Three invididuals have been tapped for membership in the White Hall High School Hall of Fame.
They will be honored at a banquet planned for Tuesday in the WHHS cafteria beginning at 7 p.m.
The three are Gregg Wooten, James (Buddy) Pittillo and Sam Smith.
Greg Wooten
The induction of Greg Wooten into the White Hall High School Hall of Fame is in the recognition of his accomplishments as an athlete. Wooten distinguished himself as a defensive end and tight end on the football field. Not only did he letter three years in football, but in basketball as well.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
He also lettered two years in baseball and one year in track. During his junior year, he was named All Southeast Arkansas in football, and in his senior year, Wooten continued his athletic and academic success at Ouachita Baptist University where he was a three-year letterman in football and was named an Academic All-American in 1991.
The next year Wooten graduated magna cum laude from OBU.
In 1996 he completed his medical studies at UAMS and currently serves as psychiatrist at the VA Hospital.
James (Buddy) Pittillo
James (Buddy) Pittillo’s induction into the White Hall High School Hal of Fame is in recognition of his contributions to the District as athlete, coach and administrator.
A 1966 graduate of WHHS, Pittillo lettered three years in football and four years in track. During his senior year, Pittillo rushed for over 1000 yards, scored 12 touchdowns and led his team in tackles.
For his accomplishments, he was named to the All-District team and awarded the title of Most Valuable Player.
After graduation from Henderson State University in 1970, Pittillo taught and coached in the Pine Bluff School District where he won two championships in football and two in track while serving as an assistant coach.
His golf team won the state championship in 1982.
In 1983 Pittillo began his tenure with the White Hall School District, serving as junior high administrator for 17 years. He retired from the district in 200 but contribute to the community in several capacities, which include the white Hall Preservation and Restoration Sidewalk Committee and the City of White Hall Advertising and Promotion Committee.
Sam Smith
The induction of Sam Smith into the White Hall High School Hall of Fame is in appreciation for his years of dedicated service to the WHHS athletic program and his influence on the lives of countless young people. A 1986 graduate of Henderson State University, Smith served the White Hall High School District for three years as head track coach, five years as head baseball coach and three years as assistant baseball coach. His coaching career includes three conference championships in football, two conference titles in baseball, and one state championship in 1980. Smith went on to serve the district as assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent and athletic director. I
In 1996-97, he was named the State’s Assistant Principal of the Year. Also in 1997, Smith was the recipient of the Community Service Award in Education. In 2005 he was awarded a Citation Award from the Arkansas Activities Association. Smith retired in 2011 after spending 43 years serving the White Hall School District.