Ponca City, OK—Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) in Ponca City is set to host its 2025 Foundation Dinner and Roast on April 10, an event dedicated to celebrating Shelley Arrott, a distinguished figure in education and a pillar of the Ponca City community. This special evening will shine a spotlight on Arrott’s lifetime commitment to public education and her extensive contributions to numerous local organizations. In recognition of her impactful career and ongoing community involvement, Arrott will be the guest of honor at a good-natured roast, promising an evening of laughter and heartfelt appreciation.
Shelley Arrott’s career in education spanned an impressive 40 years, culminating in her retirement as Superintendent of Ponca City Public Schools on June 1, 2023. Her journey within education saw her excel in various roles, from shaping young minds as a teacher and refining instructional practices as a coach, to leading schools as a principal and guiding curriculum and human resources at the central office level. For 28 years, Ponca City Public Schools was the beneficiary of her dedication, a district she holds in deep affection. Her exceptional leadership and unwavering advocacy for educational excellence were recognized when she was named District 4 Oklahoma Superintendent of the Year in both 2020 and 2023.
Upon retiring from public education, Arrott seamlessly transitioned into the role of President and CEO of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce starting June 5, 2023. Her established connections and decades of dedicated service within Ponca City ensured a smooth transition, allowing her to continue driving community growth and engagement in this new capacity. Beyond her professional roles, Shelley Arrott actively contributes to the community through her involvement on several local and state boards, including Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, United Way of North Central Oklahoma, Ponca City Public School Foundation, University Center Foundation, and the Poncan Theatre Board.
The Pioneer Tech Foundation, a crucial support system for Pioneer Technology Center in Ponca City, was established in 1997. The Foundation’s annual Dinner and Roast serves as its primary fundraising event, directly supporting scholarships and a wide array of educational opportunities for students at Pioneer Tech Ponca City. The core mission of the Foundation is to break down financial barriers that might prevent students from pursuing their educational aspirations and career goals at Pioneer Tech. Through the generosity of individual donors, families, and corporate sponsors, the Foundation effectively provides vital funding for student tuition, enriches teacher professional development, and supports enriching student organization trips and institutes.
The vision of the Pioneer Tech Foundation extends beyond immediate assistance; it is committed to cultivating enduring opportunities for generations of students to come through Pioneer Technology Center Ponca City. The Foundation Board of Trustees, composed of dedicated community leaders and Pioneer Tech staff, diligently ensures that all contributions are strategically allocated to directly benefit students and empower them to achieve their fullest potential. All proceeds generated from the 2025 Dinner and Roast will be instrumental in furthering the Foundation’s overarching mission: to make high-quality education and technical training accessible to everyone in the Ponca City region and beyond through Pioneer Tech.
The 2025 Pioneer Tech Foundation Dinner and Roast promises to be a memorable evening filled with joy, shared memories, and a strong sense of community spirit. It will be an opportunity for friends, family, and colleagues to come together to celebrate Shelley Arrott’s remarkable dedication and numerous achievements within Pioneer Tech Ponca City and the wider community. For those interested in attending or learning more about this significant event, please contact the Pioneer Technology Center Foundation at 580-718-4234 or visit pioneertech.edu.
