Parents have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to raising their children. One of the decisions they have to make is where their kids will attend school. Natalie Lively is a Ponca City native and she says that she is thankful to have her kids in the Ponca City school system.

“I love that my kids attend the same school and community that I grew up in,” she said. “Our community is very supportive of the staff, students, and athletes. I like that the district works hard to instill values and promote the Wildcat Way.”

Lively has one son and two daughters. Collier is a graduate of Ponca City and he currently attends Oklahoma State University. In high school, he played football, baseball, and soccer. Kaytum is a junior that plays basketball for the Wildcats and also travels with her AAU team as well. A seventh grader, Jordan plays volleyball and soccer.

Along with making sure her kids are taken care of and have what they need, Natalie says that to her, it is important for her kids to play sports because it gives them a good foundation for the future.

“Throughout the years, all of my kids have been involved in various sports,” she said. “All of them have been on travel teams and school teams. We travel often to see them compete at all levels. I know as a parent it is important to always support your kids. Sports help them learn life skills, work ethic, and help them build character.”

Natalie teaches first grade at Woodlands Elementary school. She is also a member of the POHI Tip Off Club and also several groups at Woodlands. When she is not teaching, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and supporting her kids in everything that they do.