PHS Hall of Fame, Classes 1959 - 1983

Ron Richardson is a dedicated educator whose 52-year career left a lasting impact on thousands of students. His roles spanned teacher, Assistant Principal, Acting Principal, Summer School Principal, and Media Director, with a deep commitment to teaching and community service throughout. Born and raised in Plainfield, Indiana, Ron's connection to the town was strengthened by his childhood on Wabash Street. His high school years were marked with several milestones, but none as important as meeting his future wife, Judith Pershing, while serving as sophomore class president.

After graduating from Plainfield High School in 1959, Ron attended Purdue University briefly before transferring to Butler University, where his passion for education grew. He began his teaching career at Decatur Central High School in 1963, where he remained until his retirement in 2001. At Decatur Central, Ron's notable achievements included sponsoring Fellowship of Christian Athletes, coaching three sports, designing the media center and creating the first television show on Public Broadcasting for channel 20, which aired for 21 years and became a community staple. After retiring from Decatur Central, Ron continued to be a substitute teacher for 12 years.

Beyond his professional work, Ron is an avid reader, artist, and writer. He enjoys creating artwork and writing novels, continuing to nurture his creativity in retirement.

Inducted 2025

With BS, MS and EdD degrees in education from Indiana University, Nick Kellum began his career as a physical education teacher and football coach in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Two years later he returned to Indiana as an instructor in Physical Education at IUPUI. 

In 1978, Nick was named Dean of the School of Physical Education and Tourism Management at IUPUI, a position he held until his retirement in 2009. He has served the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) at the local, regional and national levels. 

Nick’s many awards include the Legacy Award from the Indiana Chapter of AAHPERD, the Phi Epsilon Kappa Distinguished Service Award, the Phi Epsilon Honor Award, and the Hine Medal from IUPUI. He was also elected to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame. 

Inducted 2011

With nearly 40 years teaching high school mathematics (35 of those at Mooresville High School), Bob Grosskreutz earned many honors and took on countless additional responsibilities. 

Bob began his career in 1967 at George Washington High School, then he moved to Mooresville High School in 1970. He served as Mathematics Department Chairman, senior class sponsor, and combined his talents in music and photography to produce multi-media presentations for commencement and other community events. 

In 1993, WRTV named Bob their Teacher of the Week, and he was named Teacher of the Year for Mooresville Schools. 

Bob maintained memberships in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and Phi Delta Kappa. He served as church organist, and he volunteered for 21 years on the Plainfield Alumni Committee. 

While studying at Purdue University, Bob studied mathematics and German, earning his BS in 1967, and his MS in 1972. Purdue has since honored Bob by naming him to the President’s Council, the R.B. Stewart Society, and the PMO Club. In 2014, he was presented the Distinguished Service Award by the Purdue Musical Organizations. 

Inducted 2015

During his time at Purdue University, John Hoffner earned a B.S. in Industrial Management from The Krannert Management School while being an active member of Acacia Fraternity. He went on to hold national offices in the fraternity, including Vice President and President.  John also earned an MBA from Xavier University.

John began his career with Proctor & Gamble in operations management. His career wrapped up while serving as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officers of Jack in the Box, Inc. In between, he held senior leadership positions in wide-ranging organizations, and served on many boards, including Popeye's Restaurants, Inc., St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital, and Junior Achievement of San Diego.

He served on the Advisory Board of The Krannert Management School and was conferred with the school's Distinguished Alumnus Award.

In Indiana, John's honors include being named an Old Master by Purdue University and a Sagamore of the Wabash by Indiana Governor Robert Orr.

Inducted 2017

Following two tours of duty as a Marine in Vietnam, John Anderson returned to Plainfield, built a business, raised his family and provided support to the Plainfield community that will continue for generations to come. 

John started AMS Production Machining, Inc. from a table in his garage, and he grew the business to become known for specializing in cryogenic valves and fittings. While his company became very successful, it was the work John did within the community that made the greatest impact. 

In 2008, John became a Plainfield Police Commissioner, serving as President at the time of his passing in 2021. 

With his wife, Debbie, the Andersons founded Strides to Success, a PATH Premier Accredited Facility and non-profit organization, committed to serving the emotional, mental, behavioral and social challenges of both children and adults with at-risk behaviors. 

Without betraying John's wishes, it should be known that his sphere of giving has long been a well-kept secret.  Through thoughtful planning, organizations and individuals in Plainfield and Hendricks County will benefit for years to come. In particular, his quiet generosity to Plainfield High School students, while anonymous, has changed many lives.

Inducted 2021

The Class of 1968 at Plainfield High School, with approximately 190 students, graduated on June 3,1968 marking their transition from high school to the next chapter of their lives. Little did they know, this group would leave a lasting legacy on future Plainfield students. Their journey would not only be defined by personal milestones but also by a profound commitment to giving back to their community.

In 2013, as the class prepared for its 45th reunion, two members-Charlie Nelson and Carol Wendt- conceived the idea of a "Reunion for a Reason." Their vision was simple: raise funds for the Plainfield High School Student Assistance Fund by encouraging donations above the reunion ticket price. These funds would provide financial aid for students in need. The response was overwhelming. The first donation check sent to the reunion committee was for $2400, a surprising and heartwarming amount. This marked the beginning of a philanthropic effort that has continued to grow over the years. The Class of 1968, motivated by a deep sense of gratitude for the school that shaped them, has donated over $200,000 to Plainfield Community School Corporation.

The Student Assistance Fund has supported school meals, activity fees, medical expenses, clothing, and other needs, ensuring no student is left behind due to financial hardships. To this day, the Class of 1968 remains closely connected to Plainfield schools, demonstrating that the bonds forged in high school can have a lasting impact on future generations.

Inducted 2025

With a B.S. in English from Franklin College, and an M.S. degree in Education from Butler University, Bob Lovell launched a successful career that includes basketball coach, athletics administrator and media personality.

As the basketball coach for Franklin College and IUPUI, Bob's team participated in the NAIA tournament. He later served as the IUPUI athletics director and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1996.

He spent six years as Associate Commissioner of the Horizon League, and he is the author of "Recruiting Game Changers."

In 1994, Bob helped create Indiana Sports Talk, a statewide post-game radio show with a focus on high school and college sports. His program was heard on nearly 40 stations throughout Indiana. He went on to earn honors including Indiana Sportscaster of the Year, Indiana Basketball Coaches Association Media Award, Indiana Football Coaches Association Media Award, IHSAA Distinguished Media Award and induction into the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Associations Hall of Fame.

Inducted 2012

Lance has been a fixture in Plainfield since the day he was born.  After high school, Lance attended Purdue University, and he was accepted into Phi Beta Kappa honorary society as well as Beta Gamma Sigma academic honorary society.  He received a CPA certification in 1979, and shortly after joined the Rhoades family beverage business.  Rhoades Beverage is credited with starting the first aluminum can recycling location in Plainfield, and in 2004, Lance began a new operation, Copper Mountain Beverage, a producer of beverage products with distribution in 30 states and several countries. 

Throughout his career, Lance has sat on several community boards including the Hendricks County Bank board and Plainfield Chamber of Commerce board.  He coached several youth soccer teams, including Plainfield Optimist club teams, Olympic Development teams, and the head coach of the Plainfield High School Girls Soccer team for over ten years.  He currently owns RE/MAX Centerstone Realty Group, which employs 55 realtors, and has offices in Plainfield and Avon.  In 2022, Lance was the RE/MAX broker of the year for Indiana.

Inducted 2024

Tamara Trittschuh, a trailblazer in both business and beauty, has achieved remarkable success across multiple fields. After graduating from Indiana University, she began her career at Xerox Corporation, quickly rising to become the #1 sales representative for Xerox Star Local Area Network in Louisville. In 1985, Tamara transitioned to the finance sector, making history as the first female financial advisor at EF Hutton in Louisville. Her hard work and determination led her to become the company's first female portfolio manager in the country, solidifying her reputation as a pioneer in the industry. In 2004, she helped establish the American Association of Professional Technical Analysts, further expanding her influence. Tamara went on to serve for 12 years as the United States Liaison to the International Federation of Technical Analysts (IFTA), traveling worldwide to speak at conferences in countries like France, Germany, Japan, and Italy.

Tamara's accomplishments also include several prestigious beauty titles.  Shortly after graduating from high school in 1973, she was named Hendricks County Fair Queen and Indiana Rose Queen.  She also earned the titles of Miss IU Bloomington, Miss Monroe County, and in 1976, Miss Indiana. Tamara's accomplishments in both business and beauty showcase her relentless drive, talent, and commitment to excellence in every area of her life.

Inducted 2025

A believer that the bank and community it serves is closely entwined, Tom not only served Charlotte (NC's) First Union National Bank, but the greater Charleston community.

While his banking career began with Indiana National Bank, it soon took him to Charlotte and First Union National.  Tom worked in many areas of the bank however, much of his career was spent in Wealth Management. At his retirement in 2013, he was Senior Vice President and Regional Managing Director for Wells Fargo, in Charleston (SC).

After graduating from PHS with honors, Tom earned a B.S. in Business Administration from what is now known as the University of Indianapolis in 1978. He later earned the Certified Financial Planner designation.

While living in Charleston, Tom was active on many community boards, including the Chamber of Commerce, Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Historic Rotary Club of Charleston.

Inducted 2016

Rick was a member of the staff when Indiana State University men's basketball team was runner-up in the 1979 NCAA Basketball Tournament. As soon as he graduated, he stepped into the role of Head Athletic Trainer for two professional baseball clubs; then in 1987, he was named Head Athletic Trainer/Director of Health Services at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

His next step, just five years later, was to establish the area's first full-service sports medicine program at Terre Haute Regional Hospital.

His many honors include Indiana Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame; National Athletic Trainers' Association Most Distinguished Award; Indiana's Distinguished Hoosier Award; and Sagamore of the Wabash.

Locally, Rick is a devoted volunteer and leader in several Plainfield organizations including the Chamber of Commerce and Plainfield Optimist Club.

Inducted 2017

During his time at Plainfield High School, Bruce Scifres played football, basketball and ran track all four years, earning nine varsity letters. He then took his football skills to Butler University, where he set three school rushing records and was inducted into the Butler Athletic Hall of Fame. 

Bruce spent 37 years teaching and coaching, with the majority of that time at Roncalli High School, where he led the school to seven state football championships. He finished his career ranked in the “All-Time Top 5” list of most Indiana state championship victories.

His many honors include: 12 Coach of the Year awards, including the 2017 IndyStar Sports Awards’ Coach of the Year for all Indiana sports; the National Football Foundation’s 2017 Distinguished American Award; and his induction into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2018. 

Since retiring from teaching and coaching in 2017, Bruce now serves as the Executive Director of the Catholic Youth Organization for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, where he oversees 24,000 youth and 7,000 adult volunteers in Central and Southern Indiana. He has also authored two books on faith and manhood in today’s world. 

Inducted 2018

Doug Esamann began his career with Public Service Indiana immediately after graduation from Indiana University in 1979, and he has been with the company, now Duke Energy, his entire career. His various leadership positions have included tax manager, general manager for finance and business, vice president and chief financial officer of the commercial business unit, president of PSI Energy, senior vice president of corporate strategy, and president of Duke Energy Indiana. 

His community service includes the boards of directors for the Indiana Energy Association, Indiana Manufacturers Association and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, as well as Special Olympics Indiana, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership and the Indiana Legal Foundation. He is also on the advisory boards of the University of Missouri financial Research Institute and the Richard G. Lugar Center for Renewable Energy. 

Inducted 2013

Scott Saxman is a doctor, researcher, teacher, author and volunteer, beginning his career at Oklahoma State University as a faculty member in the Oncology Department. He was recruited by Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, where he worked until moving to the National Cancer Institute in Washington, D.C. There he saw patients and worked with residents at the National Naval Medical Center. 

Scott also served as the Medical Director for the Peace Corps. He later joined Eli Lilly, serving as the Director of Cancer Research. 

Scott is a former volunteer at the Naval Hospital and Wishard Memorial Hospital. He has authored numerous articles and a textbook. 

After receiving his undergraduate degree from Ball State University in 1980, Scott went on to graduate from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1984, then to Vanderbilt University where he completed his internship, and then back to IU where he completed his residency in hematology and oncology in 1987. He has also completed a masters degree in International Research Ethics.

Inducted 2014

With degrees from Purdue University, The University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business, and Forest Institute, Chris Stout is a licensed clinical psychologist. He has served as Chief of Psychology, Director of Research, and Senior VP of an integrated behavioral healthcare system.

Chris has published or presented more than 300 papers and 35 books. He has written extensively on psychology, medicine, technology, and humanitarian issues. He has served on international missions with the Flying Doctors of America, as well as the Kovler Center for Refugee Survivors of Torture, Amnesty International, RWJ Foundation, the Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust, and Psychologists for Social Responsibility. 

After founding a kindergarten for AIDS-orphaned children in Tanzania, he continues to serve as a consultant at the school. 

Inducted 2010

Dru Cox Pearcy blazed trails for female high school athletes at a time when girls' sports were first recognized by the IHSAA. As a freshman, she placed 6th at the state track and field meet in the softball throw, but that would be the last time she would lose in that event.  Her record throw of 239 feet will stand forever since the event has since been retired. 

Dru was also Plainfield High School's first state champion, and in 2021, she was inducted into the Indiana Track and Field and Cross Country Hall of Fame. 

As a Parade All-American basketball player, she was selected to the Indiana Girls All-Star Team in its second year. In 2004, she was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. 

Dru was an elementary educator for over 23 years and since retiring has written and published one book, God is With Us.  

Inducted 2021

Upon graduation from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree, Kaye joined Xerox Corporation for what would become a 25-year career of various roles in sales and sales management. In 2000, she married the love of her life, Nick.  They welcomed their only child, Kara, in 2005. Motherhood became one of Kaye's most treasured joys of life! She spent countless hours volunteering in classrooms, on PTO boards and various other committees within the Plainfield Community School Corporation.  Giving her time and talents for her community is a passion of Kaye's.  She is a member of Plainfield Tri-Kappa, served on the Board of Directors for Faith in Action, Susie's Place, and Plainfield Youth Assistance Program. She is a member of Plainfield Christian Church. She works alongside her husband in their family business, York Automotive Group. Faith, family, friends, and love for her community make up what is important to Kaye.

Inducted 2024

Forging his own unique path, John Harris made the bold decision to leave IUPUI after 2 years, venturing into the world of construction.  After nearly a decade of mastering the trade, he and his wife Dee embarked on an entrepreneurial journey of founding JDH Contracting, Inc. in 1994. Under his guidance, JDH has emerged as a leader in the construction industry, executing diverse projects across the country and creating employment opportunities for 150 individuals.

John's entrepreneurial spirit didn't end with JDH Contracting, Inc.  He and Dee expanded their portfolio by founding 2 other thriving ventures: Northern Lights Locating and Inspection, in 2001 and Cal-Cait LLC in 1997 employing 120 individuals across 9 states and growing.  Despite he and Dee's remarkable success, John remains connected to his roots in Plainfield where all 3 companies are still headquartered. He embodies the essence of hard work, unwavering determination, and a profound commitment to his employees and community.

Inducted 2024