Po-Hi names valedictorian, salutatorian

The Ponca City Senior High School 2015 Graduating Class announces Samuel Robert Flowers as the Valedictorian and David Miguel Soto as Salutatorian.

Po-Hi graduation is at 8 p.m. Friday, May 22, at Sullins Stadium.

Ceremonies will be held in Robson Field House in case of inclement weather.

Baccalaureate is at 7 p.m. May 21 in Howell Auditorium.

Samuel Flowers is the son of Steve and Lou Ann Flowers. He plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and major in Petroleum Engineering.

David Soto is the son of Jess and Melinda Soto. David plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and major in Microbiology and Pre-Medical.

Both were asked what message they would like to people who have supported them through high school.

Flowers responded, “I would like to thank my parents for pushing me to work hard and for being my biggest supporters. I would like to thank my teachers for making learning enjoyable, being available to help me, and encouraging me to take challenging classes. Finally, I am thankful for my friends that supported me and studied with me. All of my accomplishments wouldn’t have happened without all of you. I am humbled and blessed beyond measure.”

Soto said, “I want to thank you all. Your help and support, whether it be academic or even emotional, has brought me here, alive and in one piece. Everything that I am and all that I have achieved is a product of you urging me onward to reach my full potential. You’ve given me a world where I can thrive and enjoy my own life. Even though college is still some time away, I have already begun to miss you all – my dear family, my closest friends, my beloved chorale, and yes, even some of my teachers. I hope that I have given you pride over the years, for you all have given me pride in myself, in my accomplishments, and in all of those who have selflessly elevated me to be the young man I am today.”

Activities and honors for both scholars include:

Samuel Flowers – Awards/Honors/Clubs/Activities
Class of 2015 Valedictorian

Oklahoma Academic All-State Nominee

Chancellor Hans Brisch Scholar

AP Scholar With Honors

National Honor Society (11, 12)

Superintendent’s Honor Roll

Principal’s Honor Roll
Academic Lettering

Baseball (9, 10, 11, 12)

Basketball (9, 10)

Student Council (10, 11, 12)

Student Council President (12)

Youth Traffic Court (11, 12)

Work and Community Service
Marland Children’s Home Ministry (9, 10, 11, 12)

Jamaica Mission Trip (10)

OASL Basic Leadership Workshop (12)

David Soto – Awards/Honors/Clubs/Activities

Superintendent’s Honor Roll
Principal’s Honor Roll

National Merit Scholar

Po-Hi Student Council (2 years)

National Honor Society

Academic Team Captain

Oklahoma Academic All State Nominee

Po-Hi History Department Award

Academic Lettering, Academic Bar

Fine Arts Lettering

Po-Hi Chorale Member (9, 10, 11, 12)

Po-Hi Chorale Secretary (11)

Po-Hi Chorale President

2014 Oklahoma Boy’s State Delegate

Panic Talent Show performer (3 years)

Po-Hi Song and Dance Ensemble

Work and Community Service

National Honor Society Volunteer

St. Mary’s Catholic Youth Group Member

Volunteer at Community Health Clinic

Volunteer at the Friendship Feast Kitchen

Volunteer at Po-Hi as School-Level Math Tutor

Ponca City Big Clean-up Day Volunteer

Salutatorian David Soto, Po-Hi Principal Thad Dilbeck and Valadictorian Sam Flowers.