Ponca City Passport 2025: Leadership Ponca City Class 38’s Community Adventure
Story Contributed by the Ponca City Leadership Class 38
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Leadership Ponca City Class 38 has embarked on an exciting journey to strengthen community engagement, promote local businesses and celebrate the rich culture of Ponca City with their ambitious project – Ponca City Passport 2025.
As a program of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Ponca City cultivates informed, committed leaders who actively contribute to civic, charitable and governmental organizations. The program runs annually from August through May, guiding participants through a series of immersive sessions that explore the inner workings of local government, industry, education and nonprofit services. Each year, participants are challenged to develop and complete a class project that benefits the community – an opportunity to apply their leadership skills in a meaningful and lasting way. With 23 diverse participants selected from an elite pool of applicants, Class 38 was determined to create something impactful that would bring the community together in a fun and interactive way.
“Leadership Ponca City has been a great opportunity for me to branch out of my comfort zone, learn more in-depth about our city and state, and make new connections with my classmates, who I now consider my friends,” said Laina Smith. “I have loved getting to learn about our history, industries, state government and so much more. I am excited for people to get to learn about what we have learned through our passport. It is, in my opinion, the best opportunity for people to get involved and show interest in our city!”
What Is Ponca City Passport 2025?
Ponca City Passport 2025 is designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore the incredible businesses, landmarks and nonprofits that make Ponca City thrive. This initiative fosters local pride while driving foot traffic and economic support to a variety of community touchpoints.
The program kicked off on April 1 and will run through July 15, 2025, providing a structured, yet flexible, opportunity for participants to engage with, and explore, the city. The concept is simple: passport holders visit locations across different categories, complete specific tasks and collect stamps, receipts or photos as proof of their visits. Once completed, they submit their passport to the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce to be entered into exciting prize drawings.
“The Ponca Passport project means so much to me. It encompasses the positive vision that I have of Ponca City, and I am so excited to share that with others,” said Victoria Devinney. “Seeing others in our leadership class have the same love and vision for Ponca City is so encouraging. I feel like our town is on to some amazing things!”
The Categories
Participants must complete visits in six distinct categories, each representing a crucial part of Ponca City’s identity:
History & Arts: From museums and historic landmarks to rare art, Ponca City’s rich history and thriving arts scene give residents and visitors a deeper appreciation of our cultural roots.
Entertainment & Culture: Whether it’s live performances, family-friendly attractions or cultural festivals, these destinations bring people together and make our community more vibrant.
Health & Wellness: Prioritizing well-being is key to a thriving community. This category features local fitness centers, wellness activities and businesses offering fresh, homegrown produce, nutritious homemade meals and handmade personal care products.
Community Services: Nonprofits, charities and service organizations are the backbone of Ponca City, offering vital resources and opportunities to give back. This category encourages participants to volunteer and donate to support these essential services.
Adventures & Excursions: Whether you love outdoor recreation, sports or unique local experiences, this category encourages people to step outside their routine and try something new.
Chamber Investors: The Ponca City Chamber of Commerce is home to a wide range of businesses that keep our local economy strong. Supporting these businesses means investing in the future of our city.
How It Works
Pick up a free passport at the Ponca City Chamber or Ponca City Library.
Visit two locations per category and complete the required task.
Submit your completed passport by July 15, 2025, at the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, 420 E. Grand Ave. (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
The first 100 finishers receive a limited-edition Ponca City magnet.
All completed submissions are entered into a July 17 prize drawing for Ponca City gift baskets and Chamber Bucks.
Why This Matters
Throughout their journey in Leadership Ponca City, Class 38 has had the privilege of exploring the people, places and opportunities that make our city extraordinary. With the Ponca City Passport 2025 project, they aim to share that experience – inviting the entire community to see Ponca City through fresh eyes.
This initiative showcases the diverse experiences our city has to offer while highlighting the vital role each category plays in shaping our community. By participating, residents and visitors alike aren’t just discovering new places – they’re creating new memories, building relationships and taking pride in their community.
“Leadership Ponca City has given me a fresh perspective and a deeper appreciation for our community,” said Paige Johns. “I have truly enjoyed learning about Ponca City’s rich history and all that makes it exceptional. The Passport project serves as a meaningful way for Leadership Class 38 to give back by providing the community with opportunities to learn and grow, just as we all have during our class sessions.”
Leadership Ponca City Class 38 wants to help everyone see that through shared experiences, active participation and embracing opportunities to connect, we can bridge the gap between generations, backgrounds and perspectives. This strengthens the bonds that make Ponca City not just a place to live, but a thriving community where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
By engaging with local organizations and supporting initiatives like Ponca City Passport 2025, we help shape the direction of our neighborhoods, ensuring they reflect the values and needs of those who call Ponca City home. Supporting local not only boosts the economy but also gives each of us a voice in decisions that impact our daily lives. It’s about creating connections, building relationships and having a stake in the future of our city.
Meet Leadership Ponca City Class 38
The vision behind Ponca City Passport 2025 was brought to life by the 23 dedicated members of Leadership Ponca City Class 38:
Alex Penny – Equity Bank
Andrew Coufal – Chenoweth Eye Centers
Angela Rickman – The Lost Gent Barbershop
Bailey Kelly – City of Ponca City
Bien Wells – The Myers Agency
Carson Combest – Ponca City Fire Department
Derion Schieber – Farm House Kids Co. & Harvest Hall
Heather Smith – Pioneer Technology Center
Jake Kriech – Winterrowd Talley Architects
Jerod Helling – RCB Bank
Jordan Jackson-Gross – Individual Investor
Kailye Anderson – First National Bank of Oklahoma
Kayla Murphy – Evans & Associates
Laina Smith – Speak Now Productions
Mark Bean – Dearing House Child Advocacy Center
Morgan Didlake – Spencer and Lindsay Grace
Paige Johns – Boomer Tire & Alignment
Rebecca Crosby – Custom Mechanical Equipment
Rob Davis – 8th District Attorney of Oklahoma
Sam Lionelli – Combat Syndicate
Steven Yinger – Ponca City Police Department
Trey Cassity – Alliant Insurance Services
Victoria Devinney – Phillips 66
Class 38’s journey has been shaped and supported by the guidance of this year’s program chairs: Natalie Fraser of Lindsay Manufacturing, Sean Grigsba of the Kay County Sheriff’s Office and Molly Kyler of Pioneer Technology Center. Their leadership provided structure, insight and encouragement as the class worked through months of learning and collaboration. The group also benefited from the support of Shelley Arrott, President and CEO of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce, and Don Nuzum, Ponca City Regional Airport Manager, who volunteers his time to transport the class to each session – ensuring every experience runs smoothly and on schedule.
Made Possible by Our Supporters
Ponca City Passport 2025 was made possible thanks to the generous support of several local businesses and organizations whose belief in the mission helped turn the project into a reality. Their contributions ensured that the experience could be offered completely free of charge for all participants.
A special thank you goes to the Ponca City Tourism Bureau for their generous donation. Additional gratitude goes to the following supporters:
These contributions covered the costs of printing, stamps and magnets, which were all purchased locally from A+ Printing and Redlands Office Solutions.
Join the Adventure!
Ponca City Passport 2025 is more than just a fun activity – it’s a celebration of everything that makes Ponca City great. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to town, this program offers a unique way to engage with the community, support local businesses and uncover hidden gems.
So, grab your passport, start exploring and share your journey on social media using #PoncaPassport2025. Follow @PoncaPassport on Facebook for updates, inspiration and participant highlights.
Your adventure starts now, because there’s always something happening in Ponca City!
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