About THSHS
Sitting: Diana Dougan Enriquez (1968), Mike Stewart (1967), Marsha Martin Sheahan (1967), Andrea Etzel (2001)
Second Row: Joan Friedstrom Barker (1971), Cindy Owens White (1975), Danielle McDonald Heusted (2003), Cathy Wolff Anderson (1985), Dominic Gutierrez, Sr. (1976), Michelle Neis (2006), Tierney Kirtdoll (2000), Lesia Moore Carter (1976), Judy Stunkel Soule (1958)
Back Row: Anton Ahrens (Former Faculty), Adam Crouch, Shayla Babb Kincade (1995), Jacque Rocha (2002), Dave Clark (1967), Paula Reilly (THS Associate Principal)
Not pictured: Garry Cushinberry (1975), Lisa Sandmeyer (1975), Saul Schwartz (1999), Doug Wallace (1965), and Marlaina Webb.
Alexis Stevens, who lives in Georgia and meets with us via Zoom!
2023 THS Historical Society Board
PRESIDENT
Marsha Martin Sheahan, 1967
VICE-PRESIDENT
Anton Ahrens
TREASURER
Adam Crouch
SECRETARY
Tierney Kirtdoll, 2000
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
Joan Barker, 1971
HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Dustin Dick
Cathy Wolff Anderson, 1985
Lesia Moore Carter, 1976
David Clark, 1967
Garry Cushinberry, 1975
Diana Dougan Enriquez 1968
Andrea Etzel, 2001
Dominic Gutierrez, Sr. 1976
Danielle McDonald Heusted, 2003
Shayla Babb Kincade, 1995
Jacque Rocha, 2002
Michelle Neis, 2006
Lisa Sandmeyer, 1975
Saul Schwartz, 1999
Judy Stuenkel Soule, 1958
Alexis Stevens, 2001
Mike Stewart, 1967
Doug Wallace, 1965
Marlaina Webb
Cindy Owens White, 1975
Historical Society Mission
Topeka High School Historical Society was established in 1985, for the purpose of preserving the grand tradition of this remarkable and historic school. Our mission is to Preserve, Promote and Enhance the Traditions and Heritage of Topeka High School.
Our Objectives Are:
- Help USD 501 preserve the building
- Maintain the Helen McKenna Mulvane Chimes
- Issue historical/alumni newsletters
- Conduct Hall of Fame inductions
- Award a scholarship yearly to a THS senior
- Receive and preserve historical artifacts for the THS archives
- Assist classes in planning reunions
THSHS Diversity Statement
We, at the Topeka High School Historical Society (THSHS), in pursuit of our mission, believe that diversity is an integral part of the history, culture, and identity of our community, our school and our organization. The THSHS Board of Directors assert that inclusion and respect are foundational to the way we perceive and treat all differences. We are committed to maintaining this inclusive and transparent culture where all forms of diversity are welcomed, embraced, and celebrated.
Walking the grounds and Halls of Troy stirs pride.
It is always a treat because of the traditions, the memories we have, and the overwhelming and unique history and beauty of our building. We also want to honor and remember those who have gone before us, who have contributed to our history and memories.
Topeka High School’s Historical Areas
Opened on September 17, 1931, Topeka High features six areas with stained glass, four fireplaces & classroom stages, and is the only public high school in the world with an 18 note working Deagan Chime system. Topeka High School was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 9, 2005, thus confirming it as a true treasure and part of Topeka’s heritage.
The THS Library, 1931
Opened on September 17, 1931, Topeka High features six areas with stained glass, four fireplaces & classroom stages, and is the only public high school in the world with an 18 note working Deagan Chime system. Topeka High School was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 9, 2005, thus confirming it as a true treasure and part of Topeka’s heritage.
THS Auditorium, 1931
The Hoehner Auditorium has been known for its grandeur since 1931. The Gothic style theatre seats 1,875, is illumined by ten massive chandeliers, and features a vaulted tiled ceiling. It has been used by the Topeka community for a variety of events and serves as an inspiration to Trojan Thespians.
THS Gymnasium, 1931
Keeping with Topeka High’s athletic heritage, this gymnasium has hosted great sporting events. Whether used for practicing or winning championships, the Nicklin Court, named for long time basketball coach, Willie Nicklin, provides a wonderful area for viewing and participating in the traditions of this school.
THS Original Flagpole, 1931
Topeka High’s Constitution Plaza showcases its unique flagpole on the east campus – the third spar from the 1797 frigate U.S.S Constitution (“Old Ironsides”). The landscape includes six lower flagpoles flying the five service flags and a MIA/POW flag, a brick path, and the newest feature of the ship’s bell from the light cruiser U.S.S. Topeka.
THS Art Gallery
The Topeka Art Guild, in conjunction with Topeka High, financed the large and small Art Galleries; the Guild also occupied an office here until the late 1970s. During that time the school opened this unique high school art gallery to the public on Sunday afternoons. Many prominent artists – among them sculptors Robert Merrill Gage (’11) and James Bass (’51); painters David Overmyer, Aaron Douglas (’17), Mary Huntoon (’16) and Walter Hatke (’67); and designer Bradbury Thompson (’29) have graduated from Topeka High.
Portraits of Troy
A 272 page photo essay of the construction and architecture of a Topeka landmark. Containing 342 images, 104 of the images were taken before 1940, Portraits of TROY is a visual journey through the school’s architectural history. To purchase your copy, visit our shop.
Bronze Plaque at Topeka High
On the plaque:
TOPEKA HIGH SCHOOL
EST 1871
OPENED FOR CLASSES AT THE
PRESENT SITE ON BETHANY SQUARE
800 SW TENTH AVENUE
SEPTEMBER 15, 1931
LISTED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTRATION OF HISTORIC PLACES
BY THE
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR
JUNE 9 2005
THIS PLAQUE DONATED BY CLASS OF 1948
THSHS is applying for a grant from the National Parks Service – Department of Interior.