A 1969 Wichita Heights graduate, Doug was a 4-time state qualifier, a 3-time state placer and a two-time state champion wrestler in 1968 and 1969. Along with being a member of the first Heights team to win a state championship in any sport in 1968, Doug was also Heights’ first wrestling All-American in 1969. Wrestling for 4 years at Iowa State, including 3 national collegiate team championships, and then coaching high school for many years, you can say that wrestling is in Doug’s blood. Please welcome 2023 inductee into the Wichita Heights Hall of Fame; Mr. Doug Lunt!
Ray Troll is an American artist based in Ketchikan, Alaska. Attending Wichita Heights from 1970-1971, before graduating in 1972, he earned his BA from Bethany College in 1977, his MFA in studio arts from Washington State University in 1981, and in 2008 was awarded an honorary doctorate in fine arts from the University of Alaska Southeast. Ray’s and his artwork have appeared in galleries, museums, exhibits, television, movies and more. Ray’s is best known for his scientifically accurate and often humorous artwork involving the worlds of both ichthyology and paleontology. Please welcome 2023 inductee into the Wichita Heights Hall of Fame; Mr. Ray Troll!
A teacher at Heights for over 20 years, Royal started his career at Wichita Heights in 1970. Prior to that, Royal joined the Air Force at the age of 17 in 1950. He served in England and went to college on the GI Bill after his service. He married Melva Barrier and had two sons, Craig, and Gary. Eventually Royal started teaching at Heights High School and became the head of the math department in his 25 years at Heights. He was impactful on both the faculty and student body during his carrier at Heights. Please welcome 2023 inductee into the Wichita Heights Hall of Fame; Mr. Royal Owens
An accomplished actress, well known director, and participant in theater activities throughout the city, Ms. Jabara was a revered drama teacher at Wichita Heights from 1968-1980. During her teaching career, Ms. Jabara taught Speech, English, Dramatics, and Forensics. Producing and directing theater for Wichita Heights and the entire city, including her traveling mobile Medicine Show, Ms. Jabara touched the lives of countless students and theater lovers alike. Please welcome 2023 inductee into the Wichita Heights Hall of Fame; Ms. Mary Lea Jabara!
A 1982 graduate, Shawn started playing professionally as a musician in Wichita at 16, playing with numerous bands including Lotus with Martina McBride. In 1988, Shawn moved to Los Angelas to pursue a career in music and signed with EMI Publishing which led to him playing on the Tonight Show and at Lollapalooza in 1992. In 1993 he signed a record deal in London and still resides across the pond. Shawn has released 60 albums as an artist and producer. He has played on hundreds of records as a session musician with such artists as Amy Winehouse, Robbie Williams, Barry Manilow, Spice Girls, Black Pumas, etc. Shawn has composed music for films and television with his music featured in "80 for Brady", "Ugly Betty", "Oceans 13", "Eastbound & Down", "Vice Principles"," Nip Tuck", "House of Cards", and "Desperate Housewives" to name a few. He also composed the award winning score to Rockstar’s Bully video game. Shawn has been doing a radio show on Soho Radio for nearly 8 years and recently made a documentary film in 2018 which was screened all the world. He also has a soon to be released book coming out in 2024. a book which will be released in 2024. Shawn has toured the world performing, making, and composing his music. Welcome 2023 inductee into the Wichita Heights Hall of Fame; Shawn Lee Mahan!
A 4 year starter for Wichita Heights, Taylor was a 4 time first team All GWAL selection as well as a 4 time First Team all 6A. She led her team to three state tournaments. In 2001, the team finished 24-1 and a third place 6A state finish. In 2002 (24-1) and 2003 (21-4) Taylor led her team to the 6A State Championship! For her career, Taylor McIntosh won 89 games and lost 8. Taylor went on to star at the University of Kansas where she started every game for four years as a Pharmacy major. She currently is a Pharmacist in Wichita, Kansas. Welcome 2023 inductee into the Wichita Heights Hall of Fame; Taylor McIntosh-Williams!
A 2009 graduate, Bailey Beins is one of the most accomplished swimmers in Heights’ history. Bailey was 1st team all-city from 2006-2009, and 1st team all-state from 2007-2009. She is the city league record holder in the 100m Butterfly and 100m Backstroke, was the 2009 state champion in both events, and at the time of her graduation, was the state record holder in the 100m Backstroke. She was a high school All American, and the 2009 Kansas State Women’s Swimmer of the year. After high school, Bailey went on to have a successful collegiate career at the University of Denver where she was an academic All American, team captain, and a school record holder. Please welcome 2023 inductee into the Wichita Heights Hall of Fame; Ms. Bailey Beins-Marek!
The 2002 Wichita Heights girls’ basketball team was the first state championship team, girls or boys, at Wichita Heights since the 1980’s. After a 24-1, 3rd place state finish in 2001, and with every player returning, the team was ready to take the next step towards a championship title. With a 24-1 record, the 2002 team won the Wichita city league, sub-state, and 6A state championship. Over a two year period, this team captured 2 city league titles, 2 sub state titles, a 3rd place finish and state title! With player contributions from a diverse range of skill sets, and their dedicated coaching staff, the 2002 Girls State Championship team paved the way for what would become a basketball juggernaut in the state of Kansas. This group of players started the winning tradition of championship basketball at Wichita Heights. Please welcome, a 2023 inductee into the Wichita Heights Hall of Fame: The 2002 Wichita Heights State Championship Girls Basketball Team!
A 1982 graduate, Jill Redo was an 3 time state track and field champion in the 100 high hurdles, 200 low hurdles and the 400m relay team. She was the first female athlete at Heights to be recognized as an All American. She still currently holds the school records in track and field for the 100 meter dash (1980), 100 meter high hurdles (1982), 200 meter dash (1980), and the 400 meter relay (1982). Please welcome, a 2022 inductee into the Wichita Heights High School Hall of Fame: Jill Redo!
The first inductee will be announced on Monday, September 13th! And the inductee's into the innaugarl Wichita Heights High School Hall of Fame are:
In a seven-season career at Wichita Heights, Coach Norwood had many accomplishments. From being the first African American head coach at the high school level in USD 259, to an undefeated season and a 5-A state title in 1977, Coach Norwood believed his greatest contribution to humanity was his impact on those around him. Please welcome, as an inaugural inductee into the newly created Wichita Heights High School Hall of Fame: Coach Lafayette Norwood!
Nicknamed "Big Dawg", he is a retired American basketball player. Heplayed power forward for six different teams in the National Basketball Association across 16 seasons. Antoine was born in Oklahoma City. A tall, garrulous youngster, Carr was a star basketball player at Wichita Heights High School (class of 1979)—a teammate on the 1977 Heights team with future NBA player Darnell Valentine. He accepted a scholarship to play locally at Wichita State University. A four-year player, Carr was a major contributor on a team that also included future NBA players Xavier McDaniel and Cliff Levingston, averaging 17 points per game while shooting over 55% during his college career. In his final college game, he scored a school-record 47 points against Southern Illinois on March 5, 1983. He played for the US national team in the 1982 FIBA World Championship, winning the silver medal. Please welcome, as an inaugural inductee into the newly created Wichita Heights High School Hall of Fame: Antoine "The Big Dawg" Carr!
In a 16-year career as head coach of the Wichita Heights wrestling program, Coach Gard’s accomplishments are almost too numerous to list: 10x city league champion, 9x state tournament top 5 finishes, 59 state tournament placers, 2 All American’s, and state championships in both 1976 and 1968, which was Heights’ first ever state team title in any sport. A member of the 1999 Kansas Wrestling Hall of Fame, please welcome, as an inaugural inductee into the newly created Wichita Heights High School Hall of Fame: Coach Dee Gard!
A 1972 graduate of Wichita Heights, Cynthia (Sikes) Yorkin is a former Miss Wichita and Miss Kansas, as well as finishing in the top 10 in the Miss America pageant. She is an actress both on stage and on screen. Recently, as a producer, she was able to bring the critically acclaimed film Blade Runner 2049 to the big screen. Please welcome, as an inaugural inductee into the newly created Wichita Heights High School Hall of Fame: Cynthia Sikes Yorkin!
A 1975 graduate, Parkinson graduated summa cum laude from WSU & first in his class at the KU Law School. After entering private, Parkinson served in the Kansas legislature from 1991 to 1997. From 1999 to 2003, he was chairman of the Kansas Republican Party. In May 06’, then Governor Sebelius chose Parkinson as her running mate for her reelection campaign. In March 09’, President Obama announced Governor Sebelius as his nominee for US Secretary of Health and Human Services. Sebelius resigned as governor of Kansas following her confirmation in April of 09’; Parkinson was sworn in as the 45th governor of Kansas the same day! Please welcome, as an inaugural inductee into the newly created Wichita Heights High School Hall of Fame: Mr. Mark Parkinson!
A 1987 graduate, this former 4x state champion Falcon diver still holds the WHHS 6 and 11 dive records as well as the city league record for girls diving. She broke her own 1984 state record in 1987, and that record lasted until 1995. Upon graduation, this Falcon was a 4x letterer & 3x All American at Nebraska while helping the Huskers to back to back Big 8 titles in 1990 and 1991. Please welcome, as an inaugural inductee into the newly created Wichita Heights High School Hall of Fame: Ms. Amy Aarsen Passauer!