Natalie Dick has never shied away from a challenge.

Only two students out of the some 400 in the Kingfisher High School building braved the challenge to undergo Advanced Placement Calculus.

Dick was one of them. This dedication has been listed by teachers as one of many attributes that merited her to be named 2023 Kingfisher High School Student of the Year.

This coveted award is given annually to one recipient who KHS teachers collectively vote on from a pool of the graduating seniors chosen Student of the Month.

An immense honor, as faculty take into consideration what they each personally believe to be worthy of Student of the Year.

Besides Dick’s unwavering dedication, her involvement in a wide variety of activities was testament to her work ethic teachers say they appreciated.

She was active in slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball for four years, earning the honor of all-conference for three years and all-district for two years.

Dick was also involved with National Honor Society, serving as secretary for one year, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Students Stepping Up, Federated Church, Student Council and the KHS student advisory committee, which was a board composed of students selected by KHS Principal John Harris.

Her honors include senior class president, Oklahoma Honor Society, Student of the Month and was a class valedictorian.

“To me Natalie stands out,” said her AP math teacher Janet Pennington, “because of the wide variety of things she was involved in.

“For example, I doubt there are many other softball pitchers who also play the piano at their church.”

Her unique involvement was coupled with what Amy Pearson, the Student Council adviser, saw as an embodiment in her ability “to step up and get the things done that need to be done.

Harriswasalsoimpressed with many of Dick’s qualities, but her “open mindedness, poise and a passion to make those around her better,” stood out to him.

Though each teacher may have their own personal qualifications that make a student worthy of Student of the Year, Dick was repeatedly praised for her leadership capabilities.

“Natalie was a great leader,” Pearson remarked, “and always willing to fill in and help with anything we needed.”

Pennington also said, “She’s respected by her peers and can lead without being bossy.”

Harris also feels that Dick not only accomplished much at her time at KHS, but will continue to do so.

“I am very proud of Natalie,” Harris said, “and know she will tackle whatever endeavor she chooses to pursue and be excellent.”

Dick was humble and appreciative when she acknowledged her award.

“Iwashonestlyshocked,” Dick said. “There are numerous kids who I think are amazing students, so I never thought of myself being recognized.”

The award was something that Dick feels grateful to her teachers and their choice in selecting her.

“I loved all my teachers,” she said, “because they are so caring and supportive towards the students.”

Her time at KHS not only ended with receiving Student of the Year, but many other honors as well.

She plans to continue her education at the University of Tulsa and was awarded over $120,000 in scholarships to pursue a degree in speech-language pathology.

As Dick pursues those goals, her legacy will live on in the halls of KHS as she will be added to the prestigious list of previous winners.

It’s a list in which she said she’s proud to join.

“It means so much to me,” Dick said, “since it shows my hard work and involvement within the school did not go unnoticed.”