Topeka High School Historical Society

10/11/2026

Many thanks to all that came out to the 2026 THS Graduate Hall of Fame ceremony, last weekend! Congrats again to this years’s inductees! 🖤💛🖤💛

10/04/2026

What a response we have for this years’ THS Graduate Hall of Fame Inductees! They are being honored TODAY at 2pm (SOON!) in the Hoehner Auditorium.

It’s open to everyone so if you have no plans this afternoon and you are in town, grab your keys and head on over!

10/02/2026

Today we celebrate our 2026 THS Distinguished Staff honoree, Steve Eubank!

Steve taught in the THS Music Department for 37 years. (1981-2018) His choirs consistently earned top honors, and he created the AP Music Theory curriculum and a state-of-the-art music education lab.

During his THS career, Steve directed and staged 23 musicals, organized student trips to Washington, D.C. and Chicago, and hosted the 50th and 60th THS Madrigal reunions. With his unmistakable booming voice, he also announced football and basketball games, pep rallies, and all-school assemblies, and even coached freshman football!

Steve’s influence continues throughout the community through his longtime work with Topeka First United Methodist Church and the Lawrence Civic Chorus.

In addition to numerous awards and accolades, he was the recipient of the Northeast Kansas Music Educators Association Choral Teacher of the year in 2003 and was inducted into the Kansas Music Educator Hall of Fame in 2010.

10/01/2026

Today we would like to recognize 2026 THS Graduate Hall of Fame inductee, Lenard “Pete” Stromquist, class of 1962.

At Topeka High, Pete was involved in music and theatre. He was in the cast of “South Pacific”, played in the orchestra and dance band, sang in madrigals, and participated in district and state music festivals.

He enlisted in the Army in 1964 and retired as a Major after 20 years as a helicopter pilot, paratrooper and flight instructor. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam and received two Purple Hearts along with other awards, ribbons, and commendations.

After retiring from the army, he worked in business for 30 years and volunteered as a hospice volunteer to children that had lost loved ones.

Mr. Stromquist passed away in 2020.

09/30/2026

Today we would like to celebrate 2026 THS Graduate Hall of Fame inductee Dr. Gerald “Jerry” Potts, class of 1961.

In 1991, Dr. Potts founded Test Measurement Systems, Inc. (TMSI) and provided measurement equipment and testing solutions to the top worldwide tire and automotive manufacturers. Dr. Potts has been awarded nine patents and numerous awards and prizes for his accomplishments in the field of tire performance test systems. He considers one of his most notable achievements inventing and developing a flat track tire test machine used by every tire and vehicle maker in the world today. His patent on a Tire Failure Warning System will also become a requirement for Autonomous Vehicles.

Dr. Potts currently serves as an adjunct professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Akron.

09/29/2026

Today we would like to recognize the Honorable Katherine “Kate” Menendez, THS Class of 1989.

During her time at THS, Judge Menendez served as the Student Council Vice-President her senior year, President of National Honor Society and a member of the Russian Club. Her debate duo also qualified for nationals her senior year.

After an impressive career as Assistant Federal Defender and Magistrate Judge, she was appointed in 2021 to serve as Judge of the United States District Court for the State of Minnesota. Judge Menendez also is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Minnesota.

09/28/2026

This year marks the 44th year of recognizing outstanding THS Graduates and Staff.

Today we would like to recognize 2026 THS Graduate Hall of Fame Inductee, Ken Kerle, class of 1947.

As a THS senior , Ken was a proctor, a member of the Boys’ Senior Glee and played the part of Reverend Clarence Underhill in the Senior Play “Cuckoos on the Hearth”.

Ken is being recognized as the editor of the American Jail Association’s publication American Jails (1987-2009)and is an internationally recognized authority on corrections.

09/27/2026

Although we didn’t win, looks like the Trojans had an incredible Homecoming weekend! The THSHS is now preparing for the Topeka High School Graduate Hall of Fame ceremony next Sunday at 2pm (CT).

This upcoming week we will be sharing pictures and short bios of the 2026 inductees. Stay tuned!

Also join us next Sunday for the ceremony! ALL are welcome!

🖤💛🖤💛

09/26/2026

🖤💛🖤💛

09/26/2026