Nate Collins “Big Nate” (08/15/04-04/27/2023), an accomplished athlete, scholar, and friend left a legacy of friendship, support, and love. He was full of life, positivity, and had an infectious smile with a contagious laugh. Nate enjoyed cooking and found a love for writing while in college, where he played football.
In honor of all that Big Nate brought to the world, his friends and family, we choose to carry on his legacy by awarding The Nate Collins Character Scholarship to a student who continues in the footsteps of such a positive role model that was Nate.
This is an annual scholarship in the amount of $1000, that is awarded to a Ponca City High School Senior who exemplifies leadership, kindness, and outreach to other students. This is a one-time award offered to students who are selected annually through the application process.
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.
APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN CLOSED FOR 2025
Click here to download a copy of the scholarship announcement.
Student Qualifications:
How to Nominate a Student:
Amount of Scholarship:
$1,000.00-one time payment to college/university (enrollment must be verified)
Payment/Distribution of Award
The scholarship will be sent directly to the college/university the awardee will be attending
Application Open: May 09 - June 15, 2025
Application Review: Applications will be reviewed upon all final submissions, after June 15, 2025
Award Announcement: The Awardee will be notified via email and with a public post to the Morningstar Counseling Facebook page. Award announcement date TBD
*Parents/guardians must give permission for the student to be included in a press release along with photo.
Calissa Collins - 2024 Winner of the Nate Collins Character Award
Trycten Boyer - 2023 Winner of the Nate Collins Character Award