Ms. Mitchell is 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 has been recognized for her talents through many awards and honors.

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.

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.