Richard “Dick” Phelps 1946 A top pitcher, varsity football player, and the man for whom PA’s Phelps Park is named, Dick Phelps arrived at Andover in 1944. Following graduation, he attended Yale and founded Superior Brands—now Phelps Industries—which introduced new and innovative products in both pet treats and pet foods. A successful businessman, Phelps is also a true philanthropist. He serves on the boards of several prominent institutions, including the Tennis Hall of Fame, and the advisory board of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. A former PA alumni trustee, he created the Phelps Scholar program, which has helped provide scholarships for countless talented and promising students. He also provided a generous contribution in 1993 to renovate and improve the baseball field, now known as Phelps Park.
Shirley Ritchie, Faculty Emerita To say that Shirley Ritchie has dedicated her professional life to athletics would be one of the all-time understatements. Before she had even graduated from college Ritchie was getting her start while serving her country with theU.S. Navy in California as a Specialist 3rd Class in charge of barracks and athletics. After graduating from Trenton State College in 1948 Ritchie worked at the Trenton, N.J., YWCA in its department of athletics for two years and then came to Abbot Academy, where her tenure spanned a 23-year period from 1950 to 1973. Ritchie served as a teacher in the physical education department, coach, and house counselor. In 1961 she was named head of Abbot’s physical education department, and it was under her direction that the school instituted a formal schedule of interscholastic athletic competition in team sports. Her own coaching specialties were soccer, basketball, and softball, but in Ritchie’s own words, she was willing and capable of coaching “most any” sport. After the merger of Abbot and Phillips academies, Ritchie continued on as a teacher and coach for another decade, and she and her Abbot staff played a critical role in ensuring a smooth transition into coeducation. In taking on the assistant athletic director responsibilities at PA in 1979, Ritchie showcased her administrative talents while scheduling contests, arranging for team transportation, assigning officials, and making sure that all went smoothly on game days. As many can attest, Ritchie also had a great talent and passion for ensuring that all PA students learned to swim before graduation. Representing Andover in the greater athletic community, Ritchie served as the District III president in the New England Prep School Athletic Council. For her enthusiasm, dedication, leadership, and vision, Ritchie was honored with the NEPSAC Distinguished Service Award in 1991.