Piedmont Herald
PHS Valedictorian and Salutatorian
June 5, 1968
Louis Gates and John DiPilato have been selected to present the valedictory and salutatory addresses at the Piedmont high school commencement next Wednesday, June 12, at 8 p. m., Principal Rodney Baker announces.
Louis "Skip" Gates, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gates, of 69 Erin street, has served as president of the band, the science club, the Hi Y and was president of the junior class last year.
An active member of St. James Episcopal church, he was president of the Episcopal Young Churchmen in the diocese of West Virginia being the first negro to attain this position.
In addition to serving as co-editor of the PHS Scribbler last year, he has also been a member of the student council, treasurer of the Thespians, a Lancastrian Library Society debater and a library assistant.
Outside activities found him vice president of the Teen Town youth council and statistician for the Varsity basketball team. He received the Golden Horseshoe Award for W. Va. history and was initiated into the Quill and Scroll Honor Society.
Louis attended the Science symposium at W. Va. University last year. Other honors he has received are student council award for outstanding service, "Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society" trophy for American history, in which he attained the highest average, winner of the Time current affairs test and a scholarship to Potomac State College, Keyser.
John DiPilato, son of Mr. and Mrs. Patsy DiPilato, 32 W. Hampshire street, has served as president of the Lancastrian Literary Society, treasurer of the Hi Y and served as assistant editor of the PHS Scribbler.
Last year, John attended Mountaineer Boys' State and was initiated into the Quill and Scroll Honor Society. A member of St. Peter's Catholic church, Westernport; he is also a member of the Thespian board of directors, the science club and the varsity basketball team. His ambition is to attend Potomac State College, Keyser, and major in pre-law.