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Introducing Ponca City Main Street’s 2020
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Story by Carey Head / Ponca City Monthly Contributing Writer Photos by Jessah McIntosh
Ponca City Main Street’s inaugural “5 Under 40 Awards” recognizes young leaders from the Ponca City area who demonstrate significant contributions to this community through their role in their business, community involvement, volunteer work, leadership ability, advocacy and influence. PCMS board member Rhonda Skrapke suggested the award idea and the board agreed the young people deserve the ovation. Main Street Director Chelsea McConnell explains, “It’s important to let people know the hard work they are doing each day is seen. We hope this award urges this group of amazing young people to continue to work hard for our community and for themselves.” Nominations were promoted through the PCMS social media platforms with applications accepted through the organization’s website. Nominees were required to fill out the applications to be considered. McConnell loved reading the completed applications. “I was aware that we had some really outstanding young people in our community … we have many great leaders who have gone before us, but I loved … discovering that we certainly have several more growing into those roles.”
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The applications were sent to judges from outside of Ponca City “so they would be scored without bias,” McConnell adds. The five winners will receive a trophy and bottle of champagne from PCMS as well as being featured as the cover story for the October issue of Ponca City Monthly. McConnell laughs, “They’ll also probably receive a lot more requests to volunteer for their community now that everyone knows how amazing they are!”
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October 2020
Luke Garrison Speak Now Film Co.
