The Wanda B. Mitchell Scholarship Fund honors the exceptional life and contributions of Wanda B. Mitchell, who passed away on September 29, 2008, at the age of 97. Born in St. Marys, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Elizabeth and Rev. Benjamin Mitchell. 

A dedicated educator and influential figure, Ms. Mitchell graduated from West Virginia University in 1932 and earned her MA from Northwestern University in 1939. Her teaching career spanned four decades, including a significant six-year period at Parkersburg High School. Ms. Mitchell was celebrated for her contributions to the field of education, including her role as the author of the textbook “Televising Your Message” and co-author of “Stories We Can’t Forget (More Than A Memoir By Two W.Va. Sisters With A Zest For Living).” She was featured in the film “And No Bells Ring,” produced by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Notably, she was appointed by President Dwight Eisenhower as the only woman on the National Defense Education Act Advisory Board from 1959 to 1961.

This scholarship fund was established by Harold Haught to honor Wanda B. Mitchell and her profound impact on his life and career. As Mr. Haught's high school teacher at PHS, Ms. Mitchell inspired him with her emphasis on communication and future planning. Her encouragement led him to further studies at Marietta College, where he obtained a degree in business administration, and a career in radio. The fund stands as a tribute to Ms. Mitchell’s enduring legacy and her remarkable influence on her students and the broader educational community.