Melanie Feathers is an alumnus of Ponca City High School. She says that while she was not athletic, she did find a place to fit in.

“I was and still am a musician,” she said. “I started playing piano at the age of seven and became our church pianist at twelve years old. Also, I was a member of the award-winning Po-hi chorale. I prayed, that when my kids started playing sports, they would do well because I thought if they didn’t it would definitely be my fault.”

Now, as the mother of three, Feathers has seen her prayers answered as her kids are all three athletes.

“Our oldest son, Burt, is eighteen years old and does all the things. He’s extremely dedicated to his cross country, making it to state for the second year in a row. He played basketball for Po-hi, but decided to focus on his running, a decision that has paid off tremendously. He is currently in track season bringing home three first-place gold medals at our home meet. He will be attending Haskell Nations University in the fall and is an outstanding role model for his younger siblings and cousins. Our middle child and only daughter Payton is fifteen years old and a sophomore at Po-hi. She’s an accomplished basketball player for the high school and had her first season of cross country this year. She also throws the shot put and discus in track and field. Brody is our youngest at twelve years old. He is in the seventh grade at West middle school and is on the basketball team. He also runs cross country and participates in track.”

With three kids heavily involved in extracurricular activities, Melanie says that making sure that they know what their priorities are is of high importance.

“Of course, we prioritize our kid’s activities and obligations,” she said. “But none of that is possible without them keeping their grades up and going to church. Burt and Payton are faithful members of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at school and set good examples for the other athletes.”