[PCM+) The Heart of Ponca City Public Schools

Story by Katie Parr / Public Information Coordinator, Ponca City Public Schools

The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.

Walk into any Ponca City school building and you’ll hear it before you see it: the laughter coming from students in the hallways, teachers greeting kids with a high five and the steady hum of a district that feels more like a family than an institution. That energy isn’t accidental. It’s the product of more than a century of tradition, built by generations of educators, community members and families who believed in the power of public education.

Ponca City Public Schools has long been the heartbeat of the community. From its earliest days, the district has earned a reputation for excellence in academics and shaping the character of its students. Alumni remember teachers who pushed them to think bigger, coaches who instilled discipline and teamwork, and mentors who believed in them before they believed in themselves. Former United States Senator and Ponca City graduate Don Nickles spoke of Po-Hi teacher Paul Ingersoll serving as an inspiration for him throughout his formative days as a young Wildcat in the most recent Ponca City Hall of Fame evening.