[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17939]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO THOMAS MORE PREPARATORY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 1, 2008

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of 
Thomas More Preparatory--Marian and their centennial celebration. 
Located in my hometown of Hays, Kansas, Thomas More Prep recently 
concluded a 3 day festival commemorating 100 years of educational 
service. I stand before you in celebration of this remarkable 
milestone.
  TMP, as it is known in Northwest Kansas, has served as a pillar of 
faith-based learning for generations. Founded by Capuchin Priests in 
1908 as Hays Catholic College, the school featured a combination high 
school and junior college curriculum and would become a vibrant 
military academy with an active Junior ROTC program. The school would 
evolve into St. Joseph's Military Academy.
  St. Joseph's Military academy was not alone in forming the foundation 
of what would become TMP-M. Girl's Catholic High School, the female 
counterpart to the Academy, was founded in 1918. As was the case with 
St. Joseph's, the school moved several times before it settled and was 
renamed Marian High School.
  The name Thomas More Prep was coined in 1970. In 1981, Marian High 
School and Thomas More Preparatory merged to form the school that is 
being recognized today. Madam Speaker, I emphasize the history of this 
fine institution in an effort to illustrate the dedication and 
sacrifice exhibited by those charged with its continuation. To 
administrate and fund a parochial school on the plains of Kansas for 
one hundred years is no small feat. Admiration is due to Fathers Henry 
Kluepfel and Eugene Beckner who founded what would become St. Joseph's 
Military Academy in 1908 as well as Sister M. Reminga Neder, and Fr. 
Dominic Schuster who founded what would become Marian High school in 
1918. Through their perseverance and leadership, an institution was 
established that would reach a global student body.
  As an institution serving many international boarders through the 
years, TMP-M has created a worldwide network of faithful alumni 
committed to the advancement of the school. The alumni of this 
educational system have much to be proud of. Each individual associated 
with TMP-M's rich history has contributed to the overall identity that 
the school enjoys. It is through their generosity that the school 
continues to provide the services necessary to continue the long 
tradition of academic excellence.
  Admiration and thanks are also due to Ms. Jean Ross, current 
president of the school, Mr. Denis Coakley, principal and headmaster, 
and Mr. Gene Flax, assistant principal of student affairs. Through 
their faithful leadership, TMP-M has a bright future to coincide with 
their storied past. I ask God to continue to show his grace on this 
institution and I pray for its ongoing success.
  I ask you, Madam Speaker, to join me in congratulating Thomas More 
Prep.--Marian on 100 years of service to its students, alumni and the 
greater northwest Kansas community.

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