PONCA CITY, OK — Ponca City High School is proud to announce that seniors Sydney Meeker and Madison McCall have been selected as members of the 2026 Academic All-State Class by the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.
The Academic All-State program honors 100 outstanding public high school seniors from across Oklahoma for excellence in academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Honorees will be recognized at the Academic Awards Celebration on May 2 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, where each student will receive a $1,500 award, an honor cord, and a medallion.
Students qualify to apply for Academic All-State by meeting one of three rigorous criteria: earning a composite ACT score of at least 30, achieving a combined SAT evidence-based reading and writing and math score of at least 1370, or being named a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Applicants are then evaluated by an independent selection committee based on academic performance, leadership, community involvement, essays, and letters of recommendation.
Superintendent Adam Leaming praised the students for their achievement.
“I’m thrilled to see Sydney and Madison be recognized for this outstanding honor,” said Leaming. “It’s great seeing Ponca City Wildcats standing out on a statewide level, and knowing how hard Madison and Sydney work, it’s no wonder they’re standing out among leaders across Oklahoma. They make our Wildcat family proud!”
Ponca City High School Principal Sean Taglialatela also celebrated the students’ achievement.
“Madison McCall and Sydney Meeker have earned an extraordinary honor, and we are fired up to celebrate them! Their Academic All-State recognition reflects relentless effort, strong character, and a commitment to excellence that defines Po-Hi. They have made our school and our community proud!”
Since the program’s inception in 1987, the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence has recognized more than 4,000 Academic All-Staters statewide. Ponca City High School is honored to have Sydney Meeker and Madison McCall join this distinguished group of scholars.
For more information about the Academic All-State program, visit OFE.org.