2010 THS Distinguished Staff

History, Dean of Girls

Born and growing up in Wabaunsee co., Miss Pringle received her graduate degree from KU and Master’s in Speech from Teacher’s College, Columbian University. After a short spell with Alma H.S., she began teaching at T.H.S. in 1928 with classes in history and public speaking. In the early 1940s Miss Pringle was appointed Dean of Girls and scholarship chairman, retiring in 1963. She passed away in 1990.

2010 THS Distinguished Staff

Guidance Counselor

A Wamego native, Mr. Coder attended Kansas State and Highland Community College graduating with an AB degree from Washburn University in 1958 and Master’s from KU in 1965. Briefly teaching in Pottawatomie Co.; he taught social studies at T.H.S. (1958-61) served as Guidance Counselor (1961-74), and was the Topeka Public Schools Director of Guidance Services (1947-86). He retired in 1986.

2010 THS Distinguished Staff

Math

Miss Calvert grew up in Muscotah, Kansas, and subsequently majored in science and math at Washburn College. Initially she taught at El Dorado and Atchison high school; however, a World War I teacher shortage brought her to Topeka High School in 1917. Like other contemporary T.H.S. faculty members, Miss Calvert spent a year at Columbian University’s teachers’ College, New York. She retired in 1948. Deceased.

2009 Distinguished Staff Award

Biology

A Topeka native, born in 1906, Ruth Phillips went to school in Junction City, KS. She received a Bachelor’s degree from Kansas State and later her Master’s from the University of Colorado. Miss Phillips first taught science at Hope, KS, and then biology and physiology at Topeka High from 1936 until retirement in 1971. She also served as librarian for her church, Topeka’s First Presbyterian Church. Miss Phillips passed away in 1994 at age 88.

2009 Distinguished Staff Award

Boys Physical Education, Head Basketball Coach.

Born in Baldwin City, KS, Willie Nicklin graduated from Horton, H.S. and from KU in 1956. He taught at Arnold, KS, and Oxford, KS, before coming to Topeka’s Landon Jr. High in 1963. From 1965 to 1994 he taught and coached at Topeka High. “Willie” took over as head basketball coach in 1970 compiling a record of 501 wins (including seasons with other schools) along with a record 12 I-70 League championships, plus two State championships, 1973 and 1986. The court in the grand, old main gym is named in his honor: the Wilfred “Willie” Nicklin Court.

2009 Distinguished Staff Award

Biology

Born in 1898 at Richmond, KS, Miss Hutchison attended the college of Emporia and Emporia Teachers before receiving her B.S. degree from KU and later an M.S from the University of Chicago. She taught at Salina, Hutchinson, and the Butler Co. Jr. College. For 24 years until her retirement in 1965, Miss Hutchison taught biology and botany at T.H.S. She was active in her professional organizations and the American Association of University Women. Miss Hutchison passed away at age 80 in 1979