Web posted
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Ark City native honored in Ponca
By LOUISE ABERCROMBIE
Ponca City News
The most moving moment of the recent Ponca City Chamber of Commerce banquet came when Eastman National Bank Senior Vice President Mike Mott was named "Outstanding Citizen of Ponca City."
Mott grew up in Arkansas City, graduated from Ark City High School in 1964, earned an associate degree from Ark City Junior College (Cowley College) and later graduated from Oklahoma State University.
He married former Arkalalah queen Nancy Neumann. Their daughter, Amanda Mott, later reigned as Arkalalah queen in the 1990s.
Mott said today he was surprised to receive the Ponca chamber award.
"Oh my gosh, that's a great honor, in Ponca City," Mott said. "I had no idea they'd bring in my family."
Mott performed in school plays and musicals while at Ark City High School. Today in Ponca City, he is a well-known local singer and actor who often portrays E.W. Marland.
He couldn't find words or a song to express what he was feeling at the chamber banquet.
His four-year old granddaughter, Isabella, came to his rescue, however, by flying across the stage and jumping into his arms.
Mott, who lamented the fact he didn't have a prepared speech, said, "This means so much to me. I can only say from my heart, I truly appreciate this award and I will cherish it forever."
Linda Brown, last year's recipient, presented the 2007 Outstanding Citizen award before a sold-out crowd of 440 plus.
"Our recipient has a long list of accomplishments and service to others just like the many who were named before him," said Brown. "What makes this man so unique is his ability to bring a smile to your face or a feeling of warmth to your heart."
She mentioned some of his attributions as "hearing his melodious voice singing at a function or just singing because he is happy and for many, it is watching him change into character to portray E.W. Marland."
Michael D. Mott was born in Independence, Kan.
After graduating from Oklahoma State University, Mott served in the U.S. Army, where he could be heard as the ceremonial announcer for the Honor Guard or as a presidential announcer at the White House.
He has two daughters, Amanda and Ashley, and dotes on his granddaughter, Isabella.
Mott started his financial career with Household Finance in Washington, D.C., and worked his way to Ponca City in 1995 as senior vice president for Home National Bank.
He currently serves as senior vice president of Eastman National Bank, where he is also an investor.
His extensive list of service to Ponca includes the following: Ponca City Main Street, Kay County Cancer Society, Ponca Playhouse, Poncan Theater, YMCA, United Way, Kaw Lake Association, Ambucs, Friends of Education, PCCC, Leadership Class, Citizens Police Academy and Taste and Tasteless.
Mott said today he still considers Ark City his home, and he visits here often. His mother, Harriett Mott Bradford, and two sisters, Dianna Keefe, and Deb Pappan, live here.
(Traveler reporter Foss Farrar contributed to this report.)
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