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Two inducted into PHS Alumni Hall of Fame
Plymouth High School recently inducted the newest members of its Alumni Hall of Fame: Dan Salzwedel of the Class of 1965 and Lee Gentine of the Class of 1970.
Inductees and their guests toured the school and enjoyed a lunch prepared by culinary arts students before the induction ceremony held Oct. 2 in the school auditorium as part of the PHS Homecoming celebration.
Dan Salzwedel of the Class of 1965
Dan Salzwedel graduated from the Sheboygan County Teachers College, while also working with the Plymouth Recreation Department. He began his career as a teacher and coach in West Bend, eventually earning his master’s degree from UW-Milwaukee. He went on to teach history and physical education, coach basketball, and serve as a high school principal in Des Moines, New Mexico.
Mr. Salzwedel later became Superintendent of Schools in Lake Arthur, before joining the University of New Mexico, where he earned his doctorate in educational administration and physiology. In 1981, he became director of the New Mexico Activities Association, a position he held for 24 years.
Throughout his career, Mr. Salzwedel served on numerous boards and committees, including the National Federation of State High School Associations, and was involved with Special Olympics and international student programs. He also was a state legislative analyst, public speaker, and leader in his Methodist Church.
“Many of the things that have driven me in my career started at this school,” he told those gathered for the induction ceremony. “This is a very unique school. There are very few that teach success as they do.”
He told students to let their dreams lead to success. “We believed when we came out of this school that we could whip anybody, do anything, because we were the best there ever was,” he said. “I’m very proud to be a Panther.”
Lee Gentine of the Class of 1970
Lee Gentine graduated from Plymouth High School in 1970 and went on to earn degrees from the University of Notre Dame and DePaul University. He began his career in accounting before joining Sargento Cheese Company, where he became the company’s first marketing manager and later president of the Consumer Products Division, helping to build Sargento into a national brand.
In 1997, Mr. Gentine stepped away from Sargento to spend more time with his family and began a second career focused on improving his community. He led projects including the Quit Qui Oc Athletic Complex, the Vintage Neighborhood, and Nutt Hill.
He also founded the Plymouth Advancement Association, helping to bring historic murals and the Cheese Capital of the World arch to downtown Plymouth. He also helped bring Rogers Behavioral Health to Sheboygan County and supports Fallooza, which benefits mental health and addiction recovery.
“This is a unique school,” he said during the induction ceremony. “Many of my classmates still live in Plymouth. Many of my best friends are kids I went to grade school with.”
He toured the school earlier in the day and was impressed by the opportunities available to the students. “Start to establish the right kind of network,” he told them. “Get professional help when needed. Be honest, courageous, grateful, and humble.”