Dick Patterson

2014 Distinguished Staff

Math Teacher, Coach, Associate Principal

Richard “Dick” Patterson grew up on a farm east of Tecumseh and graduated from Highland Park High School and in education from Washburn in 1962. His first teaching and coaching experience was at Curtis Jr. High (1964-67) followed by his first stint at Topeka High (1967-69) teaching math, biology and physical education as well as head wrestling coach. For a year (1969-70) Dick taught at the newly opened Shawnee Mission Northwest H.S. before returning to THS (1970-75). This time, besides teaching math, he served as head football coach revamping the program (e.g., two teams defeated ancient foe, the Lawrence Lions). After a spell as Vice Principal of Washburn Rural H.S. (1975-83), Patterson again returned to Topeka High as Associate Principal (1983-94) where he assisted the newly established Topeka High Historical Society. Then he had a tour of duty as Assistant Principal and then Principal of Lawrence High (1994-2003) when that community underwent expansion with a second high school. Since that time he has enjoyed several educational responsibilities including work with Highland Park H.S. and being Headmaster of Topeka Collegiate School. Regardless, Dick will always be a Trojan – if for no other reason than his wife Martha was the THS nurse and daughters both THS graduates.

Larry Lonard

2014 Distinguished Staff

Russian, Social Studies.

Native of Valley Falls, Kansas, Larry Lonard graduated with honors from Emporia State University in 1966, majoring in Russian and German. He then spent a year at the University of Wisconsin, a graduate fellowship, and taught German at a Wisconsin high school, 1967-68. Returning to Kansas Lonard obtained a Master of Arts degree in Russian language and literature from KU. From 1973 to 2005 he offered four levels of Russian at Topeka High. He also taught AP European History, World Literature, Western Civilization and German. He oversaw (1980-98) a sister school exchange program with School #62 in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Involved in numerous programs relating to Russian culture (e.g., Summer Fulbright Program to Siberia, 1998) the Russian Ministry of Culture and Russian Embassy recognized Lonard in 2010 “for contribution to the study of Russian language and culture in the USA”. In 1995 he was a consultant for Topeka’s Treasures of the Czars Exhibit. Both his son and daughter are Topeka High graduates.

Shaol Pozez (THS 1942)

2014 Hall of Fame Inductee

In 1956 Mr. Pozez and his cousin, Louis Pozez established what now is Payless ShoeSource, a chain of 5,000 shoe stores that allows its customers to self-select fashionable and affordable merchandise in the US, Canada and abroad. Their vision and concept changed the retail shoe industry in the past 50 years. Mr. Pozez was committed to philanthropy and was politically involved, supporting numerous politicians-both Democrats and Republicans. A supporter of the University of Arizona Judaic Studies program, the lecture series is now named in his honor – The Shaol Pozez Distinguished Lectureship Series.

James Barton Phelps (THS 1934)

2014 Hall of Fame Inductee

Superior Court Judge of California.

Judge Phelps earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and law degree from Harvard University. He was admitted to the state bar of California in December 1941. His father, Barton Phelps, was a key player in acquiring a USS Constitution spar that was put to use as the first THS flagpole in 1931. He was in the first class that attended THS in the present building all three years. As a student, he was a member of National Forensic League, Masque and Wig, Thespians, Trojan-Knights, Editor of the Sunflower and World, Student Council Officer, cast member of “The Quest,” “Captain Applejack,” and “Dulcy.”

Carl Nuzman (THS 1948)

2014 Hall of Fame Inductee

Certified Professional Hydrologist and Engineer

Mr. Nuzman is a licensed professional engineer in 19 states with extensive experience in the areas of groundwater modeling, water well and well field design and construction, water well treatment and rehabilitation, and soil and groundwater remediation. He is known throughout the United States for his work in resolving water problems and still consults companies with water issues. Recognized in the K-State College of Engineering Hall of Fame. As a THS student he participated in Track and Vocational Electricity.