Po-Hi Announces Top 20 Students from Senior Class of 2021

Mike Seals - April 11, 2021 11:16 pm

Ponca City High School Howell Building

Ponca City Senior High School is pleased to announce their Top 20 Valedictorians and Salutatorians. These are students who academically ranked within the top 20 of the Class of 2021. Students who have achieved the rank of Top 10 graduating earn the Valedictorian Commendation, and students who have achieved the rank of 11-20 earn the Salutatorian Commendation.

Superintendent Shelley Arrott said, “These twenty students have earned prestigious placement in their class because of their commitment to academics and excellence. They are among the elite of their class. Due to the world-wide pandemic, you have all had to face obstacles this year that most classes before you never experienced. You have learned to face adversity successfully by building resiliency, and it will better prepare you to overcome any obstacle the future may hold. Each of you has such a bright future, and we are so proud of your dedication and resolve. Wildcats, we wish you great success as you finish the year and begin your postsecondary plans. We love you and will miss you. We are looking forward to honoring your legacy on May 21, 2021. It’s the Wildcat Way!”

The ranking for Top 20 is based on grade point average. To be considered for these honors, students must complete eight regular semesters of high school and be enrolled all year. Each of these individuals earned premier placement in their class through an impressive commitment to academics. Many students in the Top 20 are also involved in a variety of extracurricular activities.

Po-Hi graduation is scheduled for Friday, May 21, 2021, and Baccalaureate will take place on Thursday, May 20. More information about graduation and Baccalaureate will be announced at a later date.

Top Two Students

Kaylee Wimberley
Kianna Jansma

District Valedictorians

Kaylee Rene’ Wimberley, Kianna Jansma, Robert Donelson, Naomi Nicole Gertken, Gabriel Robert Klein, Evelyn Grace Larson, Keirston Oakley, Ashley Kay Pittser, Ryan Garrett Turnipseed, and Emma Lucia Valgora.

District Salutatorians

Carlie Jo Badley, Gavyn Rhyse Bales, Alfonso Barragan, Torran S Olivia Cremers, Alexis Lee Irons, Morgan King, Jayden Marie Ryan, Landon Ray Varner, Anna Willis, and Conner Jacob Winterhalter.

FIRST IN CLASS

KAYLEE RENE’ WIMBERLEY
PONCA CITY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 2021

KAYLEE RENE’ WIMBERLEY – FIRST IN CLASS

Kaylee Wimberley is the daughter of Chris and Dondi Wimberley and the granddaughter of Jerry and Kathleen Wimberley and Loren (Cookie) and Denise (DeeDee Scott). Kaylee will be attending the University of Oklahoma in the fall and will be majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She will be a member of the university’s Honors College and President’s Community Scholars group. She plans on attending graduate school to become a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. Kaylee is a proud Garfield Elementary alumni.

Activities/Honors

Superintendent’s Honor Roll all four years
Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence 2021
Academic All-Stater
AP Scholar with Honors
College Board National Recognition Program Winner
Oklahoma Girls State Delegate 2020
Quest Bridge College Prep Scholar 2020
Oklahoma Business Professionals of America
Broadcast News Production Team (State Finalist 9th 11th and 2nd place 12th)
Financial Math and Analysis Concepts Individual Events (State Finalist 11th and 2nd place 12th
Po-Hi Departmental Awards (faculty-selected multiple times)
Business Professionals of America (member for five years, president 11th and senior year)
National Honor Society (member for two years, current vice-president)
Severe and Profound Special Education Peer Tutor (four years)
Students Standing Strong (member for three years)
Student Council (member for two years)

SECOND IN CLASS

KIANNA JANSMA

KIANNA JANSMA – SECOND IN CLASS

Kianna is the daughter of Michael and Lorissa Jansma and the granddaughter of Gloria and Jerry Jansma, and Clyde and Anna-Jane Knudsen. She plans to attend the University of Tulsa for the next four years, where she will be majoring in computer science and minoring in neuroscience. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she will either become a software engineer working towards advancing accessibility related technology, or further her education in the medical field to become a neurologist. Regardless of what career she pursues, she wants to be helping other people.

Activities/Honors

Superintendent’s Honor Roll all four years
Business Professionals of America for two years (Secretary 11th and Vice President 12th
National Honor Society for two years
Po-Hi Orchestra program all four years
Chamber Strings (member 9th)
Symphony Orchestra (10th, 11th, 12th)
Principal Cellist and Section Leader (at least once per year all four years)
Super Ratings District and State (contests for solo, duet, and ensemble performances)
Varsity Golf all four years

Robert Donelson