Wildcat of the Week #20 is Po-Hi Senior Connor McQueen

The Heather Cannon Wildcat of the Week #20 for the 2022-2023 school year was presented to Po-Hi senior Connor McQueen. “Connor is a Po-Hi senior, an outstanding student in academics, musical arts, performing arts, and his service to the community is remarkable,” said PCPS Superintendent Shelley Arrott. “Currently, Connor participates in concurrent enrollment with NOC through the University Center, takes AP Statistics and AP Literature and Composition, and participates in Chorale and Symphony Strings Orchestra. However, he has also been involved with Jazz Band and March Band and served as drum major. But, that’s not all … he has been part of the Wildcat Theatre, is a student intern with the Choir Department, and is an officer of the Key Club. Through the Key Club, he volunteers in the community by serving at the Friendship Feast and NERA. Not only does Connor make an impact on Po-Hi, his commitment to community service has made a positive impact on the lives of many individuals.”

“Connor has an impressive academic record, and has consistently achieved high grades throughout high school. He takes rigorous courses and challenges himself to attain academic excellence. Mrs. Parr, his AP Lit and Comp teacher, said, ‘Connor is a great kid who is involved with challenging classes, is responsible, and is just a fun student to have in class.’ Mrs. Jackson-Gross, our Internship Coordinator, mentioned that he does great work through his internship in choir, is super responsible, and always has a smile on his face.”

“Obviously, Connor is musically inclined and his music teachers could not say enough about the characteristics of the Wildcat Way he possesses. Mr. Keilman, his Choir director, added, ‘Connor is very quiet in class, but he never misses a beat! He has become more of a leader this year, and the underclassmen look up to him in Chorale. Connor’s signing has improved greatly over the past few years, and he will be missed after graduation!’ Ms. Cochran said, ‘Connor is a joy to have in orchestra. He works hard and is always willing to do what is best for the entire cello section.’ Finally, Mr. Pratt, assistant band director, summed up how we all feel about Connor. ‘Connor has a quiet patience that is a trademark of his character. He is creative, observant, and a reliable friend to his peers. Connor is one to find hi sown path, especially in music. For example, he plays the bassoon, served as drum major one semester, and he doubled on tenor saxophone in Jazz Band.’”

“Connor, I have known your parents for a long time as they are educators, but I first started noticing your leadership skills during football season when you served as one of the Big Blue Band drum majors. Mr. Pratt is exactly right; you have this presence that exudes leadership because of your quiet dignity, calm and composed demeanor, and the respect you gain from not only your peers, but other adults. Something else I have observed about you is that you actively promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. You treat everyone with respect and everyone seems to know you are a role model for others to emulate. Connor, you exemplify maturity as a student leader through your sense of responsibility, inclusivity, and being a positive role model, for students and adults alike. Your actions and behavior inspire others and contribute to a positive school community.”

“In the fall, I know you plan on attending Northern Oklahoma State University in Tahlequah, OK. I just knew you were going to tell me you were going into music education because of your love for music and the fact that you have lots of educators in your family. I was quite surprised when you told me you were going to study pre-medicine to help you prepare for medical school. I am not sure why I was surprised, because music training, whether it be instrumental or vocal, produces beneficial and long-lasting changes in brain function. Research has proven training benefits extend beyond music skills resulting in higher IQs and school grades, greater memory, better language processing, and improved motor function. Musically inclined students tend to have an interest in science and medicine, and see pursuing a career in medicine as a way to combine their love for music with the desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives through health care. You are obviously compassionate, intelligent, are disciplined, and have a great work ethic! You will be a wonderful doctor and your patients will appreciate your respect and compassion.”

“It was an honor visiting with you during the presentation during your choir internship. You are wise beyond your years and you are so personable and kind. Without a doubt, I have admired your dignity and grace as a leader from afar all year, and I am so proud of the way you represent the Ponca City Wildcats. I know I speak for your family, school family, and community as well. We will miss you next year, Connor, and our lives are better because you have been a part of our school community.”

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.

Pictured: Shelley Arrott (PCPS Superintendent), Connor McQueen (Wildcat of the Week) and Chad Keilman (Po-Hi Chorale Director)