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Highland Park athletes, coaches honored at Topeka Public Schools meeting after state finishes
Summary
Topeka Public Schools trustees recognized Highland Park High School students and coaches for state-level achievements, including Mikayla Cadet’s state wrestling title and the boys basketball team’s deep run; Coach Mike Williams received statewide coach-of-the-year honors and the district presented plaques and a $2,000 team check.
At a Topeka Public Schools board meeting, trustees and district leaders recognized Highland Park High School for recent state-level athletic achievements, including a state wrestling championship and a boys basketball team that reached the state tournament.
The district highlighted Mikayla Cadet as “the first female wrestler winning the state championship for Highland Park,” and presented a plaque to be hung at the school. Cadet, joining the meeting online, described the experience: “I think I cried after every single match I won because, like, I'm actually doing it.” The board noted Cadet’s season record as 23-4 and referenced her competition at the 190-pound weight class as part of the recognition.
The board also celebrated the Highland Park boys basketball team’s season and honored coach Mike Williams, who was named Kansas Coach of the Year for the 2024–25 season. Doctor Anderson said the district was “so excited in making history for Topeka Public Schools.” Williams told the board he centers his approach on relationships and character: “If Topeka Public Schools did nothing else but gave every kid that walked through our doors an authentic relationship with an adult … then I'd say we've done something right.”
The meeting included awards for players, managers and assistant coaches, and named a student, Mikey Williams Jr., as the district’s April senior of the month. The board read a list of players and assistants who received plaques and individual recognitions; multiple student athletes present were noted as having college opportunities and signing commitments. Trustees also announced a $2,000 donation intended to help fund a team trip before seniors leave for college.
Board members and staff emphasized that plaques, certificates and photos will be displayed at Highland Park to preserve the season’s accomplishments. The board did not take formal policy action related to the recognitions; they were acknowledgments and presentations.
