Katie Parr-PCPS— Ponca City was the proud host of the 2025 Oklahoma Association of Student Councils (OASC) State Convention, welcoming more than 1,700 student leaders and their sponsors from across the state for three days and two nights of leadership development, service, and celebration. Students filled the community with their energy and optimism for growing in their leadership and service.
Jaycee Davis, a senior at Ponca City High School and Student Council State Secretary, led the charge in coordinating student involvement and extending Wildcat hospitality to guests. Student Council host sponsor Betsy Easley played a pivotal role in organizing the convention, accomplishing in just a few short months what most schools have years to prepare for. Along with co-sponsor Haley Crowder, Easley worked tirelessly with students, staff, parents, and community volunteers to ensure a smooth and successful event for all attendees.
Under the leadership of High School Principal Sean Taglialatela and Superintendent Adam Leaming, the convention was hailed as one of the most engaging and well-organized in recent years. Every hotel room in Kay County was filled, with additional guests staying in Stillwater, underscoring the convention’s tremendous draw and impact on the local economy.
Throughout the event, students and sponsors from across Oklahoma spoke highly of Ponca City’s hospitality, the quality of the schools, and the leadership of both students and staff. The convention concluded with heartfelt remarks from state leaders who praised the warmth of the community, the enthusiasm of Ponca City’s students, and the historic beauty of Ponca City High School.
“This event was a shining moment for Ponca City,” said Superintendent Adam Leaming. “Our students, staff, and community came together to welcome the state with open arms. The pride, professionalism, and energy displayed throughout the weekend reflected everything that makes Ponca City special. Our star truly shone bright.”
Leaders from the Oklahoma Association of Student Councils highlighted the high level of engagement from Ponca City’s high school and district administration, noting that the collaboration between students and educators exemplified the very best of student leadership in Oklahoma.
As the convention came to a close, attendees left with lasting memories of Ponca City’s hospitality, its vibrant student body, and a community united behind its schools.
Ponca City’s star shone extra bright and the state of Oklahoma took notice.
Ponca City’s Student Council with Principal Taglialatela, Betsy Easley Student Council Advisor, Haley Crowder Student Council advisor and Superintendent Adam Leaming pose on stage the ceremonial gavel and plaque presented to the host school of the State Student Council Convention.
Haley Crowder Student Council Advisor, Sean Taglialatela High School Principal, with Superintendent Adam Leaming and Betsy Easley Student Council state advisor pose with the State Secretary who gets to host the State Convention, Jaycee Davis PoHi Senior and Student Council President. Jaycee and her team overcame a myriad of obstacles and arranged for countless volunteers to pull off a remarkable weekend.
