TMP-M

Thomas More Prep-Marian has announced this year’s Point of Light Award recipients. The Point of Light Award is given annually at homecoming to people who have contributed to the traditions of excellence of Thomas More Prep-Marian through their service, stewardship and example.

As is tradition, this year’s awardees will be honored at halftime of the homecoming football game. For a complete list of homecoming events, visit tmp-m.org/homecoming.

Robert & Carol Feauto
faithful friend and dedicated staff

Robert and Carol Feauto are being honored as Points of Light for their deep commitment to Thomas More Prep-Marian. Bob and Carol have been married for 50 years and have six children, Donald Feauto (HHS ‘85), Cheryl ‘87 (Feauto) Boeve, Karen ‘88 (Feauto) Rohr, Sharon ‘89 (Feauto) Schulte, Bryan ‘90 Feauto and Kelly ‘92 (Feauto) Schibi.

Bob and Carol met and married in Arizona where Carol attended beauty school. They belong to Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish where they are active volunteers. Bob and Carol have a special love for the Adoration Chapel and always make sure there are adorers at all times, often finding replacements as needed.

After moving to Hays, Bob worked at Midwest Drug for 24 years before retiring. Now he fills his days by volunteering at two retirement homes, helping the residents get to Mass and assisting the priest. They have worked for Birthright, taught CCD and are members of Right to Life.

Carol belongs to the Legion of Mary and has worked in the TMP-Marian kitchen for the past 29 years, spending most of that time as Food Service Director. She goes above and beyond her job description, helping all of the different organizations and clubs by ordering supplies for their different events.

We thank Bob and Carol for their devotion and deep commitment to Thomas More Prep-Marian and our community.

Fr. Fred Gatschet
faithful teacher, priest and pastor

Fr. Fred Gatschet was born November 15, 1961 in Denver, Colorado to Francis ‘53 and Amy Gatschet, the second oldest of 10 children. His parents sent him to Catholic Schools through 12th grade. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Milling Science and Management from Kansas State University as well as a Master’s Degree in Catholic Thought and a Master of Divinity Degree from St. Meinrad Seminary.

He was ordained to the priesthood on May 22, 1993 by Bishop George Fitzsimons. He spent the first seven years of his priesthood serving at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Salina where he was active in the Salina Catholic Schools and devoted much time and energy serving the Hispanic immigrant community. He was transferred to the chaplaincy at the Comeau Catholic Campus Center at Fort Hays State University in July 2000.

The following year, at the request of President Jean Ross, he began what would be 11 years of teaching Sophomore and Senior Religion at TMP-Marian. During that time he authored a series of religion workbooks and a textbook on the Sacraments that are in use in Catholic schools and parishes around the United States and donated a significant portion of the royalties from these projects to the school.

He has facilitated over a dozen vocations to the priesthood for the Salina, Wichita, and Dodge City dioceses (a number of them former students from TMP-Marian) and Conception Abbey as well as a number of young women who have entered into the convent. His love and devotion in educating today’s youth is a special blessing, and we are eternally grateful for his leadership and light.

Lawrence J. Reichert
dedicated alumnus and faithful friend

Lawrence ‘Larry’ Reichert is being honored as a Point of Light for his dedication and deep commitment to Thomas More Prep-Marian. Larry is a 1973 graduate of Thomas More Prep and was awarded the TMP Medal of Excellence Award. He is the son of Frank and Martina (Haas) Reichert and has seven siblings, Mary Ellen Reichert, Barbara ‘66 (Reichert) Robinson, Paulette ‘67 Reichert, Alvera ‘68 Reichert, Frank ‘70 Reichert, Norma ‘72 (Reichert) Pipkin and Tom ‘74 Reichert.

He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kansas State with a B.S. degree in Poultry Science. In 1978, he took over the family farm. In addition to farming, he worked as a loan officer for FmHA in Norton and then later transferred to Syracuse, KS.

In 1996, Larry moved back to Hays and worked for Rural Development until retiring in 2008. Larry is an active lifetime member of the Alumni Association of TMP-Marian, the Sports Booster Club, Parents, Teachers & Friends (PTF), Ellis County Historical Society and the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia. He served on the TMP-M School Board and Grounds Committee from 2008-2014 as well as the committee responsible for adding the Junior High School to TMP-Marian.

As a member of the Knights of Columbus Schoenchen Council and Our Lady Help of Christians Parish, Larry has prepared classes for Confirmation in Antonino and Syracuse and attended World Youth Day in Denver, CO as a youth group sponsor. From leading a weekly rosary, taking charge of cemetery/parish maintenance and grounds and lectoring at mass to serving on committees for the Heartland Stewardship and his volunteerism at TMP-Marian, Larry continues to contribute his time, talents and treasure to his beloved school and community.

For a complete list of the Point of Light recipients, click HERE.