From the manufacturing floor to the stage to athletic fields, Mike Potter ’69 has shown both versatility and a commitment to community service.
That range was evident at SHS where he was president of the Esquires (men’s chorus), participated in Concert Choir and Drama Club, was on his Senior Class Executive Committee, played on two undefeated Whippet football teams and was a member of two NOL championship track teams.
Mike attended Ohio State University’s Mansfield branch, then received a tool and die apprenticeship, became a journeyman and worked in that field for 40 years. Simultaneously he remained involved in the Shelby community where he was active in Blackfork Players Theatre, Shelby Community Choir and the Shelby Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter for 25 years. He also played and coached for the semi-pro Shelby Blues football team, coached Little League baseball and is a past president of the Shelby Girls Softball League and the Shelby Whippet Boosters Club. In addition Mike coached 7th, 8th and 9th grade football for 28 years.
Mike has been married to Shelby alumni Jill Lybarger Potter ’72 for 45 years and has 3 children, Brooke Potter Burkhalter ’92, Brandie Potter Albert ’94 and Brett Potter ’97.He has 8 grandchildren, 2 who have graduated from Shelby and 6 that are currently Shelby students. Says a fellow alum, “Mike has been a huge supporter of all Shelby athletics and activities.”
Nominator: Tom Armstrong ’70.