07/30/2025
🎓 Announcing the 2025 Nate Collins Character Award Winner: Seth Sanchez🎉
We are proud to announce that Seth Sanchez, a 2025 graduate of Ponca City High School, has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Nate Collins Character Award.
This award honors the legacy of Nate Collins—a beloved Relative, athlete, student, and member of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma—by recognizing a graduating senior who exemplifies strength, integrity, community service, and resilience. Seth embodies all of these traits and more.
Throughout high school, Seth was a multi-sport athlete, lettering in football, track and field (shot put and discus), and powerlifting. His dedication led him to the Class 6A State Track Meet and numerous first-place finishes in powerlifting competitions across the region. But Seth’s achievements go far beyond athletics.
As a proud Ponca tribal member, Seth has been an active participant in the Po-Hi Native American Heritage Club, Title VI cultural education efforts, and a dedicated youth member of the Ponca Indian United Methodist Church. Whether reading to elementary students about Native identity, helping with church events, or caring for foster children in his home, Seth leads with kindness, humility, and a heart of service.
During difficult times—including stepping up as a caregiver for his family—Seth’s character never wavered. His mentors describe him as respectful, driven, compassionate, and an inspiration to younger students. He truly represents what this award stands for.
This fall, Seth will attend Cowley College in Kansas, where he will continue his athletic journey and pursue a degree in CNC Machinery.
Please join us in congratulating Seth Sanchez, the 2025 Nate Collins Character Award winner. We know he will carry forward Nate’s legacy with pride, perseverance, and purpose.
