2017 Distinguished Staff
Topeka High School has long been recognized as a national leader in debate and forensics, a major reason being Mrs. Pam McComas who taught at THS from 1978 – 2014. Mrs. McComas graduated from Shawnee Heights H.S. and subsequently received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Emporia State University (1972) and Master’s degree from there in 1973. Before coming to Topeka High she taught at Highland Park, Capper and Boswell junior highs and Highland Park H.S. During her 35-year THS career she was Director of Forensics and taught Speech, Acting, Debate, Forensics, History of Film, Humanities and pre-AP 9th English. Mrs. McComas had numerous other responsibilities including Co-chair for North Central Accreditation. Honors include: her teams winning 6A State Debate 5 times; winning 6A State Speech Championship 13 times; coaching 5 national champions; National Coach of the Year (1999) and Kansas Teacher’s Hall of Fame (2017).