Category Archives: Hall of Fame

Lutie Lytle

2007 Hall of Fame Inductee

Attorney

A late 19th century T.H.S. student, Miss Lytle was one of the first black women lawyers in the United States. (dec.)

Glenn V. Elmore (1934)

2007 Hall of Fame Inductee

Engineer – scientist

Mr. Elmore invented a fuel cell which was a vital component in the space program and Apollo lunar missions. (dec.)

Robert Ebendorf (1957)

2007 Hall of Fame Inductee

Artist

A college educator, Mr. Ebendorf specializes in jewelry whose works are found in many prestigious galleries.

Mark L. Morris (1952)

2008 Hall of Fame Inductee

Veterinarian and animal researcher and nutritionist. (dec.)

Ruth Annie Phillips

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.

Wilfred “Willie” Nicklin

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 1991 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.

Frances Hutchison

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

Mamie L. Williams (‘11)

2009 Hall of Fame Inductee

Educator.

One of three African-American graduates out of a class of 92 at T.H.S., the school annual noted about her: “description – small; occupation – studying; favorite expression – ‘do tell.’ ” She went on to Washburn winning honors in math and German. After college she began teaching in Topeka black schools Buchanan, Monroe, and Washington; principal at the latter. Linda Brown Smith remembered her as “a brilliant woman. A staunch, old – time teacher who really made you apply yourself. She explained a subject well and then stuck with you until she made sure you understood it thoroughly.” Miss Williams earned a Master’s degree from the University of Kansas and wrote four books on black history in Topeka schools; she passed away in 1986 at age 92. The Williams Science and Fine Arts Magnet School in Topeka was named in her memory. Photo courtesy of Kansas Historical Society