Paul Fredrick LADD

  General Notes:

Notes from Eric Ladd: Paul was born in Biddeford Maine. He graduated from Thorton Academy, Saco, Maine. In 1955 he received his bachelor's degree in education, major (history) from Defiance College in Ohio. Both at Thorton and Defiance he played football. Defiance College is where he met his wife, Janice Heineking where she obtained a degree in music education (vocal, piano and organ). Until Janice became too ill to travel, every summer beginning in 1955, the Paul Ladd family would visit with the Perley and Everett Ladd extended families in Saco, Maine. In 1955, Paul and Janice married in Shelby, Ohio where Janice's parents resided. In 1955, Janice was hired as the choir director for Wooster High School. Paul was hired a history teacher at Wooster High. Paul, who was a self-taught swimmer, was the boy's swim coach. That year was one of the best years ever in Wooster High's swim team and the team received statewide acclaim.

Yet, there were several factors. Paul and Janice had saved money so Paul could obtain his master's degree. Janice was pregnant with Eric and both did not like teaching. So, Janice and Eric (born October 13, 1956) went to live with Janice's parents in Shelby, Ohio while Paul received his master's degree in education from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Paul would commute every weekend to Shelby to be with his family and attended classes during the week. Paul obtained his master's degree from Ohio University in 1958.

Paul went on to become principal at Boy's Village in Wooster, Ohio which is a reform school. This job was especially challenging, as the work environment could be extremely hostile. Jason was born in 1960. Paul excelled at his position and went on to become principal at the Bowman Junior High School from 1963 to 1965. Just like today, Paul attended many classes over his career (statewide) as required for teachers in Ohio. In 1965, he got the job he dreamed of. The principal of Wooster High School. He kept this job from 1965 until his retirement in 1991. Darin was also born in 1965. Janice was a church organist at the Central Christian Church from 1959 until her retirement in the 80s.

Paul was member of the National Educational Society, National Society for the Study of Education, Ohio Education Association. He also was a member of the Rotary Club where he served as president from 1975-1976. He was the former chairman of the North Central Evaluation team that went reviewed and certified schools in Northern Ohio. He also served on the United Way Board of Directors.

During his long tenure in the Wooster School System and especially as the Wooster High School principal, 1965-1991, there were many awards for education excellence, sports, music, debate/speech that were obtained by the high school in many academic areas.

Every summer, for two weeks, Paul would take his family back to his hometown; Saco/Biddeford and we would stay in a cottage on the ocean or at Lake Ossippee, as he wanted to be close to the ocean and the lake he enjoyed.

Eric, Jason and Darin went on to graduate with degrees in Business Administration from Paul's alma mater, Ohio University. Paul, being the high school principal, gave all three of son's their diplomas when they graduated from Wooster High.

Paul and Janice are both buried in the Wooster Cemetery, Wooster, Ohio.

Paul Ladd played football at Thorton Academy. He was severely injured (back injury which he suffered from the rest of his life) and was a trainer for the Defiance College Football team.

Wooster High School was being built during the time my father passed (1994). He had been instrumental in assisting with his input prior as to what the new high school should and could offer. The building is "state of the art" and is used by Wooster residents as well for many athletic and community affairs. The library at the new Wooster High School was named the Paul F. Ladd Library/Media Center.

  Burial Notes:

Wooster Cemetery, Wooster, Wayne Co, OH

Paul married Janice Miriam HEINEKING in 1955 in Shelby Co, OH. (Janice Miriam HEINEKING was born on an unknown date, died in 1986 and was buried in Wooster, Wayne Co, OH.)