Ponca City, OK— Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) Foundation is set to host its 2025 Dinner and Roast on April 10, an event dedicated to honoring Shelley Arrott, a distinguished figure in education and a pillar of the Ponca City community. Arrott, celebrated for her lifelong commitment to public education and deep involvement in numerous local organizations, will be the guest of honor at this lighthearted roast, recognizing her impactful career and continuous service to Ponca City.
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 included various roles, from teaching and instructional coaching to principal and central office administration in curriculum and human resources. For 28 years, she dedicated her expertise to Ponca City Public Schools, an institution she holds in high regard. Her exemplary leadership and strong advocacy for education were acknowledged when she was named District 4 Oklahoma Superintendent of the Year in both 2020 and 2023.
Upon retiring from her prominent role in public education, Arrott transitioned to President and CEO of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce on June 5, 2023. Her extensive network and decades of dedicated service within Ponca City facilitated a smooth transition into Chamber leadership, allowing her to continue driving community growth and engagement. Furthermore, Arrott contributes her expertise to 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, showcasing her wide-ranging commitment to the region.
Established in 1997, the Pioneer Tech Foundation organizes the annual Dinner and Roast as its primary fundraising initiative, aimed at bolstering scholarships and expanding educational opportunities for students at Pioneer Technology Center Ponca City OK. The Foundation’s core mission is to alleviate the financial obstacles that often hinder students from pursuing their educational aspirations in vocational and technical fields. Through the generosity of individual donors, families, and corporate sponsors, the Foundation provides crucial funding to support student tuition, enhance teacher development programs, and facilitate student organization trips and educational institutes at Pioneer Tech.
The Pioneer Tech Foundation’s vision extends beyond immediate student assistance, focusing on cultivating enduring opportunities for future generations within the Ponca City and Oklahoma region. The Foundation Board of Trustees, comprised of community leaders and Pioneer Tech staff, ensures that all contributions are strategically allocated to directly support students, empowering them to achieve their career and educational goals through programs at Pioneer Technology Center Ponca City OK. The proceeds generated from the 2025 Dinner and Roast will be instrumental in advancing the Foundation’s vital mission of making high-quality education and technical training accessible to all aspiring students in the area.
The 2025 Dinner and Roast promises to be a memorable evening of camaraderie, laughter, and community celebration as friends, family, and colleagues come together to honor Shelley Arrott’s remarkable dedication and numerous accomplishments within Pioneer Tech Ponca City Ok and the wider community. For further details regarding the event, please contact the Pioneer Technology Center Foundation at 580-718-4234 or visit pioneertech.edu.
