnson. “Malachi works very hard to improve his personal best at everything he attempts,” said PCPS Superintendent Shelley Arrott. “Malachi is enrolled in Pre-Calculus, Fundamentals of Art, and English IV at Po-Hi and he also participates in two sections of the welding program at Pioneer Technology Center. He makes excellent grades, submits quality work on time, and has great attendance, so he is certainly disciplined with his academics! In addition to his course work, he participates in Wildcat Varsity Football and Varsity Soccer.”

Ms. Smith, his English teacher, said he is very motivated and very interested in his academic success, but he is also kind and funny! Coach Harmon stated that Malachi is a hard worker and a kid that everyone likes to be around.

“Malachi, as I mentioned to you in class, I first knew a little bit about you this year during football season. At one of our first football games, you scored two or three touchdowns and I am asking myself who is this kid and where has he been? I found out that this year, your senior year, was your first year to play football! Well, it’s no surprise you had a great football season because you have been involved with youth soccer for many years as a player, coaching young athletes, and being a referee on the weekends. Coach Harmon told me you were named Newcomer of the District as a Senior Wide Receiver! Your work ethic and desire to always grow and improve is paying off for you! Regardless of when you first started playing football, I know the coaching staff, your teammates, and Wildcat fans were glad you joined the team and are very proud of you! Trying new activities speaks a lot to how open-minded, creative and insightful a person is or can be. We look forward to watching you give your best effort and excel in soccer, too.”

“To brag on you a little bit further, you were accepted into the National Honor Society and accepted in Oklahoma State University on the same day! When I was thinking about what your future career goals might be, I first thought you might be interested in some type of manufacturing or fabrication field since you are active in the welding program at PTC. Then, I thought you might want to be a teacher/coach since you enjoy volunteering to coach youth league soccer. I was a bit surprised when you said you planned to pursue a career in aerospace engineering! Of course, there are aerospace welding engineer jobs available, and I have no doubt your versatility, drive, work-ethic, and dedication will lead to your success with whatever you set your mind to accomplish.”

“On top of all the wonderful traits that make you a successful student and athlete, your teachers all say you are a great kid to be around and I can certainly see why! You are quiet and unassuming, but very personable and you always have a smile on your face! You carry on great conversations with your peers and adults and your positive attitude brightens the day of those around you and is highly contagious.”

“It was great interacting with you, your class, and Ms. Smith during the presentation. It was evident that everyone thinks you are so deserving of the Wildcat of the Week Award. Even your classmates were videoing the presentation! Anyone who meets you will instantly know you are a wonderful person, and I especially admire your positive, can-do attitude! You are a strong role model and I am thankful you are a wonderful example for little Wildcat eyes that watch you, and trust me, little eyes are always watching! Thanks for making your family and your school family so proud; we cannot wait to see what greatness lies ahead 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), Malachi Johnson (Wildcat of the Week) and Kristin Smith (Po-Hi English teacher)