Ponca City Chamber– Ponca City is a community built on vision, determination, and resilience, the Chamber’s Leadership Ponca City Class 39 had the privilege of experiencing that remarkable history firsthand during our History Day session.
Our day was chaired by Rich Cantillon, who brought history to life by portraying B.S. Barnes, the founder of Ponca City. Through his story, we gained a powerful perspective on the grit and foresight it took to establish our community.
We didn’t just learn history, we lived it. We toured and made stops along the way to view sacred and unique places that set Ponca City apart, while reenactors set the stage and brought the past alive before our eyes. From honoring the legacy of Chief Standing Bear to exploring the bold vision of E.W. Marland, to celebrating the generosity of Lew Wentz, each stop reminded us of the leaders and dreamers who built the foundation we still stand on today.
Along the way, we discovered stories of other trailblazers whose ideals continue to inspire us. From innovation and philanthropy to perseverance in the face of adversity, the common thread is clear: Ponca City has always been, and remains, a community of resilience, vision, and pride.
Class 39 walked away inspired, reminded that the foundations laid by those who came before us are still alive today. We are a city that stays true to our roots while boldly shaping the future.
Pictured at Marland’s Grand Home are members of LPC Class 39: 1st Row – Alexis Kirk, Equity Bank; Abby Wilton, Winterrowd Talley Architects Inc.; Jerome Orange, Stolhand-Wells Group; Cortney Burns, Opportunity Center, Inc.; and Aletha Kearny, City National Bank & Trust. 2nd Row – Kisha Oakes, Security Title Service; Katilynn Cowan, Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, Inc.; Blake Connelly, Phillips 66 – Ponca City Refinery; and Ashley Adams, GRAND Mental Health; 3rd Row – Manny Vazquez, First National Bank of Oklahoma; Hunter Vap, Titan Title & Closing Ponca City; Sarah Martin, Northwestern Oklahoma State University; Andrew Simmons, Next 1 Up; and Spencer Grace – Spencer Grace for State House. Top Row – Scott Richardson, City of Ponca City, OK; Tim Williams, University Center at Ponca City; Day Chair Rich Cantillon, Whimsy; Bethany Avila, Skyway CDJR of Ponca City; Dalton Cloud, HRI Roofing & Post Frame; Seth Hammock, The Alley; Justin Mathews, Paws On The Pavement; Jimmy Farmer, KPNC; Ian Freeman, Pioneer Technology Center; and Edgar Tafolla, Phillips 66 – Ponca City Refinery.
Not pictured: Larin Davis, Ponca City Public Schools, and Eddie Shultz, City of Ponca City – PCFD.
Class 39 Leadership Chairs are Sean Grigsba, Kay County Sheriff’s Office; Molly Kyler, Pioneer Technology Center; and Erica Fetters, Century Products LLC.
