PHS HALL OF FAME, Classes 1920 - 1959

Margaret Moore Post spent 58 years in the newspaper business, her last 30 at the Indianapolis News.  With sponsorship from the Indianapolis News, she began the nation's first volunteer crime prevention program in which nearly 50,000 women worked.  She traveled the country helping other cities began similar programs.  

At the request of Lady Bird Johnson, she was a guest speaker at a White House luncheon.  She and her husband were publishers of the Mooresville Times.  She won many awards in journalism; and in 1973, Franklin College awarded her an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters.

Margaret Moore Post was the author of First Ladies of Indiana and the Governors.  Mrs. Post earned her A.B. degree at Louisiana State University. 

Inducted 2010

This lifelong Plainfield resident played minor league baseball and was a well-known sports announcer, in addition to owning a dry-cleaning business and driving a school bus for 30 years.

Over a period of 26 years, Joe's interest in Plainfield history resulted in a collection of photos that eventually led to his collaboration with Margaret Moore Post in publishing "A Pictorial History of Plainfield, Indiana." 

Joe received the Plainfield Jaycees Distinguished Service Award in 1974, Plainfield Elks Distinguished Citizen Award in 1980, and the Plainfield High School Alumni of the Year in 1984. He served the Alumni Association as its president for 21 years. 

Inducted 2011

As a 6'3" PHS freshman, Jake Weber became a four-year starter for the varsity basketball team. By his senior year, he'd added four more inches and was the tallest high school player in the state. This natural athlete and leader added football, track and baseball honors to his name, and held the school record in shot put for 40 years. During his time on the basketball team, the Quakers won four straight sectional titles, but never could advance out of the Regional. In 1937, he was named an Indiana All-Star. 

Jake headed north to Purdue where he played for Piggy Lambert for three years. He was named to the International News Service Big 10 All-star team, and while several professional teams took a look at him, World War II called first.

In 1945, he returned to Indiana and began his professional career with the Indianapolis Kautsky's. The next year, what we now know as the NBA began, and Jake became the starting center for the New York Knicks. A few weeks later, he was sent to the Providence Steamrollers. 

After the 1947 season, as a husband and father, Jake brought his family home to Indiana, first to Columbus to teach and coach, then to Indiana University, then Greencastle High School.  The family eventually settled in Plainfield where he took over the Consumer Coal Company started by his father. He became a successful builder and engineer, and was a devoted volunteer and community leader. He was active in the Optimists, Lions, Masonic Lodge, Murat Shrine, Murat Highlanders, and the Indianapolis FOP and PAL, as well as the Retired Professional Basketball Players Association. 

Inducted 2020

A second tour with the US. Navy allowed Dr. Donald Cain to transition from private practice to becoming a general surgeon. He then completed a residency in thoracic surgery.  After his residency, he joined with three other physicians to build Bayshore Hospital in Pasadena (TX). He continued to perform surgeries into the 1970s, after selling the hospital to the city of Houston. 

Donald attended Butler University and the University of Illinois. He completed his pre-medical work in the Navy, and his M.D. through an accelerated program offered by Indiana University in 1947. 

In Plainfield, Donald offered his expertise to several families who adopted children from China by studying their medical histories and offering his insights and advice to the prospective parents. During retirement, he maintained his medical license, and served his retirement community as the "family doctor." He continued to attend medical meetings and seminars until shortly before his death at the age of 90. 

Inducted 2013

This fifth generation Hoosier and lifelong Indiana resident was a champion of women's rights throughout the Hoosier state. She led by example, and is the holder of many Indiana firsts. She was the first woman nominated by a major party for Marion County Judge; the first woman nominated as the democratic candidate for Indiana Attorney General (1976); the first woman appointed U.S. Attorney for a full term, by President Jimmy Carter in 1979; and in 1984, the first woman to run for Governor of Indiana. 

Virginia was a co-founder and first president of the Indiana Women's Political Caucus. She was a partner in the Indianapolis law firm of Landman and Beatty, where she continued to practice until her death on May 26, 2006.

Virginia graduated from Indiana University and the Indiana University Law School, where she was admitted to the Order of the Coif and graduated first in the Class of 1950.

Inducted 2014

A lifelong Plainfield resident, Jamie Gilbert was a job counselor at the Indiana Department of Corrections and served as the Director of Classifications for 20 years at the Reception and Diagnostic Center in Plainfield. 

Jamie loyally served the Plainfield community, as President of the Guilford Township Historical Society and the Old Timers monthly alumni group; he served his A.M.E. Beth Church in many capacities, and he was a volunteer youth coach. In addition, Jamie would often visit local nursing homes to sing to the residents. In 2006, Jamie received the Outstanding Citizen Award from the Town of Plainfield. 

Jamie left PHS a year early to join the Navy during World War II, where he served as a Stewards Mate in the Pacific. He returned to Plainfield and graduated in 1944, and he went on to graduate from Central State College (Zenia, OH) in 1950.

Inducted 2016 

Bob Ward was a four-sport athlete at Plainfield High School, and he played semi-professional baseball during the summer. After graduating from Purdue University, he served in the United States Army, returning to Plainfield in 1966. 

In 1980, Bob was elected to the Plainfield Town Council, and served for the next 24 years. His forestry degree from Purdue served him well in overseeing town parks and properties. He was instrumental in developing the trail system, and that dedication was recognized by the Mid-America Trails and Greenway Conference.

Other significant accomplishments during his council tenure include the planning of the Recreation and Aquatics Center and the restoration of the Interurban Building, now included on the Register of Historic Places. The Robert M. Ward Park was named in his honor as a tribute to his many years of service to our community. 

Bob also served on the Board of Directors of Citizens Bank and CITBA Financial Corporation, including time as Chairman from 1996 until 2000. 

Inducted 2012

Margaret Miller earned a distinguished career in education and service in Central Florida. She taught English and music, served as a speech therapist, and was named Associate Superintendent for Personnel and Office Services in Orange County Public Schools (FL). She also was on the faculty at the University of Central Florida, where she helped develop the special education department, and was eventually named Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Studies and Clinical Experiences. 

In addition to her work in the field of education, Margaret has been a valuable leader in her community, with memberships on the Fund Distribution Committee for Heart of Florida United Way, the Central Florida Presbytery's Commission on Ministry, and Dr. Phillips Charities. As a long-standing member of the Orlando Leadership Council, Miller has been recognized with numerous awards for her many contributions to the community, including most recently being recognized by Onyx Magazine with its Distinguished Citizen Award. 

Margaret received a BS in music and Speech and an MS in speech and therapy, and music, from Indiana State University. She was awarded her doctorate in exceptional child education/emotional disorders and speech pathology from the University of Florida. 

Inducted 2015

Birt Kellam earned his BS in Electrical Engineering from Rose Polytechnic Institute (Rose Hulman), and then moved west where he had a successful career and history of community service. 

Retiring as Vice President of A.G. Edwards and Sons, Birt devoted his time and talents to countless philanthropic causes in Sun City West, Arizona. His avid interest in community healthcare led him to serve as an officer on Del E. Webb Memorial Hospital’s Board of Directors. He also served on the Sun Health Corporate Board of Directors, where he helped guide the future of healthcare in the West Valley. 

His leadership was instrumental in establishing the hospital’s intergenerational women’s center, which was named for his wife. He was an active member of the Sun Health Foundation’s Board of Trustees and served on several fundraising committees to benefit the community-owned healthcare organization’s network of services. 

Outside of the healthcare world, Birt is a past president of the Sundome Center for the Performing Arts and the West Valley Art Museum. He has served on the board of the Arizona State University Foundation, and in 2010, received the DAR Community Service Award for his many hours of volunteer work across many charities.

Inducted 2012

Norval Reece is credited with being a pioneer in developing cable television, a title earned during his employment with Westinghouse. He formed Reece Communications in 1986, where he continues to serve as President and CEO. The investment and management company brought cable television to the countries of the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. 

From 1960 - 1986, Norval held many roles, including Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Commerce and Special Assistant to the Governor.  He was also a political campaign manager, continuing his work in the developing world of cable television, and served as the Assistant Director for the Quaker Centre in Delhi, India. 

Norval was part of the committee that developed the policies under which the cable industry operates, and in 2001, was named to the industry’s highest honor. In 2009, he was presented the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award for Media from DePauw University, and he was inducted into the Wall of Fame at the Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media. 

Norval graduated from DePauw University and Yale Divinity School, and he served two years in India with the American Friends Service Committee. 

Inducted 2010

Esther Reece Painter began her leadership experiences at Plainfield High School.  She was a passionate advocate for the environment, the arts, and volunteerism.  After serving as President of the Girls Athletic Association, Secretary of the National Honor Society, and a cheerleader, Esther went to Earlham College and graduated from DePauw University with a major in zoology and minors in both chemistry and music. 

In her adopted home state of Connecticut, Reece, as she became known, was elected State Representative and Justice of the Peace, in addition to working as an aide to United States Congressman San Gejdenson for 20 years. It was during this time that some of her most important work on environmental issues was accomplished. 

She continued to be an active volunteer, being appointed to numerous commissions and programs. As a trained Orff music-educator, Reece volunteered as an elementary music and movement teacher, was active in the Gilbert and Sullivan Players, and the first director of her church's handbell choir. 

And yet, despite the many high-profile roles, Reece cites her experience as a volunteer in a Haitian health clinic as being the most significant learning experience of her life. 

Inducted 2020

Tom Newlin spent his entire career at Eli Lilly and Company, starting in 1966 as a Physical Chemist in research. In 1974, he was named director of Personnel for Lilly Research Laboratories, and he retired in 1992 as the Administration Director of Elanco S.A. in Kinsale, Ireland.

He served on the Earlham College Board of Trustees for 18 years, including as Vice Chairman for the last nine years. He was honored with the Outstanding Service to the College Award in 1997. 

As a founding member of the Hendricks County Community Foundation, he served as treasurer for 10 years. Other civic involvement includes Guilford Township Historical Society, PHS Alumni Association, and the Indianapolis Daycare Board. He organized and has been the leader of Plainfield Oldtimers since 2000. 

Tom earned his B.A. from Earlham College in 1974 and an M.S. from the University of Wisconsin.

Inducted 2017

Frank was appointed to General Motors Institute, now operated as Kettering Institute, where he earned his BS in Industrial Engineering in 1956. He spent his career with Inweld Corporation, where he began as a materials forming engineer and retired as Vice President in 1998.

Frank has served his industry and community in many capacities. He was a member of the finance committee of the American Welding Society, held local and state positions with Kiwanis International, and was a church school teacher and council member of the Plainfield United Methodist Church.

In 1968, Frank was elected to the Plainfield Community School Board, a position he held for twelve years. 

Inducted 2018

David Spencer taught English and Physical Education in Indianapolis Public Schools, and he was one of seven educators nationwide to be awarded a Ford Foundation Internship for Secondary Education. He was appointed principal of Madison West High School (WI), then Superintendent of Schools in Troy (MI). He later received the Distinguished Administrator Award from the Michigan Association of School Administrators. Following retirement, he became CEO of Quest International, a non-profit organization affiliated with Lions Club International. 

David earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Indiana University, and he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. 

Inducted 2011

Don moved to Plainfield as a young child, and he was a four-sport athlete and team captain during his high school years.

After high school, Don became the vice-president (and eventually, president) of Groninger Excavating, a local business. He was at the heart of the development of many of the community's subdivisions, streets, and sports fields. 

His passion for the youth was shown by the countless hours of labor, equipment and manpower he donated to the construction of Lovell Field, the town's former football and soccer fields. He later worked to maintain the fields. 

Don was instrumental in the development of youth sports programs in Plainfield, illustrated by the combined 45+ years as a coach, referee and board member. This avid supporter of the Quakers could almost always be found in the gym or on a field during games. 

Inducted 2015

Del Harris coached basketball at every level for more than 50 years. In the NBA, he was head coach of the Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Los Angeles Lakers, where he earned Coach of the Year honors in 1995. 

In addition to his NBA career, Del coached in world competitions with the national teams of Puerto Rico, Canada, United States and China. His teams earned bronze, silver and gold medals throughout those years.  During the 2004 Olympics, he was the first foreign head coach of the People's Republic of China.

Del has been inducted into four basketball Halls of Fame, and he has authored four books on basketball. 

After his education at Plainfield, he graduated with honors from Milligan College (TN), and earned a master's degree in history from Indiana University. He was ordained as a pastor in the Christian Church in 1958.

Inducted 2010 

Longtime teacher and coach, Tom Hession was a positive influence on the students and athletes with whom he worked from 1964 through 1984, when he left public education for the world of banking and politics.

In 1980, he was elected to the Indiana Senate, representing District 42, and he held that office until 1988. In 1984, Indiana Governor Robert Orr recognized his distinguished service by awarding him the highest civilian award, The Sagamore of the Wabash. 

Tom also enjoyed a varied broadcasting career as the voice of the Indianapolis Indians, spot broadcasting for the Cincinnati Reds, and color commentary for the IHSAA tournaments. 

After earning his BA from DePauw University, Tom went on to get his MS from Indiana University, and he graduated from the Stonier School of Banking at the University of Delaware. 

Inducted 2010

With degrees from Indiana Central College and Indiana State University, Nancy not only taught physical education and health at Plainfield High School, but also in 1967, was one of the first in Indiana to launch a girls' interscholastic athletic program.  In 1973, she was appointed girls' athletics director, making her one of the first such administrators in the nation. 

Nancy was one of 12 founding members of the Indiana Coaches of Girls' Sports Association, and in 1990 was honored with their service award.  In 1976, she was appointed to a national committee of athletic administrators charged with establishing the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA). She served as secretary of the NIAAA until she left public education in 1979.

Her next stop was to become Director of the Social Health Association, where she presented family life programs in over 200 schools annually. 

She was a recipient of the Indiana Youth Investment Award, and she was named one of twenty-five "Trailblazers in Health" by the Health Foundation of Greater Indianapolis. 

Inducted 2011

Plainfield was served by Bill Strafford, in varying capacities, for many years. During his high school years, he worked at Strafford Pharmacy on the corner of Center and Main Streets.  Following his graduation from Butler's pharmacy program in 1962, he returned to the family business and dedicated 15 years of his life as the only pharmacist.  He later became the manager of Hook's Drug Store, also in Plainfield. 

In 1976, Bill began studies in doctrine and philosophy at Lincoln Seminary, while also opening Christ's Corner Bookstore in the well-known location at Center and Main. The popular business provided books, study materials, and spiritual counseling for 24 years.  

In 1978, Bill was ordained as a minister and went on to officiate many weddings and funerals. Bill served his church as an elder and teacher, served two terms on the Plainfield School Board, and has been a high school and college basketball official. He played baseball for Butler University Coach Tony Hinkle, and he was an Indiana Baseball Commissioner for 12 years.  In 1998, he was awarded the Outstanding Citizenship Award from Plainfield Plus.  

Inducted 2014

Upon his graduation from Plainfield High School, Mark Hampton attended DePauw University and earned a master's degree at the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University. 

Considered one of America's leading interior designers, Mark was part of the team that restored a wing of Gracie Mansion, home to New York City's mayor. He also worked on the Governor's Mansion in Albany, and the American Academy in Rome. 

In the years before his death, Mark was closely associated with former President and First Lady George and Barbara Bush.  He consulted on the decor of a half-dozen homes, including the White House. Random House published "Mark Hampton on Decorating," a collection of essays that were originally published in "House and Garden" and later, in "House Beautiful."

Inducted 2010