[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 14]
[EXTENSION]
[Page 19101]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOPEKA HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM RYUN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 21, 2006

  Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 75th 
anniversary of the Topeka High School building. Topeka High is the 
largest high school in the Kansas capital, with more than 2,000 
students in the student body. It is also a focal point of pride for the 
entire community.
  Most recognized by its 165-foot bell tower, the school owes its 
gothic architecture to Chester Woodward, a local financier and 
bibliophile, who led the Board of Education during the school's 
construction. At least three British landmarks inspired the Troy 
campus, including Henry VIII's Great Hall at Hampton Court Palace and 
the College Tower of Magdalen College, Oxford.
  But the school's gothic architecture is not its only notable feature. 
Topeka High also has a unique relationship with the Navy's oldest 
warship, the U.S.S. Constitution, ``Old Ironsides.'' Its cross jack 
spar is the school's main flagpole on THS Constitution Plaza. In June 
2005, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic 
Places.
  More important than the physical structure though, are the men and 
women who have taught and studied at Topeka High School since its doors 
opened in 1871. Over 40,000 students have proudly worn the colors of 
black and gold since then. Its alumni include a Vice President of the 
United States, a U.S. Senator, a university president, a Fortune 500 
CEO, a World War II fighter pilot, and four Rhodes Scholars among many 
other distinguished alumni.
  Like any venerable institution, Topeka High School's faculty and 
student body has earned numerous awards. Topeka High has boasted 
numerous State and National champions in debate, forensics, Junior ROTC 
drill, music, foreign language, math, and athletic competitions. As an 
institution, THS has previously been recognized with the Bellamy Flag 
Award as best school in the State, and the U.S. Department of Education 
recognized Topeka High in 1989 as a School of Excellence.
  So on the occasion of this 75th anniversary, it is with great respect 
and admiration that I recognize the students, teachers, and 
administrators of Topeka High School. The school continues to be a 
cornerstone of the Topeka community. It is my hope that we can honor 
the legacy of those who have created this great school by committing to 
the education of the next generation of leaders for Topeka, Kansas, and 
the Nation.

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