Topeka High School Historical Society

08/22/2026

The Topeka High School Historical Society would like to extend sincere condolences to the family of former Senator Nancy Kassebaum Baker who passed away Friday, August 21st.

Daughter of former Kansas Governor, Alf Landon, she served as the first female United States Senator from Kansas from 1978-1997. When she took her oath in 1978, she was the only female serving in the U.S. Senate.

Senator Kassebaum Baker was a graduate of Topeka High School in 1950 and was one of the first people to be inducted into the THS Graduate Hall of Fame in 1982.

She is pictured below in the 1982 THS Homecoming parade where she was an honored guest.

08/12/2026

Today marks the 1st full day of school at Topeka High for the 2026-2027 school year. Wishing our current students a Happy 1st day and a great school year!

Enjoy this photo from the 1966 yearbook taken sometime during 1st semester of the school year, 60 years ago!

Did you hang out on the Veranda when you were at THS??

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08/02/2026

The THSHS would like to extend a well deserved congrats to Judy Dyer (c/o 1966) on her induction into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame!

She was also inducted into the Topeka High School Sports Hall of Honor in 2024.

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https://www.wibw.com/2026/07/16/before-title-ix-before-opportunity-woman-topeka-was-already-breaking-barriers/?fbclid=IwZnRzaATcoPlwZG9mAWZkaWQWULthjSMj6kOB0MiV9A6nRPF8HI_jFGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR76rbv6AfwiJ6hPvUFt9jk5ykrVLz_LjO1WdzUWFMCVuK-q3P2ubS9zmHFj6g_aem_u-VPxo-75BH1egT6NgHSEw

As Topeka's Judy Dyer enters the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, her journey reminds us what it took for Black women to compete and to lead in the 1960s.

07/13/2026

Thank you to our school page for featuring the hard work that Dave is doing! We appreciate him so much!

Please be sure to read the whole piece below!

07/06/2026

Was a great crowd! Thanks to all that came out! 🖤💛

You may have heard fireworks going off on July 5th as people were wrapping up their holiday weekend. Others wrapped up outside Topeka High School. >>> https://www.wibw.com/2026/07/06/topeka-high-historical-society-closes-out-holiday-weekend-with-chimes-concert/

07/05/2026

Happy 4th!! 🎆🎆

After a rainy day, the sun is finally shining and we are excited to see you tomorrow (Sunday July 5th) for the THS Patriotic Chimes Concert.

Join us Sunday the 5th at 6pm on the Topeka High Front lawn!

Carnival Cravings food truck will be there along with new THSHS merch AND the THS Drumline!

See you soon!

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05/31/2026

What a month! Before May ends, the THSHS would like to recognize 5 very special seniors who recently graduated, the 2026 THSHS Ed Love Scholarship Recipients.

Rowan Darby - Member of the National Honors Society, a Shawnee County Honors Scholar and Board of Regents Scholar. He is an Eagle Scout, member of Student Government, Trojan Theater, the THS Band, Wrestling and Golf Teams, and Acapella Choir. He plans to attend KU and become a Pediatrics doctor.

Anna Goering - Member of the National Honors and English Honors Societies. She received the THS Tower and Senior of the Month awards. She is a member of the Madrigals, Link Crew, Theatre, Varsity Track Team and was in the Daisy Chain for 3 years. She plans to attend KU and major in Political Science and Psychology.

Alfredo Solis - Member of the National English Honors Society, a Shawnee County Honors Scholar, and a Kansas Honors Scholar. He is a member of Student Government, Link Crew, Interact Club, Morning Report, Robed and State Choir, Madrigals, and is Theatre Club Secretary. He received a top rating in solo performance at State and plans to attend KU and major in Theatre and Film/Media Studies.

Natalie Barnes - Senior Class Vice President, a Men's Soccer Team Manager and a Training Assistant. She also plays on the Women's Soccer Team and is a member of the National English Honors Society. She plans to pursue a degree in nursing at St. Catherine's University.

Amber Wirtz - Member of the Madrigals, Robed Choir, Interact Club, Student Government, the Morning Report, the Swim Team, American Field Service, Spirit Club, and the Medical Club. She serves as the Vice President of the MU Alpha Theta Society and is a member of the National English Honors Society. She is also a Shawnee County Honors Scholar. She plans to pursue a degree in nursing from Baker University.

Be sure to read the upcoming newsletter for more information about them. Congratulations to this year’s scholars and we wish you the best of luck as you start this new chapter!

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📸: 2026 scholars pictured with THSHS Vice President Jacque Rocha, Scholarship Committee Chair Cindy White, and board member Shayla Kincade.

05/17/2026

THSHS family let’s welcome our newest alumni, the Class of 2026!

Congratulations and best of luck! Keep that Trojan pride with you always, it truly is something special!

Hail to the Black and Gold, Forever!

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05/11/2026

The THSHS would like to extend condolences to the family of Dick Patterson. Mr. Patterson, was an important voice for the THSHS, spending much of his 50+ year career in education at Topeka High as a math teacher, head football coach, and associate principal. He was honored as THS Distinguished Staff in 2014.

https://www.cjonline.com/obituaries/phut1450812

05/05/2026

Just 1 week until our spring Friends of Topeka High luncheon!

Join us on May 12th with special guest, Nancy Vega (THS 1970) who will share history and stories of the Daisy Chain.

Bring pictures of your Daisy Chain dresses and even better if you bring your dress. You may be asked to model it in a fashion show!

Grab your tickets before they sell out!

Join the Topeka High Historical Society in the THS Teachers' Cafeteria for a barbeque lunch created by Engroff Catering.