When Mr. Harold Haught wanted to do something special for the community where he grew up and lived for 31 years, he decided to honor two women who had an important impact on his life: his wife, Dorcas Edmondson Haught, and his former high school teacher, Wanda B. Mitchell.

Dorcas Edmondson Haught was the daughter of the late Joseph and Fannie Edmondson. After graduating from Parkersburg High School in 1934, Mrs. Haught had the opportunity to attend Marietta College but was unable to do so because of financial struggles. Mrs. Haught worked as a secretary for Universal Glass Company for 13 years before moving to Toledo, Ohio with her husband, where she began raising a family. Wherever Mrs. Haught lived, she became active in civic affairs. She was the co-chairman of the PTA Committee focusing on a large school bond issue at Findlay, Ohio, which was successful. The Haughts had two children, Anne Haught Keith and Harold "Chip" Haught, Jr.

Ms. Mitchell taught speech at PHS during Mr. Haught's junior and senior years. She stressed the importance of communication and encouraged students to think about their futures. Encouraged by Ms. Mitchell, Mr. Haught auditioned for an announcer's position at WPAR radio, where he worked for five years. Mr. Haught later attended Marietta College and received a degree in business administration.

Ms. Mitchell was the daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. Benjamin N. Mitchell of St. Marys, West Virginia. She graduated from PHS in 1928, and attended West Virginia University, earning her AB Degree. She received her MA from Northwestern University School of Speech in 1939. She taught for a total of 40 years in West Virginia, New York, and Illinois, with six of those years spent at PHS (1934-1940). Ms. Mitchell was recognized for her talents through many awards and honors during her lifetime.