WALL OF HONOR

The Ottawa High School Wall of Honor was created in the spring of 1997 to honor Ottawa High School graduates for their achievements since their graduation. The "Wall" currently includes over 80 OHS graduates. The program began as an outgrowth of the OHS Renaissance program created by OHS Math teacher, Gary Kuntz. In 1997, Mr. Kuntz presented the proposal for the OHS Wall of Honor to the principal, district superintendent, student council, and USD #290 Board of Education. With approval from these groups, selection to the Wall of Honor became the highest honor that Ottawa High School can bestow upon a graduate. Mr. Kuntz coordinated the program until his retirement in 2003. Currently, the program is coordinated by OHS Counselor and CTE Coordinator, Stella Tharp, and Social Studies teacher, Duane Colwell.

2024 Inductees

Gary Brockus

Gary Brockus

Class of 1974

Trent Lancaster

Dr. Trent Lancaster

Class of 1984

Christopher Wasser

Christopher Wasser

Class of 2001

Nomination Process

Nominations for the Ottawa High School Wall of Honor are accepted until May 1 of each year. The only requirement being that a nominee must have graduated from OHS at least ten years prior to nomination and have made significant contributions to his/her career and/or community. Nominations remain active for two years. The nominators do not have to be graduates of OHS.

Nomination forms may be printed from this page or by contacting Wall of Honor Coordinator, Stella Tharp, at 785-229-8020,ext. 2119 or by email at tharps@usd290.org.

Nomination forms should be submitted with supporting documents and details. The selection committee does not research the individuals nominated. The committee makes its selections based on the information submitted by the nominator. Therefore, nominations must sufficiently inform the merits of the nominee.

Nomination forms and accompanying materials should be submitted to:

Stella Tharp, Wall of Honor Coordinator
Ottawa High School
1120 S. Ash, Ottawa, KS 66067

Nominations are due by May 1.

Selection Process

A committee of students, faculty, and OHS graduates selects up to three individuals each year for induction in late spring. Each committee member individually reads and evaluates these applications and then meets in late May to make the final selections. Selected candidates are notified, and the induction ceremony takes place in the fall at a home football game.