Hays, Jo, 1898-1987

A native of Newberry Township, York County, Pennsylvania, Jo Hays was born 27 December 1898, the son of Morris and Sara Krone Hays. An educator by profession and lifelong member of the National Education Association (NEA), Senator Hays graduated from Shippensburg State Teachers College in 1918, the Pennsylvania State University in 1923, and Harvard University in 1930. In 1924, he became the principal of State College Area High School and later its supervising principal, a position he held until 1956. He wrote a weekly column for the Centre Daily Times on education and government, addressing the same topics on a radio program. A scenic vista on State Highway 26 is named in his honor. Senator Jo Hays (D) served Centre County, Pennsylvania, in the 34th Senatorial District from 1955 to 1962, serving as Chairman of the Senate Education Committee for two years and as a member of the Pennsylvania Local Government Commission from 1959 to 1961. He, along with Senator Harry E. Seyler of York, initiated passage of the school consolidation legislation. From 1964 to 1966, he directed the Bureau of School Audits for the State Auditor General's office, later serving as an advisor to the Minister of Education in the Republic of Panama. From 1973 to 1977, he was the Mayor of State College, Pennsylvania, a period in which he was active in community affairs. He died in September 1987.