High school student athletes have a tough balance that they have to perfect in order to be successful. Not only do they have to practice and be mentally prepared for game day, they also have to keep up with their school work so they do not fall behind. Mattie Pendley and Pierce Wenger Wegner have excelled at both responsibilities evidenced by the Pryor High School seniors earning OSSAA Academic All-State honors. “I have put a lot of hard work and time into school and my studies,” Pendley said. “So it is nice to have all my hard work pay off in recognition of my commitment to my academics.”

Pierce is a member of the Tiger marching band, while Mattie plays soccer and is on the pom squad.

The balance of schoolwork and extracurricular activities can be tough, but both students agree that you have to be willing to sacrifice some things. 

Making sure he is managing his time properly has helped Pierce get to where he is. “Balancing school and band has taken a lot of time management skills,” he said. “And even though it can be difficult at times, it has never felt overwhelming. The rewards have absolutely been worth the stress. Budgeting my time according to my responsibilities has been essential to my success, as well as support from my peers and parents.”

Both students have a favorite teacher that has helped them along the way. Wenger says that his would be Ms. Clemmens, his choir director. “She has taught me the value of hard work by giving me opportunities to succeed from an early age and she has never stopped pushing me to be my best.”

Mattie’s top teacher would be her eleventh-grade trigonometry teacher, Mrs. McClure. “She made all of the lessons understandable for me and taught me that although it might not be easy, I can do anything I set my mind to as long as I work hard and stay committed.”