The 2025 Pioneer Technology Center (PTC) Foundation Dinner and Roast will take place on April 10, honoring Shelley Arrott, a lifelong educator and dedicated Ponca City community leader. Arrott, known for her outstanding service in public education and her commitment to local organizations, will be the subject of a lighthearted roast in recognition of her remarkable career and ongoing contributions to the community.
Arrott retired as Superintendent of Ponca City Public Schools on June 1, 2023, after a distinguished 40-year career in education. Over the years, she served in numerous roles, including teacher, instructional coach, principal, and central office administrator in curriculum and human resources. For 28 years, she worked within Ponca City Public Schools, a district she describes as near and dear to her heart. Arrott’s leadership and advocacy for education earned her the distinction of being named District 4 Oklahoma Superintendent of the Year in both 2020 and 2023.
Following her retirement from public education, Arrott assumed the role of President and CEO of the Ponca City Chamber of Commerce on June 5, 2023. Her deep connections and decades of service to Ponca City have made her transition to Chamber leadership seamless, allowing her to continue fostering growth and engagement in the community. Arrott is also an active member of 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 Poncan Theatre Board.
The Pioneer Tech Foundation, established in 1997, hosts the Dinner and Roast as its primary fundraiser to support scholarships and educational opportunities for students. The Foundation’s mission is to remove financial barriers that often prevent students from pursuing their educational goals. Through donations from individuals, families, and corporations, the Foundation provides funding for student tuition, teacher development, and student organization trips and institutes.
The goal of the Foundation is not only to assist students in the present but also to create long-term opportunities for future generations. The Foundation Board of Trustees, made up of community leaders and Pioneer Tech staff, ensures that contributions are used to directly support students and help them achieve success. Proceeds from the Dinner and Roast will go toward advancing the Foundation’s mission of making education and training accessible to all.
The 2025 Dinner and Roast promises to be an evening filled with laughter, memories, and community celebration as friends, family, and colleagues honor Shelley Arrott’s dedication and many achievements. For more information about the event, contact the Pioneer Technology Center Foundation at 580-718-4234 or CLICK HERE