Retrospect: Smith lettered all PHS diplomas

Every name on every diploma, that was the chore for Homer Smith on May 14, 1961, 57 years ago this week.

Smith, a Jay County educator, hand-lettered diplomas for graduating seniors at Portland High School for more than 30 years, working in an Old English Script with a special pen and India ink. He would continue that tradition for years to come.

With commencement set for May 25, the PHS class of 1961 had a busy month ahead, with Class Day on May 18, prom and Rotary’s Whing-Ding on May 19 and Baccalaureate on May 21.

Class president Michael S. Lewis would deliver the commencement address, while E. Harold VanCleve, executive secretary of the Dale Carnegie Alumni Association, would be the featured speaker.

Stephen P. Wehrly was class valedictorian, and Wayne Lee Settle was salutatorian.

Susan Smith was class vice president, Steve Takats class secretary and Joyce Romack class treasurer.

Susana Aiello-Astarita, the American Field Service exchange student from Uruguay, was crowned prom queen and Dave Penrod was prom king.

Five students — Joe Blankenbaker, Michael Ware, Judy Emery, Kay Gilpin and Joe Weaver — received scholarships from The Portland Foundation, which was still in its infancy.