PCPS Wildcat of the Week is Sr. Riley Ladner

The Heather Cannon Wildcat of the Week for the 2023-2024 school year was presented to Riley Ladner, a senior at Ponca City High School.

Riley has been a Wildcat swimmer for four years and has earned state medals. He played varsity football for three years and has been in the Symphony Orchestra for four years, also earning state recognition. He is active in the Po-Hi Chorale and a member of the Po-Hi marching band. Riley is also active in Business Professionals of America, Student Athlete Advisory Committee and Kindness Club. He is always volunteering for events for the school and community. Riley is a member of the Wildcat Theatre Company and earned his Eagle Scout at the age of 17.

He has enlisted in the Army National Guard and will go to basic training in June. He plans to go to college after basic training and pursue a career in music education.

PCPS Superintendent Adam Leaming said, “If there’s a Wildcat that’s more diverse and involved than Mr. Ladner I’d like to meet them! After reading Riley’s nomination and witnessing this young man’s passion in becoming a top performing student, it was evident he encompassed the Wildcat Way. Riley raises the bar of achievement and participation with our school district. He sets a strong example with his leadership, work ethic and commitment to his fellow students. The staff and administration of Ponca City could not be more proud of this young man. I certainly appreciate the vibrant personality of Riley. He’s a humble young man who brightens our hallways with his presence. Riley, thank you for being an outstanding student. You’re one of the many reasons that make Ponca City High School a vibrant community of learners. I can’t wait to see how the rest of your year unfolds!”

Paula Macpherson-Cochran, Director of Orchestras, said, “Riley is a wildcat through and through. He represents the Po-Hi music program proudly excelling in band, choir and orchestra. Riley is committed to excellence and works hard to learn his parts to be a valuable member of each ensemble. Riley is disciplined and has such a positive attitude and brings energy to the classroom. He learns from his mistakes and is a friend to everyone he meets. Riley balances his schedule and finds a way to do it all. He was a valuable member of our orchestra team bringing home Sweepstakes this week. We look forward to him bringing home state medals at swim this Friday. We are so proud to have Riley in our programs and it will be hard to say good bye as he graduates this year.”

Paige Marsh, Riley’s teacher, said, “Riley is creative, innovative and unique; plus he is fearless. His Panic appearances in a Speedo prove the point. Riley has a fun side, for sure, but he knows when to set that aside for academics. He’s an outstanding student! Riley maintains exemplary grades while participating fully in extra curriculars.” It’s important to note that Paige also asked us to mention the phrase “wing dings” in this release.

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 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.