This high school has been around for a long time.
Topeka High School, what some may call the “flagship” Topeka high school, is coming up on it’s 150th birthday in 2021 and the party starts now!
Plans are being made for a birthday bash like no other in 2021. The year will be filled with events and programs designed to fete this amazing school and all it has meant to students, faculty, friends and community for a century and a half. Since 1871, Topeka High School has been a touchstone for thousands, and everyone is invited to join in celebrating 150 years of triumph and tradition. But you won’t have to wait until 2021: Organizers will kick-off the 150th with two activities this month, volunteers are wanted to help plan activities and, of course, sponsors are needed to help make this celebration successful.
“Topeka High stands as a tower of excellence,” said Dr. Tiffany Anderson, USD 501 superintendent, in kicking off the sesquicentennial. “From the bricks and mortar of one of the most beautiful schools in the Midwest to the shaping of young minds at Topeka High, the tradition of excellence has continued for 150 years. The Topeka High mighty Trojans have impacted the world in all academic and artistic areas which has created an incredible 150-year legacy, filling all Topekans with pride. As we celebrate 150 years, we celebrate the Trojan tradition of excellence that distinguishes Topeka High as a tower of excellence in education.”
THS Principal Rebecca Morrisey said of the next two years: “The rich tradition that is Topeka High School will be on full display throughout the celebration of our 150 years. Our current staff and student body are honored to represent the generations who have come before us. It is because of their commitment and passion for excellence that the ‘Hoy, Hoy, Mighty Troy’ motto has come to bind us all together as a community; a nation of sorts, the Trojan Nation.
“Come join us at an event, or at all of them. Whether or not you graduated from Topeka High, we will gladly ensure you are a Trojan for the day, but be sure to sport your Black and Gold!”
Events this month:
- The first activity is an afternoon of bowling to raise funds for the upcoming celebrations. It will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at Westridge Lanes, 1935 SW Westport. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of bowling and the chance to win one of several raffle items. The cost is $12 per bowler and includes shoes plus three hours of bowling. Or you may reserve a lane for yourself and up to five friends for $60. Registration and payment due before June 10 online at https://www.topekahigh150.com/bowling.
- The Topeka High School Historical Society and Topeka High invite the public to the second activity—the 18th Annual Patriotic Chimes Concert on Sunday, June 30. This free event is always the Sunday afternoon before the Fourth of July and this year serves to help everyone get in the patriotic spirit of celebrating 150 years of Topeka High School. New this year, food trucks will set up on 10th Avenue in front of Topeka High, starting at 5 p.m. The Music from the Tower Concert will start at 6 p.m., with Jerry Anderson (THS Class of 1967) playing patriotic tunes on the historic 18-note Deagan Chimes. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. (Note that the school won’t be open for tours or restrooms).
