Ponca City High School Wildcat of the Week #7 is Junior Gavin Cunningham

The Heather Cannon Honda Wildcat of the Week #7 for the 2022-2023 school year was presented to Po-Hi Junior Gavin Cunningham.

PCPS Superintendent Shelley Arrott said, “Gavin is a Wildcat who excels both in the classroom and on the field. As a junior, Gavin is participating in two concurrent enrollment classes, his course schedule at Po-Hi and he plays Wildcat football and baseball. He maintains excellent grades, and his attendance at school is exemplary. Gavin is a student who has excellent work ethic and discipline, but what sets him apart is how he constantly strives for improvement.”

Ms. Kylee Jackson has not only been Gavin’s teacher during his freshman year and currently, but she has had a front-row seat for his entire athletic career because she is our Wildcat Athletic Trainer. Ms. Jackson says, “Gavin has really come into his own in the past two years and has become a model student-athlete. He’s a hard worker who isn’t afraid to ask for help, is always willing to lend a hand to a classmate or a teammate and is a great role model to his peers.” Gavin plays Wildcat football and has been an integral part of the team that is playing in the first round of the state playoffs for the first time in many years on Friday, Nov. 11. Coach Harmon stated, “Gavin is a hard-working, very talented, student-athlete that really performed well for us this season. He will have an opportunity to play football at the college level if he continues to progress.”

“Gavin your coaches say they see you making continual progress, which is indicative of your desire to succeed as an athlete. You ask questions, embrace feedback, make adjustments, keep on top of your fitness, and set personal goals for yourself. I know you want to play football at the University of Oklahoma and you have made it your mission to accomplish this dream. Coach Harmon said you have all the intangibles successful athletes possess. The intangibles are not your physical ability or athletic talent. Intangibles are the attributes you possess and the behaviors you exhibit that require absolutely no physical talent, but are crucial to success. Though intangibles are difficult to measure, I think any coach will tell you they are worth their weight in gold. I see that you have a great attitude, you understand the importance of teamwork, you control your emotions, you are driven to succeed, and you put forth your best effort 100 percent of the time.”

“It has been a pleasure and an honor to watch you play this season. At a couple of the games this year, the superintendent of the opposing school the Cats were playing texted me during the game to ask who is #4, so you are catching the eye of many outsiders, too. I am looking forward to the game tonight and seeing where this team takes the Wildcats of Ponca City. It is so exciting for our school and the entire community. The players and coaches have given their all this season! After football, I know it is on to baseball for you, and we all know the intangibles you possess and your athletic ability will lead you to success in that sport, too.”

“On top of all these wonderful characteristics, you are such a pleasant kid, too! I enjoyed visiting with you in the hallway yesterday before you went into your English classroom. You are personable, well-versed, and very polite. I was trying to be discreet that I was there to present you with the Wildcat of the Week Award.

“Your family, your school family, and your community are so very proud of you, Gavin. You are the epitome of being a Wildcat! Thanks for having high standards for yourself, your team, your school, and your family, and for holding that line for the Wildcats of Ponca City! You are #4 on the field, and #1 in the hearts of many!”

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.