David G. Woods (THS 1960) is known for his pioneering work in music curriculum development and as an expert in early childhood music education. He has presented workshops, lectures, papers and clinics worldwide.

Dr. Woods earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Washburn University in 1965 and his master’s and Ph.D. in music from Northwestern University. He also studied at the Copenhagen Conservatory of Music and at the Aspen Institute. He is co-author of “Jump Right In!” a comprehensive music series for grades K-8; “Teaching Music in the Twentieth Century”; “Teaching Music in the Twenty-first Century”; and “Creating Curriculum in Music.”

His honors include being named Teacher of the Year in 1981 at Iowa State University and the Governor’s Arts Award from Frank Keating of Oklahoma in 1995.

Dr. Woods remains active in retirement in Topeka with the Topeka Symphony and the Sunflower Music Festival

In the more than two decades since Tommar Wilson (THS 1994) graduated from Carnegie Mellon University, he has trod the boards on Broadway, toured in the cast of “Hamilton,” and made appearances in television shows of all genres. In 2023, he has been busy developing his talents for screenwriting.

Mr. Wilson’s stage credits also include “The Book of Mormon,” “The Music Man,” “Hair,” and “Mamma Mia.” He has appeared on regional theater stages across the United States. In addition to his Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting, Mr. Wilson also graduated from the UCLA Professional Program in TV Drama Writing. Outside the theater, Mr. Wilson has helped raise funds and awareness for Covenant House International, an organization that supports youth facing homelessness and trafficking; the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS; and the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative in New York City. At THS, Mr. Wilson sang with the Madrigals and appeared in school productions, including “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Wesley Revely (THS 1990) earned a B.S. from Kansas State University and worked for 14 years as a mechanical engineer, systems engineer, and project lead engineer at Lockheed Martin in Eagan, Minnesota. His projects ranged from structural modifications for airplanes to security solutions for New York City Transit. Mr. Revely was awarded six U.S. patents, most of them for innovations in shock-dissipation and shock-isolation systems, and received numerous honors from his employer, including five mission success awards, three “trade secret” awards, and two special recognition awards. Wise, genuine, and caring, Mr. Revely was beloved by his many friends and was the godfather of two of their children. His passion was racing motorcycles, and he enjoyed playing softball and volleyball, fishing, and tinkering with all things mechanical. He passed away in 2010.

Janice Miller Karlin’s 40-year law career took her from civil litigation for the Justice Department to chief of the 10th Circuit Bankruptcy Appeals Court.

After receiving undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Kansas, Mrs. Karlin took a position as assistant U.S. attorney and was with the Department of Justice for 22 years. She also was an adjunct professor of trial practice at the University of Kansas School of Law.

In 2002, Mrs. Karlin was appointed a U.S. bankruptcy judge for the District of Kansas. In 2008, she moved to the appellate bankruptcy court for the 10th Circuit and became its chief justice in 2016, the first woman to hold that position. Throughout her career, she was active in federal and state bar associations and groups for women in the legal profession. The foundation for Mrs. Karlin’s career started with her participation in debate and forensics at THS.

Director of Collections & Curatorial Affairs, American Jazz Museum

After graduating from Topeka High in 1985, Dr. Dina Bennett received her B.A. in Communication Studies from Washburn University, completed her master’s in College Student Personnel from Kansas State University and a Ph. D in Ethnomusicology with a minor in African American & African Diaspora Studies from Indiana University. Bennett has over 30 years of experience in the music field. In 2021, Dr. Bennett became the Director of Collections & Curatorial Affairs of the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City. She is also an accomplished pianist.

Retired, Laboratory Fellow, Los Alamos National Laboratory

A member of the Topeka High class of 1952, James Gordon attended the University of Chicago before his enlistment in the Navy from 1954-1957. Following his time serving his country, Mr. Gordon earned his B.S. and a Ph. D in Physics at the University of Kansas. For 20 years, he worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, serving as a staff member, group leader, and laboratory fellow. Over his career, Mr. Gordon received several accolades, including the prestigious E.O. Lawrence Memorial Award presented by the Department of Energy. In his retirement, Mr. Gordon and his family moved back to Kansas, settling in Baldwin City. Mr. Gordon passed away in March of 2016.

Retired, Founder & Owner, Kings Management Company

Graduate of Topeka High in 1959, Ralph King was the founder and owner of King’s Management Company. An award-winning organization that operated ten McDonald’s restaurant locations in the Kanas City Metro for over 30 years. His work with McDonald’s went beyond owning franchises, Mr. King was a brand ambassador, as well as served as Co-op President. Mr. King is also a passionate and active board member with the Ronald McDonald House Charities, including serving as the Director of Ronald McDonald Children’s Charity. Before he embarked on his entrepreneurial career, Mr. King completed his degree in Political Science at Washburn University, while also working at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Since his retirement in 2019, Mr. King continues to be involved within his community and serves as a board member of his church.

Broadcast Engineer. Gary Krohe (1971) received his B.A in Communication Arts at Washburn and then majored in electrical engineering at K-State. He has held many positions in broadcast engineering, having designed and built many television stations. Presently (since 2014) he is Director of Engineering and Technology for KTWU-TV at Washburn University, However, Mr. Krohe is best known to Trojans as author, designer, and publisher of the coffee table book Portraits of Troy: The Architecture of Topeka High School.

Educator/Music Director. After high school graduation, Steve Holloman (1970) majored in music education at Washburn. From there (1975) he taught general music and choir at Boswell Jr. High School. When that school closed in 1980, he became music teacher at Robinson Middle School and assistant band director at THS. After a year, Holloman was appointed band director at Topeka High, a post he held until 2016. Among numerous achievements, he took the Trojan Marching Band to the Cotton bowl Parade in 1986 and 1989. From 1992 to 2014, the performed 11 times at Disney World.