Nate Collins Character Award

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. Click here to download a copy of the scholarship announcement.

APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN CLOSED FOR 2025


Student Qualifications:

  • Must be a Senior or a Freshman in College
  • Must be a graduate of Ponca City High School
  • Goes above and beyond for peers, colleagues, and community
  • GPA must be 2.5 or higher
  • Recipients shall embody characteristics of Nate Collins such as peer support, friendship, and positive energy

How to Nominate a Student:

  • Students may self-nominate
  • Teacher/Counselor/Faculty Nomination of student
  • Community member Nomination

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.


Past Winners

Calissa Collins - 2024 Winner of the Nate Collins Character Award

Trycten Boyer - 2023 Winner of the Nate Collins Character Award

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