We love to hear Pirate success stories! The school district was recently contacted by the family of Paul Webster, Class of 1940. The family shared a picture from his time in the U. S. Navy Training School as well as a narrative about his life following his graduation.
After graduating from West Carrollton High School in 1940, Paul Webster married the love of his life, Phyllis Randall of Miamisburg. He worked for Frigidaire until joining the Navy and training at the University of Kansas to be a machinist. However, it wasn't long before he decided to become a deep sea diver for the U.S. Navy, training in New York Harbor. While stationed in France, he worked in the Salvage Operation after D-Day. Paul had the incredibly dangerous task of clearing underwater blockades placed by the Nazis in the LaHarve France Harbor.
Upon returning home, Paul used his GI Bill to attend Ohio Northern University (Bachelors) and Miami University (Masters) and devoted the rest of his life to education and his family. He taught math and science, coached football and basketball, and eventually became a principal. His wife, Phyllis, worked at Mound Laboratory in Miamisburg during Paul's first teaching job at Dayton Jefferson.
Paul and Phyllis had two sons, Shawn and Stephen. Shawn went on to attend Ohio State University Vet School and has worked as a veterinarian in Ohio for 52 years. He also worked as an Ohio state representative. Stephen attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduated from Miami University, and received a Fulbright Scholarship to New Zealand. He taught at Monash University and then worked for Pratt Industries in Australia until his retirement. Paul lived to be 95, while Phyllis sadly passed at the age of 55 due to breast cancer. Paul's sons and grandchildren remember how much he loved his family, his students, and his country.
Other interesting things to share about the Class of 1940.
The class motto was, "To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield." The class colors were blue and white. You will see the blue and white ribbon attached to the diploma. The class flower was the American beauty rose. Graduation was May 23, 1940.
Once a Pirate, always a Pirate! We want to thank Paul's family for reaching out and allowing us to tell his story as well as for donating his diploma and letter for football.
