February 3, 2012
Basketball Postponed on Account of Winter Weather
Due to the approaching winter storm, it has been decided to postpone this evening's basketball games until February 20 according to the following schedule. C team games will be played at 3:00; varsity girls and boys junior varsity will play at 4:30 with the varsity boys game to follow.
Junior high enrollment will take place this evening as previously scheduled. The enrollment will be in the school study hall at the west end of the first floor.
The music department dinner theater will take place as scheduled at 7 pm on Saturday Feb 4 and at noon on Sunday Feb 5.
January 14, 2012
Seven Monarch Musicians Recognized at State Level
The Kansas Music Educators Association named seven Monarch musicians to its all-state honor band, orchestra, and choir, based on competitions held earlier this month. In state band, senior Ho Jin Lim was ranked as a first flute; junior Hannah Dreiling was ranked as a second clarinet; and sophomore Nick Schumacher was ranked as second baritone. Seniors Katlyn Flax and Laura Braun were named to the all-state choir. Senior Austin Werth and sophomore Roy Schmeidler both qualified for state orchestra, the former on violin, the latter on trombone.
Those chosen for state band competed against 1-4A schools; those named to choir and orchestra competed against 1-6A schools.
January 14, 2012
Chess Team Finishes Third at Wichita
The seven TMP-Marian chessplayers who traveled to Wichita's Elizabeth Ann Seton tournament on Saturday, Jan 7 compiled an unbeatable first round total of 4.5 points. A scoring drought set in for the next two rounds, however, as they were matched against stronger opponents and had advanced only to five team points by the end of round three, halfway through the tournament. Later rounds brought more success; the team score moved to eight points at the end of round four, eleven at the end of round five, and a respectable 13.5 at the end of the tournament, good enough for a third place finish. The Purdy Chess Club was the tournament leader with 18.5 points followed by Valley Center with 14.5. Wichita Heights and Garden City placed fourth and fifth, respectively.
Senior Adam Nietling led the team with four of a possible six points and finished seventh individually among the thirty-one competitors. Other Monarchs contributing to the team score were junior Bill Wiebe (3.5 points, 11th place), senior Kleist Zhou (3.0 points, 16th place), and freshman Jacob Werth (3.0 points, 17th place). Also competing were senior Denny Hsieh (3.0 points, 20th place), senior Kaleb Stark (2.5 points, 21st place), and freshman Russell Krug (1.0 point, 30th place). Bill Wiebe had the distinction, due to his success in the early rounds of the tournament, of playing all his games (and scoring all his points) against higher ranked opponents.
The Monarchs' next chess competition will be at Onaga on Jan 28.
January 8, 2012
Parents Hear Plans for Grades 7 and 8
Almost two hundred parents and prospective students gathered in the school auditorium this evening to listen to the plans of the TMP-Marian administrative team for the junior high grades to be added this coming fall. Principal Bill DeWitt was joined by athletic director Gene Flax, assistant principal Rachel Wentling, counselor Kathy Taylor, Michelle Fairbank of the admissions office, and advancement director Jeff Brull in explaining plans for curriculum and other activities.
Mr. DeWitt emphasized that the special needs of the junior high age group would be central to the operation of the new grades. Other key ideas include preparation for high school and providing a save environment where students can flourish. The athletic programs will include football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling and track. The athletic teams will be open to both seventh and eighth graders.
It is expected that four core teachers and a counselor will be hired. Other issues addressed were home room, school dismissal time, and seating at school assemblies. The school colors, mascot, and fight song currently used for grades 9-12 also will be used for grades 7 and 8. The curriculum will include six week exploratory courses in addition to the traditional junior high school coursework.
Additional information and actual enrollment for grades 7 and 8 is set for January 31 and February 3 from 3:30 to 7:00 pm in the school dining room. An application fee of $35 will be associated with enrollment.
January 8, 2012
Chess Team Places Third at Wichita Tournament
The TMP-Marian chess team garnered 13.5 of a possible 24 points to capture the third place team trophy from the high school division of the Elizabeth Ann Seaton tournament yesterday in Wichita. Team members with points scored are as follows: Adam Nietling, 4.0; Bill Wiebe, 3.5; Danny Hsieh, 3.0; Kleist Zhou, 3.0; Jacob Werth, 3.0; Kaleb Stark, 2.5; and Russell Krug, 1.0. Each player is scheduled for six games through the day, earning a single point for each win and a half-point for each draw. The team score is the sum of the top four individual scores. The Purdy Chess Club placed first; Valley Center High School placed second. Other teams competing were Wichita Heights and Garden City. The next competition for the TMP-Marian team will be January 28 at Onaga.
December 16, 2011
Grades Seven and Eight Receive Green Light for 2012-13
The pastoral leadership of the Heartland Parishes of Ellis County today formally approved the expansion of the curriculum and activities at TMP-Marian to include a seventh and eighth grade beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year.
Bill DeWitt, TMP-Marian principal, along with his staff, will be taking on the responsibility of the influx of students next year promising to make the TMP-Marian campus a lively hub of activity. Hays Catholic schools are prepared to provide an education for any students who want to be a part of the K-12 system. "We’ve been having so many discussions internally for so long. It’s an unbelievably exciting time. Our faculty and staff have been working and praying for this decision, and they are one hundred percent behind this expansion. Everyone is excited, and we’re going to make it happen," DeWitt said.
TMP-Marian Junior High Family Information Fun Night will be January 8, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. and will allow parents of prospective seventh and eighth graders to learn more about the curriculum, activities, schedules, and more. The prospective students are invited as well and will participate in activities with the TMP-Marian Ambassadors to familiarize themselves with the school as they prepare to join the student body in August.
The first opportunity for enrollment will be January 31, 2012. Details will be provided at http://tmp-m.org and http://hayscatholicmiddleschool.com. Parents are also encouraged to contact the admissions office at TMP-Marian at (785) 625-6577 to learn more about these scheduled activities.
Funding for the expansion is being provided largely by the St. Thomas More Society, a new fundraising effort led by the Advancement Office at TMP-Marian. The St. Thomas More Society is a grass-roots effort to involve everyone who has a stake in Catholic Education. Nearly 300 donors have made a commitment to the society to date with the overall goal of five years worth of funding for the new junior high about half complete. Jeff Brull, Advancement Director for Hays Catholic Schools, stressed the importance of participation in the St. Thomas More Society; “The number of folks getting involved in this project is an important part of the overall goal.” Brull added, “We’re honored and humbled by those whose support is going to make this possible, and we’re at a critical point in this effort. We need every parent with a child in Catholic schools to show their support by joining the St. Thomas More Society, and although we still have a long way to reach our goal, the number of people showing their support through the society is just as important.” Brull noted that donations at all levels are needed, and that participation would be key in securing larger gifts from businesses and individuals with significant resources.
"There’s no looking back. We’ve got the plan, the momentum, and we’ve got a great start on the funding. It’s an exciting time to be a part of Hays Catholic Schools,” Dewitt said.
A website has been established with frequently asked questions, a draft of the junior high handbook, a listing of the donors to the St. Thomas More Society, and much more. This information can be found at http://hayscatholicmiddleschool.com. To add your name to the donor roll, contact Jeff Brull, Advancement Director, at (785) 625-6577 or by e-mail at brullj@tmp-m.org. Pledge cards are available at the Heartland Parishes, Holy Family Elementary, TMP-Marian, or at http://hayscatholicmiddleschool.com.
Scholars' Bowl Stopped at Colby
The varsity scholars' bowl team faltered yesterday evening at the Colby tournament, posting a 4-3 record in pool play but failing to qualify for the semifinal round. Losses to Ulysses, Hays High, and Golden Plains by 20, 10, and 10 points respectively were too much to overcome.
In the Jr. Varsity division, TMP went 8-1, losing only to Hoxie. TMP took first, Hoxie second, Oakley third and Colby 4th. Members of the monarch Jr. Varsity team were Lauren Braun, Samantha Wilson, Jacob Werth, Ryan Hammerschmidt, Rachel Becker and Jeffery Yu.
The next scheduled tournament is January 16 at Oakley.
November 29, 2011
Friday Classes Canceled on Account of Funeral
There will be no classes Friday, December 2 to allow faculty, staff, and students to attend the funeral of former principal Ken Haas.
November 29, 2011
Scholars' Bowl Begins Season with Victories
The Monarch scholars' bowl team traveled to Osborne on Monday evening and came home with first place medals and an 8-1 record. With the win at Natoma on November 3rd and the one at Osborne on Monday evening, TMP has now won 16 rounds along with two losses. Those students representing TMP were Kaleb Stark, Candace Staab, Brett Chrisler, Jacob Brull, Ross Werth, and Rhian Graver. Stark and Chrisler are returnees from the State Championship team this last February. The Monarchs will be in action again next Monday (Dec.5) at Colby.
November 27, 2011
Administration Announced for Grades 7 and 8
Plans for the addition of grades 7 and 8 became clearer this month as the TMP-Marian site was named as the location and the current TMP-Marian administrative personnel were chosen to provide educational leadership. Sufficient classrooms from the east wing of the main building will be relocated during the summer to provide space for the junior high students. New staff to be hired include a counselor, and teachers for language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. Some classes will be taught by TMP or HFE faculty members.
While the eventual goal places grades 6 to 8 at the current Kennedy building, principal Bill DeWitt evaluates the plan for the 2012-13 academic year with grades 7-12 on the TMP-Marian campus as a strong one. A handbook, detailed curriculum, and bell schedule will be published by the end of the current semester with pre-enrollment set for February. Questions about the junior high grades my be directed to Bill DeWitt at the school office. All of these plans are contingent on approval by the Heartland Parishes' pastoral leadership and the Salina Diocese pending adequate funding for the expansion. The St. Thomas More Society has been established to provide an avenue of support for the grades seven and eight expansion as well as growth potential for all of Hays Catholic schools. Add your name to the St. Thomas More Society donor roll by filling out your pledge card and returning it to TMP-Marian before December 31.
November 27, 2011
Former Principal Succumbs to Cancer
Ken Haas, who served TMP-Marian as principal from 1999 to 2006, died Friday evening, November 25 at his home. He had been fighting a serious lung cancer for almost two years.
The funeral is set for 10:00 am Friday, Dec 2 at St. Joseph's Church in Hays. Parish visitation will be from 5 to 8 pm on Thursday evening, Dec 1 at the church.
November 26, 2011
Chess Team Places at Independent, Canton-Galva, Concordia
Nine TMP-Marian chessplayers have contested 144 games during four tournaments during the first half of the 2011-12 season. The team finished 3rd at the Wichita Independent School Oct 22 tournament, third at the Canton-Galva Nov 5 tournament, and 2nd at the Concordia Nov 19 event. The season opener on Oct 1 at Topeka's Christ the King School was marked by many schedule conflicts and a 6th place team finish. Senior Tung Ying (Denny) Hsieh has participated in all four tournaments and has scored a total of 10.5 points. Other team leaders with their accumulated points include senior Adam Nietling (9.5), sophomore Ryan Hammerschmidt (9.0), junior Bill Wiebe (7.5), and sophomore Jacob Brull (7.0). The Monarch chessplayers will take a break from tournament competition for the holidays and compete once again at the Elizabeth Ann Seton tournament in Wichita on January 7 of the new year.
November 14, 2011
Math Relay Team Outscores All
The math relay team captured first place in the class 3-2A division at the Fort Hays State sponsored competition on Thursday, November 10. The 137 point total amassed by the team was the highest of all 46 schools competing, regardless of classification. This marks the third time in the past five years that TMP-Marian has had the highest point total of any participating school.
|
Name(s) |
Event |
Place |
Kleist Zhou
|
Trigonometry
|
First
|
|
Kleist Zhou |
Informal Geometry
|
First
|
|
Kleist Zhou |
Applied Algebra
|
First
|
Kleist Zhou
|
Calculations with Calculators
|
Fifth
|
Jin Lim
|
Algebraic Manipulations
|
First
|
|
Jin Lim |
Informal Geometry
|
Second
|
|
Jin Lim |
Calculations with Calculator
|
Sixth
|
Claire Cen
|
Informal Geometry
|
First
|
Claire Cen
|
Calculations with Calculator
|
Second
|
Jacob Brull
|
Informal Geometry
|
Second
|
Jacob Brull
|
Applied Algebra
|
Second
|
Jacob Brull
|
Number Sense
|
Fourth
|
Yilin Song
|
Calculations with Calculators
|
Fourth
|
Yilin Song
|
Informal Geometry
|
Fifth
|
Yilin Song
|
Trigonometry
|
Sixth
|
Team
Allison Pfeifer
Kenny Fang
Ross Werth
| Trigonometry
|
First
|
Team
Allison Pfeifer
Kenny Fang
Ross Werth |
Informal Geometry
|
First
|
Team
Allison Pfeifer
Kenny Fang
Ross Werth |
Algebraic Manipulations
|
Second
|
Team
Allison Pfeifer
Kenny Fang
Ross Werth |
Calculations with Calculators
|
Fourth
|
Team
Austin Werth
Kelvin Tseng
Michael Cao
|
Algebraic Manipulations
|
First
|
Team
Austin Werth
Kelvin Tseng
Michael Cao |
Trigonometry
|
Second
|
Team
Austin Werth
Kelvin Tseng
Michael Cao |
Informal Geometry
|
Second
|
Team
Austin Werth
Kelvin Tseng
Michael Cao |
Applied Algebra
|
Third
|
November 10, 2011
Hello, Dolly! Opens Tonight
A cast of dozens has been rehearsing for weeks in preparation for tonight's first public performance of the annual school musical. Hannah Keil and Brett Chrisler lead a great group of thespians through a fine high school production of of a show with a heartwarming story line, great music, and stagefuls of costume color. Matchmaker Dolly Levi keeps the plot pot boiling with her never ending but always bold plans for all characters, including her own. Performances are at 7 pm this evening and Saturday evening, as well as a 2pm matinee on Sunday. Ticket are $7 at the door, $6 in advance from the school office.
November 7, 2011
KU Sponsors Medical Career Day
Twenty-one sophomores, juniors, and seniors attended "Journeys and Destinations," a career day sponsored by the Kansas University Medical School for most of the day today. They were joined by 68 area students. The day began with a presentation by Teresa Boos concerning good reasons to join the health careers field. Students then attended four interactive sessions of their own choosing. They were treated to lunch, snacks, and an opportunity to browse educational booths set up by Kansas post-secondary institutions and their health career departments. -KT
October 22, 2011
Soccer Team Edged by Hays High
TMP-M fell by a score of 2-3 to Hays High last Thursday afternoon. After watching the Indians score a goal in the first half, the Monarchs came roaring back in the second to tie the game at one apiece. Later on the Indians were able to score twice on breakaways to take a commanding 3-1 lead. However, the Monarchs weren't quite done as they scored again to close the gap to one goal before the end of the game.
October 14, 2011
Rosary Rally Scheduled for Tomorrow at Grotto
America needs Fatima rosary rally has been set for this Saturday, Oct 15th from 2-4 PM in the TMP grotto. TMP-Marian family members are encouraged to bring rosaries and lawn chairs. For students this is a service opportunity. In case of rain the event will be inside in the chapel. The America needs Fatima rally is taking place all across our nation this weekend. Those who are unable to join in person are encouraged to join in private or family prayer.
October 10, 2011
Volleyball Claims Third at Scott City
The TMP-Marian volleyball team claimed third place at the eight team Scott City Invitational tournament this last weekend. The Monarch ladies went 2-1 in pool play, defeating Dodge City (31-29, 25-22) and Leoti (25-13, 25-9), but taking a loss from Scott City (23-25,19-25). In the semifinal round the Monarchs were edged out in a three game match by Wheatland (11-25, 26-24, 10-25), but won the consolation match from Oakley (20-25, 25-19, 25-23). The next competition for the team will be at the MCAA League Quadrangular at Larned this coming Saturday.
October 2, 2011
League Title Eludes Monarch Gridders at Home
The league title will have to wait for another year as the Monarchs played a great first half, led by 23-21 as they went to the locker room, but were unable to score more and unable to stop the visiting Cardinals in the second half. They yielded to Hoisington by a 41-23 margin last Friday evening at Lewis Field Stadium.
In the picture at left by Raymond Hillegas of the Hays Daily News, TMP quarterback Nick Hammeke rushes toward the end zone past Hoisington’s Cayton Janousek, far left, and Trevor Williams during Friday’s game.
October 2, 2011
Soccer Team Returns Victorious from Salina
The Monarch boys soccer team journeyed to Salina on Saturday to play a 4 pm contest against the Muleskinners of St. Johns Military Academy. St. Johns came out roaring as they dominated the game throughout most of the first half and scored the first goal in the contest about halfway through the first 40 minute period. Their aggressive play (which was NOT evident when they played us about a week or so ago) helped to keep the Monarchs at bay until just before the half when we scored our first goal to even the score. In the second half, the Monarchs were able to manufacture a goal only to see St. Johns return the favor several minutes later to knot the score at two. The contest went down to the wire where the offense for the Monarchs finally took charge and scored their third goal of the game and iced the victory. Scoring for the Monarchs were Toto Murin and Michel Gonzalez, with some good assists by Sonyag Khatri, Dong You, and Drew O'Brien. The key moment in the game came when the coaches decided to bring Drew O'Brien out of goal and put him in the middle at the start of the second half. His size and speed proved the difference as the St. Johns players could not handle him as easily as they had some of our other players. On the defensive end Carlos Duenes, Colby Schippers, and Kaleb Stark led a unified effort to keep the Muleskinners at bay in the waning minutes of the contest.
The win evens the season record to 4-4 going into next Tuesdays contest with Great Bend at home. Then, due to a schedule change, the team will travel to Elbing-Berean Academy on Saturday October 8th instead to Friday the 7th as listed on the schedule. --DH
October 2, 2011
Chess Season Begins
Four TMP-Marian chessplayers traveled to the season's first tournament
at Christ the King School in Topeka on Saturday, October 1. One-season
veteran Ryan Hammerschmidt, sophomore, was joined by senior Denny Hsieh
and freshmen Jason Werth and Russell Krug, all new to the KSCA (Kansas
Scholastic Chess Association) tournament system. Hammerschmidt notched
two wins against weaker players and achieved a draw against
Cherryvales's Dylan Pruitt, rated 276 units above Hammerschmidt. Hsieh,
Werth, and Krug scored 2.5, 2.0, and 1.5 points respectively. Each
achieved his goal of at least one win at the first tournament.
September 29, 2011
Blood Drive Set for Tomorrow
The Key Club blood drive is set for tomorrow, September 30, in Al Billinger Fieldhouse. Donors are welcome to sign up for times from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. Please call the school office at 625-6577 to register.
September 26, 2011
Community Updated Concerning
Plans for Catholic Grades Seven and Eight
Dozens of patrons and stakeholders of the Hays Catholic schools gathered in the TMP-Marian auditorium Sunday afternoon to be updated on the plans being made to provide a Catholic education for local seventh and eighth graders. Fr. Kevin Weber began the meeting with a prayer.
The hour and a half session moved quickly to an introduction of members of organizing committees and some history. Claire Gustin, speaking for the Hays Catholic School Board, reviewed the establishment of the board in 2008 by Bishop Coakley and its mission to oversee the financial stability of the Catholic schools in Hays. During the summer of 2011, the board established committees to explore the possibility of a Catholic middle school in the wake of the public school district decision to consolidate all public grade 6-8 students into one middle school. Committees formed addressed parish and diocesan communications, facilities and grounds, curriculum and activities, public relations/marketing, budget/financial projections, and funding/contingency. The Hays Catholic School Board recommended to the pastoral leaders of the community that a Catholic middle school be established. The pastoral leaders approved the recommendation and presented the plan to the Salina diocese. Because the diocese currently lacks a bishop, approval to open a new school was not possible, but approval was given to expand the TMP-Marian curriculum to include grades seven and eight, provided that a solid and timely funding plan could be developed.
Currently, detailed plans for the school are being developed by a committee chaired by Fr. Mike Scully. In addition to Scully, the committee includes Bill DeWitt, Jana Simon, Sandy Losey, Bill Stark, Carol Brull, Anita Walters, Bob Leikam, Rick Staples, and Anne Brull. Fr. Mike reported that his committee is meeting on alternate Sunday afternoons and is currently working on a school mission statement, philosophy, goals, and parent and student handbook.
Bill DeWitt, principal of TMP-Marian, took the floor to outline preliminary plans for hosting the junior high grades on the TMP-Marian campus. He indicated that high school classes would be moved to allow the junior high students to have their own section of the building with separate access. The schedules would also include separate meal times and Mass times for the seventh and eighth grade students. He stated that the curriculum would include religion on a daily basis and a core content curriculum taught by teachers hired specifically for the junior high age group. Electives would be available but somewhat limited by the seven hour schedule. DeWitt stated that the activities, including athletics, currently available to Kennedy Middle School students would also be available next year for both junior high grades. He noted that his planning is targeted for 80 to 120 students, but could be expanded if necessary. He stated that detailed decisions about additional faculty and staff have not yet been made, although grade specific people would be utilized, and that a counselor would be added. DeWitt added that the Kennedy gym, as well as other needed facilities would be available for the junior high students.
Board member Tim Werth summarized the current operating budgets for Holy Family Elementary and TMP-Marian. He indicated that both schools currently rely on the local parishes for a significant amount of their income and both receive about 22% of their operating income from development sources such as fund drives and ACE auction. TMP-Marian also generates about one-third of its budget from the resident program. Werth stated that parish contributions are at capacity at this time; funding for the additional grades must come from other sources. Werth stressed that the middle school plans are dependent on available funding. If the board cannot show a five year funding plan to support the new initiative, there will be no addition of grades seven and eight.
Board member Glenn Braun reviewed his committee’s research concerning the cost of various facility options for the additional grades. After providing the pros and cons of five different plans, he indicated that the long term goal is to provide preschool through grades four at Holy Family , grades five through eight at the Kennedy location, and continue with grades nine through twelve at TMP-Marian. Plans for the 2012-13 school year, however, will put the seventh and eighth graders on the TMP-M campus.
Finally Tim Werth and Advancement Director Jeff Brull presented a plan to provide the funding needed to move forward with the curriculum expansion and pave the way to open the new middle school. The Saint Thomas More Society has been set up to promote regular giving at a variety of levels and structured to provide the $700,000 plus annual operating budget needed to expand Catholic education in Hays. Brull and Werth again emphasized that pledges sufficient to fund the project are necessary by the end of this calendar year to allow the expansion to proceed. Pledge cards were provided to all in attendance and are available at the school or by contacting Advancement Director Jeff Brull at (785) 625-6577 ext. 203 or at brullj@tmp-m.org.
A variety of questions from those in attendance were addressed during the meeting; in some cases where decisions have not been made, patrons were advised that more information would be forthcoming. The TMP-Marian website will provide additional information as it becomes available.
A second presentation of the information above will be made this evening at 7:00 at Holy Family Elementary School. The board, committee, and staff members will once again be present to answer questions based on decisions which have been made at this time.
September 21, 2011
Seventh and Eighth Grade
Information Meetings Scheduled
Two informational meetings will be hosted by the leadership of Hays Catholic Schools concerning the plans for a 7th and 8th grade expansion. These meetings are open to the public, and anyone with questions is encouraged to attend. The first meeting will take place Sunday, September 25, at 2 pm in the Thomas More Prep-Marian Auditorium, located at 1701 Hall Street, Hays. The second meeting will cover the same information and will be held Monday, September 26, at 7 pm in the Holy Family Elementary Auditorium, located at 1800 Milner, Hays.
September 14, 2011
Seventh and Eighth Grades to Be
Added for the 2012-13 Year
The Catholic parishes of the Hays area announced last week a firm decision to operate seventh and eighth grades in addition to the preschool to 6 and 9-12 levels presently available at Holy Family Elementary and TMP-Marian. The two additional grade levels will be housed on the TMP-Marian campus, at least temporarily. Although the Kennedy Building will have been vacated by the public school district, it will not be immediately available for use as a Catholic school. Expanding to a new building would require the approval of the Salina diocese bishop; a new bishop has not yet been named.
The seventh and eighth grades will have their own faculty and a separate wing of the TMP-Marian building and will have available interscholastic athletics as well as a quality middle school curriculum. The next few months will be devoted to additional curriculum and facilities planning; more detailed information for parents and prospective students will be forthcoming. Current plans would put grades 5-8 at the "Kennedy" building for the 2013-14 school year. Mr. Bill DeWitt will be principal of grades 7-12 for the 2012-13 school year.
September 3, 2011
Girls Pace First Annual Cross Country Invitational
The first annual TMP-Marian cross country invitational was run this
morning on the school campus. The TMP-Marian girls placed first in
their four team field, followed by Hays High, Ness City, and Larned.
On the boys side, Hays High led the field, followed by Larned, Ness City, Lyons, Victoria, and TMP. (Photo by Nancy Urban)
Follow link for detailed scores.
September 3, 2011
Season Opener Yields Gridiron Victory
Yesterday on a warm evening marked with occasional drizzling rain, both the Ellinwood Eagles and the TMP-Marian Monarchs demonstrated the ability to move the ball and collect first downs. Both teams also showed the ability to mount a respectable defense. The Monarchs were able to score midway through the first quarter and again toward the end of the second quarter. Ellinwood answered quickly with the six point touchdown which would be their only score of the game. There was no scoring in the third quarter; the home team added a field goal and touchdown in the final quarter to leave the field with a 24-6 victory.
September 2, 2011
Volleyball Competes at Abilene
The TMP-Monarchs opened their season at Abilene on Thursday, notching a victory after suffering two defeats. Placings were Abilene (3-0), Smoky Valley (2-1), TMP-Marian (1-2) and Concordia (0-3). The Monarchs will play again Tuesday September 6 at Goodland.
Abilene defeats Concordia 25-17, 25-16
Smoky Valley defeats Thomas More Prep 25-17, 27-25
Abilene defeats Thomas More Prep 25-14, 25-8
Smoky Valley defeats Concordia 25-17, 25-22
Abilene defeats Smoky Valley 25-17, 25-14
Thomas More Prep defeats Concordia 6-25, 25-23, 25-23
August 31, 2011
Soccer Season Begins with Victory
The boys' soccer team launched the new season on Tuesday evening with a contest at Nickerson and came away with a convincing 7-0 victory to start the season with a 1-0 record.
After jumping out to a 1-0 lead in the first half, the Monarchs were able to score 6 more times in the second half to reach the final tally. Partially because of the heat and due to a strong Monarch defensive stand, Nickerson could never really mount any threat though they did get 3 shots on goal.
Those players who scored for the visiting Monarchs were Colby Schippers (2) and Collan Lawson, Michel Gonzalez, Lane Fisher, Eduardo Chavez, and Eric Choi (1 each).
The Monarchs again be on the road next week as they participate in the McPherson Tournament, meeting McPherson Tuesday at 6 pm to start tournament play.
August 31, 2011
Golfers Debut
The girls' golf team made their season debut at the nine hole Hays High Invitational Tournament at the Smoky Hill course on Monday afternoon. The Monarchs were paced by Candace Staab's 62 as many participated in their first tournament ever. The Monarchs, a 3A school among nine 5A and 6A schools, placed ninth in the tournament. Garden City led the field.
August 24, 2011
TMP-MARIAN
BLUE & WHITE SCRIMMAGES
AUGUST 26TH, 2011
TMP-MARIAN GROUNDS
4:30-7:30 PM BBQ, TMP-M DINING ROOM; FREE WILL OFFERING
(SPONSORED BY THE JUNIOR CLASS)
5:00 PM VOLLEYBALL SCRIMMAGE, AL BILLINGER FIELDHOUSE
5:30 PM SOCCER SCRIMMAGE, PRACTICE FIELD
(SOUTH OF AL BILLINGER FIELDHOUSE)
6:00 PM FOOTBALL SCRIMMAGE, CRIPPLEGATE FIELD
GIRLS’ GOLF, NORTH OF AL BILLINGER FIELDHOUSE
6:25 PM CROSS COUNTRY TIME TRIALS, TMP GROUNDS
August 16, 2010
Funeral for Alumnus Killed in Action
Scheduled for Friday in Fieldhouse
(Reprinted from the Hays Daily News, August 14, 2010)
By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN
Funeral services for CW2 Bryan Nichols have been set for 10 a.m. Friday in Al Billinger Fieldhouse on the campus of Thomas More Prep-Marian High School.
Nichols, a 31-year-old helicopter pilot, was one of 30 U.S. servicemen killed Aug. 6 when the Chinook helicopter he was flying was shot down by enemy fire in Afghanistan.
Also aboard the chopper, which was carrying 22 Navy SEALs, was CW4 David Carter, 47, a 1982 graduate of Hays High School who has lived with his wife and two children in Colorado for several years.
Nichols is a 1998 graduate of TMP who grew up in Hays and began his military service in Hays at the 388th Medical Logistics Battalion before moving to Kansas City, Mo., to pursue flight school.
Nichols graduated from flight school in 2004 and was a member of the 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment in Gardner. His parents, Doug and Cindy Nichols, live in Palco.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, also at Al Billinger Fieldhouse, with a St. Joseph parish vigil at 7 p.m.
Remains of the U.S. soldiers arrived at Dover Air Base in Delaware on Tuesday, and Nichols' body is expected to arrive in Hays sometime this week. Hays Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. A full obituary reprinted below.
Funeral services for Carter are pending in Colorado.
Education funds have been set up for the children of both soldiers.
* The CW2 Bryan Nichols Memorial Fund for 10-year-old Braydon Nichols can be found at www.cw2nichols.bbnow.org. Checks can be sent to the address on the website.
* A college fund has been established at a Colorado bank in Carter's memory for his two children, Kyle and Kaitlen. That address is First Bank, Smoky Hill Branch, 19771 E. Smoky Hill Road, Centennial, CO 80015.
Obituary
- (Reprinted from the Hays Daily News)
- CW2 Bryan Joseph Nichols, 31, died Aug. 6, 2011, near Combat Outpost Sayed Abad, Afghanistan due to hostile enemy action.
He was born Oct. 16, 1979, in Hays, to Douglas and Cynthia (Karlin) Nichols.
He married Mary Hammerbacher in Frontenac, Oct. 7, 2006.
He was deployed twice in Iraq, once in 2002 and again in 2003, and once in Kosovo in 2004. He graduated flight school in 2008 and was a Chief Warrant Officer with the 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion.)
Survivors include his wife Mary, of the home, Kansas City, Mo., son Braydon Nichols, of the home; parents Douglas and Cynthia, Palco; brothers Monte and wife Angie, Cypress, Texas; Brandon and wife Heather, Sierra Vista, Ariz.; sister Nicole and husband Roy Robles, San Diego, Calif., and nieces and nephews, Farra, Natalie, Ellen, Abby, Cole and Chase.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Carl and Alma Nichols and Joe E. and Marcella Karlin.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the Al Billinger Fieldhouse on the TMP-Marian High School campus, Hays. Burial with military honors will be in the Pleasantview Cemetery, Palco.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Fieldhouse and from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Friday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine.
A parish vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Fieldhouse.
Memorials are suggested to Braydon Nichols education fund or to TMP-Marian High School, in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.
Major Upgrade
By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN
Reprinted from the Hays Daily News; July 28, 2011
Students at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School will notice a
difference in their classrooms, and all around school, this year --
especially once it starts turning cold outside.
Gone will be the radiators that heated the building since the
installation of the two-boiler system 80-some years ago. The return
lines to that system, Principal Bill DeWitt explained, were original to
the building, completed in 1931, and are buried in concrete.
The $645,000 heating phase of the new heating-air conditioning unit
is scheduled for completion Oct. 15. It is a two-pipe hot/chilled water
system, with an option to upgrade in the future to a four-pipe system.
The energy-efficient system will support installation of a central
cooling system in the building.
DeWitt said it was a must to get the new heating system installed
this summer after a double safety failure on one of the boilers in
January caused a foul odor throughout the school, forcing evacuation for
a day.
"We can have school without (new) air conditioning. We cannot have
school without heat," DeWitt said, adding several portions of the
building are air conditioned, as are some classrooms.
The AC part of the new system, which will cost an additional $400,000, tentatively is scheduled to be installed next summer.
The funds used came from the Second Century Restoration Campaign
started in 2007, and DeWitt said about half the amount needed for air
conditioning has been raised so far.
This summer's project included removing about 100 radiators that
heated both the rooms and hallways of the sprawling four-story building
since it was built.
Coincidentally, companies run by two TMP graduates are in charge of the project.
PM Contracting Inc., Kansas City, Mo., owned and operated by 1982 TMP
graduate Paul Pfannenstiel, is the main contractor, and one of his
sub-contractors is Werth Heating, Plumbing and Air Conditioning of Hays,
whose owner, Stan Werth, graduated from TMP in 1981.
Werth said he had done a lot of minor repair work at the school
through the years and wanted to work on this particular project but
"this was too large of a project by myself."
One of the members of TMP's executive board thought of Pfannenstiel.
"I provided the engineering and knowledge on a large project of this
kind, and he's been able to fill in the gaps on site," said
Pfannenstiel, who comes to Hays every few weeks to check on the project.
"It's nice to have a good team of sub-contractors," added
Pfannenstiel, whose parents, Edwin and Isabel Pfannenstiel, still live
in Hays. "We've been able to bring some different things to the table."
Werth said it's been a good experience working together with a former
schoolmate and "it gives you a good feeling working for your alma
mater."
Tom Kisner, director of operations at TMP, is accustomed to a lot of
activity involving construction and cleaning around school in the
summer. And he doesn't mind there's even more this year.
"The radiators are all out, so there's more room," he said. "And heat
will be able to be adjusted for each room. The old system, it was hard
to control, and it was anybody's guess where to adjust it to. You set it
at a certain temperature, and everybody just lived with it."
DeWitt agreed.
"Half of them worked, half of them didn't. Some got hot, some
didn't," DeWitt said of the radiators. When the one boiler malfunctioned
in January, the school was heated by the remaining boiler.
"We had to baby it a little bit," DeWitt said of the former system.
"But we're not interested in limping into next year, or the next. Now,
we have a new, modern, reliable system."
Al Billinger Fieldhouse, the other main building on campus, will
remain on the same boiler system installed when it was built in the
early 1950s.
"There is better access to return lines in the fieldhouse," DeWitt said.
DeWitt said there will be some disruption the first few weeks of
school as workers finish up the project, but it is on schedule for its
mid-October completion date.
"It'll be really nice this winter," Kisner said.
July 19, 2011
Enrollment Details Announced
Enrollment for the 2011-12 school year is scheduled for Monday, August 8th and Tuesday, August 9th according to the schedule below. Questions should be directed to the school office at 785-625-6577.
August 8
Seniors: 8 to 9:30
Juniors: 10 to 11:30
Sophomores: 12 to 1:30
August 9 Freshmen: 9 to 11
July 13, 2011
USD 489 school board recently voted to close Kennedy Middle School at
the conclusion of the 2011-12 school year. As a result, the Thomas More
Prep-Marian, Inc. Board of Directors (the board that oversees the
financial affairs for Holy Family Elementary and Thomas More
Prep-Marian) is forming a task force to study the viability of adding
7th and 8th grade to Holy Family Elementary or Thomas More Prep-Marian.
The task force co-chairs, Tim Werth and Glenn Braun, have identified
the following committees:
Committee Chairs
Grounds and Facilities: Glenn Braun/Larry Reichert
Public Relations, Marketing: Clare Gustin/Terri MacDonald
Faculty/Curriculum: Bill DeWitt/Jana Simon
Budget/Financial Projections: Randy Walker/Leroy Schmidtberger
Parish Communications: Father Daryl Olmstead
Funding/Contingency: Tim Werth/Randy Walker
Athletics/Activities: Bill DeWitt/Jana Simon
It
is our goal to make a recommendation to the Bishop or Salina Diocesan
Administrator as quickly as possible. Input from interested parishioners
is very important to this process.
To quickly gather input from the Heartland Parishes we have developed an on-line questionnaire.
Click here to proceed to the survey.
Thank you, in advance, for your valuable input.
Bill DeWitt
Principal, TMP-Marian
July 9, 2011
Advanced Placement Exams
Qualify Twelve for College Credit
Twelve students have qualified for college credit based on the results of College Board Advanced Placement Exams released this week. Two graduates, Alex Becker and Tanner Younie, qualified both in English and another subject. Others qualifying in English were Matthew Applequist, Hayleee Hedge, Christy Moeder, Elizabeth Rupp, Cammie Schmidtberger, Abigail Staab, Hayley Taylor, and Rebecca Whitmer. Qualifying in physics at the end of their junior year were Yi-Shu (Ethan) Lu and Peiheo (Kleist) Zhou. Alex Becker qualified in physics; Tanner Younie in Chemistry.
Each AP exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with scores of 3, 4, and 5 receiving various amounts of credit at participating universities. According to the College Board, more than 90 percent of the nation's four-year colleges and universities have an AP policy that grants incoming students credit, placement or both for qualifying AP Exam scores. Universities in more than 60 countries recognize AP scores in the admission process and/or award credit and placement for qualifying scores.
July 5, 2011
Four Graduates Named Dole Scholarship Winners
By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN
Reprinted from the Hays Daily News, July 5, 2011
It's been more than a month since they graduated from high school. But four members of the class of 2011 at Thomas More Prep-Marian in Hays still are collecting money for college.
Christy Moeder, Abigail Staab, Hayley Taylor and Rebecca Whitmer were among 60 graduated seniors honored last week as winners in the Sen. Robert J. Dole Public Service Scholarship Program.
The program recognizes Kansas high school students who have demonstrated leadership and community involvement, and recipients must be attending either Washburn University in Topeka or any of the six state universities: Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Kansas State, Pittsburg State, the University of Kansas or Wichita State.
Three of TMP's recipients -- Moeder, Staab and Whitmer -- plan to attend Fort Hays, while Taylor is enrolled at K-State.
The program was established in 2005 to recognize students who have been involved in volunteer community and public service.
It started as a federal grant that funded 40 scholarships a year. This year's grant was for 63 scholarships of $1,000 each for one year.
Kathy Taylor, who will begin her 25th year as guidance counselor at TMP this fall, said she was honored to have that many recipients, especially since it was the first time TMP had any winners in the program, let alone multiple winners in one year.
"From the time they were freshmen, I told them it would take a combination of things for scholarships: good grades, leadership, good test scores," said Taylor, who said the class of 2011 set school records for scholarship money earned. "This class bought into it right from the get-go."
The 60 scholarships are distributed among the state's four congressional districts, and the only other students joining the TMP recipients from the western half of the state were Spencer Shirk from Norton and Joshua Prescott from Great Bend.
May 30, 2011
Sixty-seven Graduate as Memorial Day Approaches
Al Billinger Fieldhouse was full on Sunday afternoon as the 67 members of the graduating class of 2011 were honored at the one hundred first commencement of the schools which have become Thomas More Prep-Marian.
Following an invocation by Fr. Earl Befort, former principal Ken Haas advised the graduates to remember the key words "faith" and "communication" in building the relationships with God and others, relationships which are essential to a quality life. From his perspective as a cancer survivor and man of faith he charged the graduates to "enjoy the journey, and I will too."
Receiving awards as academic leaders of their classes were freshman Jacob Brull, sophomore Adam Urban, junior Allison Marsell, and senior Rebecca Whitmer. Freshman Monica Michaud, sophomore Allison Pfeifer, junior Joseph Roth, and senior Elizabeth Rupp were recognized for outstanding service. The underclass Christian Leadership Awards were presented to freshman Roy Schmeidler, sophomore Ross Werth, and junior Hannah Keil. Three seniors--Lacey Unrein, Rebecca Urban, and Hayley Taylor were recognized for outstanding Christian leadership during their time at the school. Hayley Taylor received the Christian Leadership Medal. A special Armed Forces Recognition was presented to graduate Kyle Jones who will join the Army in the near future. Forty-four of the 49 United States graduates were recognized for the 193 scholarship officers received. (International students are generally not eligible for college scholarships.)
Principal Bill DeWitt handed the diplomas to graduates individually as the ceremony came to a close. Master of ceremonies duties throughout the afternoon were handled by English teacher and basketball coach Joe Hertel. The entire Symphonic Band and senior members of the Concert Choir and Pop Singers, all under the direction of Kathy Dreiling-Amrein, provided the music.
May 25, 2011
Sixty-seven to Graduate on Sunday
Graduation for the class of 2011 will be this Sunday, May 29 at 2:00 pm in the Al Billinger Fieldhouse. Former principal Ken Haas will address the 67 graduates at the afternoon ceremony. Earlier in the day, graduates and families will attend the 10:00 am baccalaureate mass at the same location. Picture of the graduates are
posted under the Student Life menu tab.
May 22, 2011
Girls' Track Athletes Qualify for State!
The Monarch Ladies scored 91 and 3/4 points to win the 3A regional at Phillipsburg on Friday and qualify six athletes in six events. Sophomore Heather Ruder will compete in the 400m, 800m, 1600m, and 3200m. Senior Brianna Halligan will compete in the 100m; sophomore Allison Pfeifer will compete in the 1600m event. Junior Emilie Taylor and senior Hayley Taylor were joined by sophomore Megan Gottschalk in qualifying in the pole vault event.
The state meet is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 27-28 at Wichita State University's Cessna Arena. A schedule of events is available on the
KSHAA web site. May 22, 2011
Monarch Swimmer Statebound!
Beth Channell qualified for state swimming competition in the 50 meter freestyle event with a time of 27.43 seconds at the TMP-Marian meet earlier this spring. She competed at Topeka's Hummer Sports Complex this weekend.
May 18, 2011
2011 Monarch Baseball Statebound!
7:00 Championship game: TMP 4 Lakin 1
4:30 game: TMP 8, Scott City 4
2:00 game: Lakin 6, Goodland 5
May 17, 2011
Monarch Golf Statebound!
The TMP-Marian golfers finished
with three medalists, finished with a team score of 324 and finished the
best of the nine teams competing May 16 at the Lake Barton Course, site
of the 3A regional tournament. Individually, Brady Rohr (78) won a
playoff to claim the 5th place medal; Kade Magaffin (80) claimed the 8th
place medal, and Kelton Schuckman (82) won his playoff to claim the
10th place medal.
The state tournament is set for next
Monday, May 23 at the Salina Municipal Golf Course. Gypsum-SE of Saline
is the host school; tournament details are available at the host school web site.
May 17, 2011
Soccer Season Ends
The Lady Monarch soccer team met a speedy and well-coordinated Mulvane opponent in the first round of the 3A regional, played hard, but were not able to score and were not able to stop the Wildcats. The result was a 9-0 score and the end of the 2011 soccer season. Eighteen girls finished the season; coaches and players want to thank all who supported them throughout the season and plan to improve on what was learned this year.
May 16, 2011
Regional Results
3A Baseball 3:00 game: Goodland 7, Lyons 6
3A Baseball 5:30 game: Scott City 15, Holcomb 6
TMP wins golf regional today; details to follow.
Soccer at Mulvane; no results available at this time.
May 15, 2011
Baseball Regional Here Tomorrow
Six western Kansas teams will participate in the 3A regional baseball tournament scheduled for tomorrow and Wednesday. Lakin (17-1) and TMP-Marian (14-4) have been assigned first round byes and will begin tournament play on Wednesday. Tomorrow's early game (3:00pm) will feature number four seed Goodland (13-7) vs. number five seed Lyons (3-17). The second game tomorrow (5:30 pm) will see number three seed Scott City (12-6) meet number six seed Holcomb (1-16). The winner of the early game will play Lakin at 2:00 Wednesday afternoon; the winner of tomorrow's second game will challenge TMP at 4:30 Wednesday afternoon. The championship game will be at 7:00 Wednesday evening.
The Monarchs competed at state in 2010, claiming second place behind Galena. This year's state tournament will be held at the KSU-Tointon Family Stadium in Manhattan on May 27 and 28.
May 13, 2011
37th Annual ACE Auction 2011
Amazing... Outstanding... Unbelievable!! The Alumni Association of Thomas More Prep-Marian is delighted to announce proceeds from this year's annual ACE Auction, "New York, N.Y., A Bite Out of the Big Apple", raised over
$338,000.00! Of this amount, an incredible total of $89,600.00 was raised to purchase a new gym floor at Holy Family Elementary School, which will be used by both HFE and TMP-Marian schools. The auction was held on Saturday, April 30, 2011 in the Al Billinger Fieldhouse with a sold out crowd in attendance. Co-chairs for the event were Russ '80 & Janel '84 Ruder and Tony '81 & Vicki Schippers.
A special thank you to all who donated cash, auction gifts, items used within the auction, purchased raffle tickets, our advertisers, the TMP-Marian students & staff and all of our fabulous volunteers. Without you, none of this would have been possible!
Raffle prize winners are:
2010 Chevrolet Cobalt LT donated by Auto World, Dick & Kay Werth
Joseph Glassman
2006 Harley Davidson 883 Sportster Motorcycle donated by Car Zone
Rod Fairbank
One $2,000 Cash Prize donated by the Linus & Berneice Werth Family
Duane Lang
Three $1,000 Cash Prizes donated by Leroy & Bernice Herrman,
Joe & Virginia Hess and Hays Car & Truck Alignment, Jim & Dave Werth
Angie Habiger, Chris Dinkel & Randy Augustine
The two Friday night preview party $500.00 cash winners are:
Barbara Bieker & Susan Dumler
Thank you for your support of TMP-Marian High School in its endeavor to educate the Catholic leaders of tomorrow and we ask your continuing prayers for religious vocations. --Alumni Office
April 16, 2011
Band Garners "I" Ratings
The Monarch band was among the few who received "I" ratings from all three judges at the state level music competition held on the Fort Hays University campus last Thursday. The band played two selections: Claude Smith's Citation march and Charles Carter's Overture for Winds. Twelve bands participated in the event; others receiving unanimous "I" ratings were Hays High and Salina Central. The TMP-M band is directed by Mrs. Kathy Dreiling-Amrein.
April 15, 2011
Latin Scholars Excel
Sophomore Hyo Jin (Sophie) Lim and freshman Jared Gabel led the list of local National Latin Exam award winners as results were announced earlier this week. Their Gold Summa Cum Laude (with highest honor) in the Latin I exam were joined by fourteen special recognitions by other TMP-Marian students who took the exam under principal Bill DeWitt's supervision last month.
Other Latin I award winners were Haileigh Jacobs (Silver Maxima Cum Laude) and Brin Cameron, Grant Romme, Cassie Smith, David Moeder, Kayla Walker, and Mikaela Flax (all with Cum Laude awards).
Latin II students Andie Marsell and Jeff Pfeifer earned Silver Maxima Cum laude and Magna Cum Laude awards respectivly. Latin III students Hannah Keil and Samantha Wilson earned Magna Cum Laude awards; their classmate Michaela Kuhn weighed in with a Cum Laude recognition. Senior Rebecca Whitmer earned a Magna Cum Laude rating in the Prose IV category. Sixteen special awards were earned by the thirty examinees. All are current students of Mrs. Linda Braun.
The exam is sponsored by the American Classical League/National Junior Classical League. Every year during March, schools all over the world administer the same test to their Latin students. At TMP-Marian all Latin students must take the exam. This year, over 150,000 Latin students took the exam; these students came from the USA and 12 foreign countries.
April 8, 2011
Variety Abounds at Fine Arts Night
Last Sunday evening provided entertainment from instrumental ensembles, dramatic skits, and vocal solos and more as TMP-Marian performers took the stage to show their stuff. In addition the hallways showcased a variety of visual delights in the form of student sculpture and painting. Acts on the program included instrumental solos by Hyo Jin Lim, Amy Wang, and Austin Werth; vocal solos by Rebecca Urban and Shaelyn Klaus; humorous skits by Jacob Brull, Chelsea Zimmerman and Jeanetta Hageman; a brass quintet; two choral ensembles; and a dance routine from the spring musical.
April 8, 2011
TMP-Marian Musicians Travel, Compete, and Perform
Regional musical contest, set for this coming Saturday at Barton Country Community College, will include 29 instrumental and 20 vocal TMP-Marian entries. Those receiving a I rating will continue at the state music festival on April 30 at Southeast of Saline High School.
The band will perform at state competition on Thursday, April 14th at 2:40 in the Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center. All are invited. Earlier this semester, 21 band students qualified for the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) district band. Hyo Jin Lim and Hannah Dreiling went on the qualify for the KMEA all state honor band.
Also this semester, seven students participated in the KMEA district honor choir. Junior Laura Braun and Senior Rebecca Urban went on the qualify for the KMEA all state honor choir in Wichita.
The TMP Singers have just recently returned from a spring break trip to southern California where they shared concerts at two schools in the San Diego area and also performed at a retirement center at Del Mar. The enjoyed themselves as well, attending the musical Beauty and the Beast, and spending time at Disneyland, the San Diego Zoo, and the Pacific beach. They wish to express their thanks to all who helped make that trip possible.
The spring concert, set for May 11th at 7:30, will be another opportunity to see and hear TMP-Marian student talent.
March 30, 2011
March 13, 2011
Chess Team Places Third at State Tournament
A spate of draws in the final round and an unexpected sixth round win from the team's newest player combined to yield a 14.5 point team score and a Monarch third place 3A finish at Saturday's state chess tournament at the Wichita State University student center.
Senior Alex Becker (4.5 points, 8th place) paced the Monarchs and achieved a personal best state tournament result. Junior Kleist Zhou (45th place) and freshman Jacob Brull (46th place) each added 3.5 points to the team score. The final three team points were contributed by sophomore Bill Wiebe (72nd place) who joined the team in December and qualified for state only a week ago. Becker, Kleist, and Brull earned individual medals in the 122 player high school section. Also competing were junior Kaleb Stark (2.5 points), freshman Ryan Hammerschmidt (2.5 points) and junior Adam Nietling (2.0 points). All competitors can earn a single point for each of the six rounds that they play. A team's score is the sum of the best four individual scores.
The state tournament is sponsored by the Kansas Scholastic Chess Association and involved 490 students in six sections ranging from early elementary to high school The competition season begins each year in September; tournaments are held each Saturday at various locations throughout the state. See
www.ksca.us for more information about the program.
March 13, 2010
Girls Fourth at State
State tournament losses to Winchester-Jefferson County North North on Friday afternoon (49-38) and to Hillsboro the following day (53-27) were a counterpoint to a very successful girls' basketball season. The overall record of 20 wins and 6 losses included a sweep of substate competition and fourth place finish at the state tournament.
March 11, 2010
Current Issue of Student Newspaper Available Online
The most recent edition (February 2011) of the student newspaper, The Chancellor, is now available at this web site under the Student Life menu.
March 10, 2010
Girls Advance at State Basketball Tournament
With a 49-37 victory over Richmond--Central Heights yesterday at the Hutchinson Sports Arena, the girls' basketball team advances to the second round of the state tournament. The team will play Winchester--Jefferson North at 3:00 tomorrow afternoon.
March 9, 2011
Blood Drive, Snow Day, State Basketball
Cause Schedule Adjustments
The week of March 7 began with a day of regular classes, but events have rearranged the schedule for other days of the week. Tuesday's weather forecast prompted the closing of schools for March 8. Today is Ash Wednesday and will begin with Mass in the auditorium. To allow students to support the girls' basketball team at the state tournament this afternoon, classes will be shortened to 25 minutes each throughout the day. Lunch will be served and school will dismiss at 1:00 pm. Game time is 4:45 pm at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. State assessments in reading and math, which had been scheduled for this week have been postponed to next Tuesday and Wednesday.
Thursday, March 10 is the day of the school blood drive. Anyone associated with the school who wishes to donate should call the school office at 625-6577. Classes will be shortened on Thursday to allow for a faculty meeting in the afternoon. Since Thursday is the end of the third academic quarter, there will be no classes Friday to allow teachers to finalize their grade reports.
February 12, 2011
TMP-Marian Wins State Scholars' Bowl
For the second consecutive year, TMP-Marian has claimed the 3A scholars' bowl state championship. Today's competition began at noon and finished just before 3 this afternoon at St. George-Rock Creek. The Monarchs were undefeated in pool play and compiled a 4-1 record in the championship rounds. Details follow.
Pool Play
Round 1 TMP-M vs Burlington W 80-20
Round 2 TMP-M vs Rock Creek W 60-50
Round 3 TMP-M vs Wichita Collegiate W 50-30
Round 4 TMP-M vs Minneapolis W110-10
Round 5 TMP-M vs Conway Springs W 90-25
5-0 in Pool Play, Championship rounds to follow.
Championship Rounds
Round 1 TMP-M vs Norton W 60-40
Round 2 TMP-M vs Minneapolis W 70-10
Round 3 TMP-M vs Riley County L 40-50
Round 4 TMP-M vs Wichita Independent W 55-50
Round 5 TMP-M vs Conway Springs W 80-30
February 9, 2011
Schedule Reminders, Change
Classes are set to resume tomorrow. As previously scheduled, there will be early dismissal to allow for teacher professional development. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled from 5:00 to 8:30 pm. The Fine Arts Booster Club meeting scheduled for this evening has been canceled.
February 8, 2011
Winter Storm Cancels Classes, Postpones Games
A winter storm has canceled classes for today and tomorrow. The basketball games scheduled for this evening have been postponed to Tuesday, February 22.
February 6, 2011
Scholars' Bowl Statebound, Undefeated at Regional
Last Thursday evening the TMP Scholars Bowl team compiled a perfect 11-0 record to take first place of 15 regional teams and qualify for the state tournament at St. George-Rock Creek on Saturday, Feb.12.
TMP compiled a perfect 6-0 record in pool play and continued undefeated throughout the five championship rounds. Teams from Norton, Smith Center, Ellsworth, Kismet-Southwestern Heights, and Minneapolis also advanced to the championship rounds. In the finals, TMP's record of 5 wins and no losses earned them the top spot while Norton went 4-1 for second place. Minneapolis was named the third place winner and third qualifier for the state tournament based on a tiebreak procedure. Alex Becker, Tanner Younie, Matt Applequist, Kaleb Stark, Brett Chrisler, and Ci Ci Wen have now earned the right to defend their 3-A crown from a year ago.
February 1, 2011
Weather Cancels Classes, Postpones Ellinwood Games
Classes have been canceled for today due to the severe winter weather. The basketball games scheduled for this evening have been postponed to Monday, February 7.
January 14, 2011
Scholars' Bowl Places at Ellis Round Robin
The TMP Monachs went to Ellis on Thursday, January 13th for a 4 p.m. Scholars Bowl contest. This was a 7 round "round-robin" contest with the winners being detrmined by overall records at the end. TMP went through each of the first 6 rounds without a loss, but faced Norton in the 7th round and lost to them by a score of 60-50. With identical 6-1 records Norton and TMP tied, but Norton was the winner by virtue of the heads-on-heads competition.Thus, Norton got 1st, TMP 2nd and Trego 3rd out of the 8 teams who attended the event. Other teams present were Ellis, Hays High, Stockton, LaCrosse, and Hilly City.
Next action for the Monarchs will be on January 24 when they travel to Larned for the League Scholars Bowl. This will inlcude teams from Hoisington, Ellinwood, TMP and Larned. This will aso be a Varsity and a Junior Varsity contest so our younger members can participate as well. Then, the next day on January 25th, the TMP varsity will travel to Phillipsburg for a 4 p.m. Schoalrs Bowl. This will be last Scholars Bowl competition before the 3-A Regioals which will be held at TMP on February 3, 2011. --DH
January 12, 2011
School Resumes Tomorrow
Boiler repairs were successful, a regular day of school is scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, January 13.
January 12, 2011
Three Qualify for All-State Music Recognition
Congratulations to Jin Lim and Hannah Dreiling for being selected for All-State Band and to Austin Werth for being selected as an alternate for All-State Orchestra.
January 12, 2011
Boiler Problems Send Students Home
School was dismissed this morning at 9:45 due to problems with the school boiler system. Principal Bill DeWitt instructed students to listen to the local media today for information about the resumption of classes.
January 11, 2011
Basketball Postponed
This evening's basketball competitions have been postponed to a later date on account of the weather.
January 10, 2011
Sophomore Retreat Postponed
Due to extremely cold temperatures and speakers that were to travel from Wichita and Salina for the retreat for our sophomore class on Tues Jan 11th, the retreat will be rescheduled for a later date. Sophomores should plan for regular classes on Tuesday, January 11.
January 10, 2011
School Cancellation
There will be no school today, Monday, January 10, due to the winter storm in progress.
December 22, 2010
Fundraising Nets
New Activity Bus
By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN
Hays Daily News Dec 21, 2010
What a sight it must have been to Alan Billinger, and anyone who rode
on some of the old school buses at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School
through the years.
A brand new activity bus with the signature TMP logo on the driver's side and a Monarch buffalo on the back side.
Spurred by $40,000 raised at last spring's annual school fundraiser
-- the Auction for Christian Education -- TMP now has a new bus to call
its own.
The 46-passenger activity bus was purchased for $130,000 from Midwest
Bus Sales in Bonner Springs this fall, and a couple of local businesses
provided the logos and lettering and the stripes painted along the
bottom of the bus, which rolled into town painted a solid white color.
"It doesn't have a ton of bells and whistles, but it serves every need that we have," said Bill DeWitt, principal at TMP.
Just having a heater that worked was good news to Billinger, a 1963
graduate of TMP's predecessor, St. Joseph Military Academy, and now the
girls' basketball coach at TMP.
"We used to travel on buses that broke down in the winter," said
Billinger, a three-sport athlete at St. Joseph's who told of an
out-of-town trip that stalled the boys' basketball team in La Crosse on a
cold, wintry night. "We had to wear gloves and a winter coat to stay
warm (on the bus)."
"It was a pleasure," he said with a laugh, "to get to where we were going, get in the gym and warm up."
DeWitt -- also a graduate of TMP, in 1992 -- doesn't recall
"breaking down very often," but, he admitted, he looks at things
differently now than he did as a teenager.
"Even though it was old, it said TMP, and it said Monarchs," he said. "And that's all that mattered to us."
The last time TMP bought a brand new bus was in the early 1970s, said
Father Earl Befort, who has been at TMP in a variety of capacities for
about 40 years.
"That was a really good bus," Befort said. "But ones after that, the
used ones, motors had been rebuilt, and they probably had hundreds of
thousands of miles on them."
After sinking so much money for upkeep for the old buses, the school
began having fundraisers to buy a fleet of new Suburbans in the 1990s.
The old activity bus at TMP was scrapped, and the Monarchs began
chartering with All-American Tours in Hays for large groups to travel
out of town.
"It's convenient," DeWitt said of All-American Tours. "They pay the
drivers, they pay the gas, they pay the insurance, and we write them a
check."
However, DeWitt pointed out, there are times that one bus isn't
enough, especially with the addition of several new sports the last few
years.
"Tournaments are very difficult," he said, noting it's hard to
schedule a bus ahead of time for games past the first round of a
tournament. "If there are schedule changes, that puts All-American Tours
in a bind."
So administrators began thinking it was time to save for a new bus.
There was about $40,000 in the "new bus fund" when that amount was doubled at the 2010 ACE auction in April.
Pledges toward a new activity bus at ACE amounted to $40,100 -- the
most amount raised for any single item in the 36-year history of the
auction.
"It's a mandate from our supporters saying, 'This needs to happen,' " DeWitt said after ACE.
So he began looking for a new bus this fall.
"We looked at a lot of options," DeWitt said, explaining those
options included new and used buses. "(The new one) had better
warranties. We want it to last 15 years."
The bus rolled into town in October, and Vernie's Trux-N-Equipment
painted navy stripes down the side, and Commercial Sign Co. provided the
logos and lettering. "Hays Catholic Schools" is painted on the back,
and at times, the bus will be used by Holy Family Elementary School in
Hays.
"This is fantastic, a wonderful bus," said Befort, who now serves as
chaplain at TMP. "It will be dependable, and it's nice to look at, too."
"I'm tempted to get behind the wheel," he added jokingly.
That job will belong to Marvin and Kay Fisher, a husband-wife driving
combination from Hays, hired by the school to drive the new bus for
out-of-town trips.
"They put some thought into what to get, and this is a very nice
bus," said Marvin Fisher, who has been driving buses since 1969. "It
does a good job out on the road, handles really well."
"It gives them some pride, identifies who they are," DeWitt agreed.
"Being a Monarch and part of that TMP tradition should mean something.
Now when we show up in town, people will know who we are, where we're
from."
The bus features overhead compartments with doors above the seats and
individual lights "so kids can do their homework," DeWitt said.
Mike Howell, the school's head wrestling coach, was all smiles as he
loaded equipment in the bus' bottom storage compartment Friday in
preparation for his team's trip to the Hoisington Wrestling
Invitational.
"We had one Suburban to use for wrestling in high school," said Howell, who grew up in Nickerson.
"So for me," he said, "this is riding in style."
December 11, 2010
Students and Faculty Join in Service
To Mary Elizabeth Home
By DIANE GASPER-O'BRIEN, Hays Daily News
dobrien@dailynews.net
It's hard to stump Gene Zimmer when you're talking about curves and angles.
Unless it involves sewing.
Zimmer, a math teacher at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, jumped right in to help, though, at a service project Wednesday.
Students gathered on the floor of Al Billinger Fieldhouse to hand sew hems around flannel burp rags and baby blankets to be donated to the Mary Elizabeth Maternity Home in Hays.
While junior Frank Quian from China said he had never sewn before "ever," Zimmer also found himself in unfamiliar territory.
"I used to do macrame, but this is different," Zimmer said of the blanket stitch the students were using Wednesday.
Always the teacher, Zimmer still encouraged Quian.
"Go ahead and loop that through there," Zimmer told him. "You're keeping those (stitches) pretty even. That looks great."
"I've sewn before," said junior Jeff Pfeifer, working alongside Quian at one of the eight tables set up around the gym floor. "But it's been a while."
Freshman Haileigh Jacobs said had never sewn before but found it was a fun thing to do.
One of the more experienced seamstresses was senior Elizabeth Rupp, who was bopping from table to table, helping others and giving instructions.
Rupp and her mom, Kathy, had cut out and sewn pieces of material together, securing and preparing them for the blanket stitch hems.
One male student who was quite efficient with his work was junior Colby Schippers, who made sure his stitches were uniform before he went on to the next.
"My dad taught me" to sew, Schippers said. "He's pretty good."
By the end of the session, Quian also had caught on, with even stitches lining his burp rag as well.
No matter the size of the stitches, Rachel Wentling, student council sponsor, said "the kids who worked on the blankets and burp rags enjoyed it. They were proud of them."
The project, which also included donating supplies to the maternity home, was co-sponsored by TMP's student council and Key Club.
Later in the day, students delivered 11 blankets and 40-plus burp rags to the maternity home, along with various supplies the different classes had been gathering for about a week.
The freshmen class won the competition for collecting the most supplies and will be awarded with a treat during school on Friday.
November 22, 2010
Student Mathematicians
Excel at FHSU Relays
Eleven
students from TMP-Marian participated in the annual Fort Hays State University
Math Relays on November 9. Approximately
550 students from 44 schools took part in the competition. Students compete in six different events as
an individual or as a team of three.
Each event is limited to twenty minutes and all students take the same
test in each event.
Schools are
divided into three classifications according to their enrollment. There were eleven schools in the 4A-6A
division, fifteen in the 3A-2A division and 17 in the 1A category.
The senior
team of Christy Moeder, Abigail Staab, and Tanner Younie placed fourth in Algebraic
Manipulations and second in the Calculations with Calculators. The junior team of Austin Werth, Kleist Zhou,
and Kelvin Tseng placed first in four separate events: Trigonometry, Algebraic
Manipulation, Geometry, and Applied Algebra.
They also collected fifth place awards in Number Sense and Calculations
with Calculators.
Senior Alex
Becker collected first place individual
awards in Number Sense, Geometry, and Applied Algebra. He also earned a fifth place in Algebraic
Manipulation and sixth in Calculations with Calculators. Senior Cedric Kim placed third in Algebraic
Manipulation. Sophomore Jin Lim
collected first place awards in Trigonometry, Algebraic Manipulation, and
Geometry. She also finished third in
Number Sense and sixth in Applied Algebra.
Rounding out the individual
awards was sophomore Allison Pfeifer who placed fourth in the Geometry
category.
TMP-Marian
placed first in the 3A-2A division with 121 points. Trinity Catholic of Hutchinson placed second
with 72 points. McPherson (5A division)
was the only school at the tournament to outscore TMP-Marian. This
marks the fourth consecutive year that TMP-Marian has finished first in the
3A-2A division. --GZ
November 21, 2010
Chess Team Competes at Concordia
Saturday’s chess competition at Concordia resulted in a 13.0 point finish behind the 13.5 scored by third place Onaga. Although, the TMP-Marian Chess team fell more than a point short of their output at the last tournament, two individuals showed significant improvement.
Junior Kleist Zhou led the five Monarchs who signed on for this tournament with four wins, including two against higher ranked opponents. After winning against weak opposition in rounds one and three and dropping his round two contest against Concordia’s experienced Emily Hasch, Zhou was successful against higher ranked Jason Schroeder and Seth Dunn (both from Chaparrel) in rounds four and five. Although he faltered in round six against his toughest opponent (Chaparrel's Jonathan Stainbrook), he achieved a personal best, contributed four welcome points to the team score, and garnered the ninth place medal in the 41 person high school section of the tournament.
Kaleb Stark was the other Monarch to show improved chess skills as he upset the same Emily Hasch who had defeated his teammate in an earlier round. He also collected two wins against lesser ranked opponents.
Other Monarchs who competed were junior Adam Nietling and freshmen Jacob Brull and Ryan Hammerschmidt, all with 3.0 points. The team score of 13.5 is determined by combining the top four individual scores. Senior Alex Becker did not compete due to a schedule conflict.
Concordia (20.5 points), Chaparral (16.0 points) and Onaga (13.5 points) captured the top spots at the event. Next action for the Monarchs is December 11 at McPherson.
November 21, 2010
KMEA Honors Monarch Musicians
Auditions for the Northwest Kansas Music Educators Association honor groups were held on the weekend of November 6. TMP-Marian once again qualified the most students from one school in the honor band. Of the 23 band students who auditioned, 20 qualified for the distinction by performing college level solos. The nine students who qualified for choir honors were required to audition on three pieces, one each in English, Italian, and Latin. There was also an audition for honor band orchestra. Students qualifying are:
Honor Band Honor Choir Honor OrchestraHyo Jin Lim Rebecca Urban Jacob Brull
Monica Michaud Shaelyn Klaus
Samantha Whitmer Katelyn Flax
Haileigh Jacobs Allison Pfeifer
Samantha Younie Laura Braun
Hannah Dreiling Maria Marcotte
Jenna Schuckman Emily Staab
Candace Staab Emily Leiker
Megan Gottschalk Kade Megaffin
Allison Hohmann
David Moeder
Austin Werth
Kelton Schuckman
Chloe Zimmerman
Ryan Hammerschimdt
Rebecca Befort
Adam Urban
Nicholas Schumacher
Roy Schmeidler
Adam Schibi
November 17, 2010
Student Newspaper Available
The October 2010 issue of
The Chancellor is now available online.
Click here for access to the pdf file.
October 13, 2010
Key Club Sponsors Blood Drive
The school Key Club is sponsoring a Red Cross blood drive tomorrow, October 14. Donation times are from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm in the All Billinger Fieldhouse. Students, parents and friends of the school are are all encouraged to consider donating a pint of blood. Appointments are available by calling the school office at 625-6577. --RB
September 24, 2010
Thomas More Prep – Marian Endowment Foundation Announces Gift
Alum Martin E. Mullen, Jr. Leaves Significant Gift
The Most Rev. Paul S. Coakley, Bishop of Salina announced today that the Endowment Foundation of Thomas More Prep – Marian High School was included in the estate of the late Martin E. Mullen, Jr. The Endowment Foundation will receive approximately $2.6 million from the estate. Mullen graduated from St. Joseph’s Military Academy in 1945.
"This very sizable bequest is an eloquent testimony to the quality and value of Catholic education that our schools have offered for generations in Hays. We are profoundly grateful for this extraordinary gift as well as for the continuing generosity of all of our alumni and benefactors,” said Bishop Coakley of the gift.
The announcement was made today during a special luncheon for benefactors and supporters of Thomas More Prep-Marian High School and Holy Family Elementary, both in Hays. The luncheon is part of Homecoming activities for Thomas More Prep – Marian High School.
“We are very grateful to Mr. Mullen for remembering his high school in his estate. It is the generosity of alumni and friends that help us support the mission of Thomas More Prep-Marian High School, a Christian community in the Catholic tradition, which challenges its students to spiritual growth, academic excellence, and leadership formation,” said Tim Werth, president of the Thomas More Prep – Marian School Board of the announcement.
A native of Dormont, PA, Mr. Mullen attended St. Joseph’s Military School during his junior and senior years of high school. After graduation from high school he entered the United States Army in November, 1945. After being discharged from the army in 1947, Mullen attended Duquesne University and achieved a degree in 1951. Mullen worked for many years for the Central Intelligence Agency, serving in South Vietnam. After resigning from the CIA he returned to Los Angeles, CA where he returned to school at Cal State Los Angeles and earned a masters degree in English. He taught high school and college courses until his retirement. He passed away on June 19, 2008.
Members of the 1945 classes from St. Joseph’s Military Academy and Girls Catholic High joined other alumni and supporters of the school to celebrate the announcement. The funds will be invested in the Endowment Foundation and the earnings will be used to further education at Thomas More Prep-Marian High School.
Link to Brochure: In Christ Our Gifts Create
September 16, 2010
Becker Named National Merit Semifinalist
Senior Alex Becker has qualified as a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. About 1.5 million juniors in over 22,000 high schools entered the competition by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT (also known as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) about a year ago. The nationwide pool of semifinalists, which represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. Becker's scores on the test place him in the top 100 students from Kansas. To become a finalist, a semifinalist must maintain an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by the high school principal, and earn SAT scores that confirm the student's earlier performance on the qualifying test. A detailed scholarship application including a student essay and information about leadership and involvement in community activities is also required.
Becker is the son of Joseph and Linda Becker of Hays. His school activities include scholars' bowl and chess team as well as liturgical committee. His college plans include mathematics and statistics.
September 15, 2010
2010 Homecoming Candidates Announced
The TMP-Marian 2010 homecoming candidates, selected vote of the entire student body are pictured below.
Back row: Nathan Zimmerman, son of Keith and Anne Zimmerman; Tanner Younie, son of Phil Younie and Chris Werth; James Mindrup, son of Joseph and Meg Mindrup; Kyle Braun, son of Glenn and Amy Braun; and Matthew Applequist, son of Myron Applequist and Amy Perez.
Front row: Macks Schmeidler, daughter of Steve and Bev Schmeidler; Danielle Black, daughter of James and Kathryn Black; Sara Dreiling, daughter of Dave and Margie Dreiling; Lacey Unrein, daughter of Darrell and Norene Unrein; and Brianna Hallagin, daughter of Troy and Mary Hallagin.
September 3, 2010
Susan Moss Named Director of Advancement
For Hays Catholic Schools
Susan S. Moss has been hired as the director of advancement for TMP-Marian School and Holy Family Elementary School. Susan is originally from Hays and graduated from Hays High School in 1975. After graduating from the University of Kansas, Susan spent her professional career in Chicago and on the East Coast working in brand marketing, public relations, advertising, media communications, investor relations and fundraising with world class brands, companies and private organizations. Her aging parents and a desire to get back to her Midwestern roots have brought her back to Hays. She remembers the town fondly and is very familiar with the traditions, expectations and visions of the Catholic schools in Hays. Her first day as director of advancement will be September 7th. --BD
September 3, 2010
Volleyball Team Begins Season at Abilene
The varsity volleyball team travelled to Abilene for a quadrangular competition yesterday afternoon, and won just one of the seven games they played. Also in the tournament were Abilene, Smoky Valley, and Concordia. The host school claimed the championship. --RB
August 31, 2010
Soccer and Golf Teams Initiate Fall Sports Competitions
The girls' golf team faced stiff competition from much larger schools and challenges from the hot and windy weather the local Smokey Hills course at the Hays High Invitational. The team, lead by Candace Staab's 60, posted a 256 in their initial competition of the season.
Both varsity and junior varsity soccer teams ended the day with resounding victories as they began their season at Elyria Christian south of McPherson. The varsity score was 7-0; the junior varsity earned a 5-0 score in a shortened match at the end of the day.
August 30, 2010
Parent Back-to-School Night Set for Tomorrow
All parents are invited to TMP-Marian classrooms on Tuesday evening August 31 to follow the schedule of their son or daughter and to meet individual teachers. Student schedules will be available at 6:45; a short welcome is scheduled for 7:00 in the auditorium; and a simulated class day will begin at 7:20. Parents are encouraged to follow the schedule of their student and listen to brief teacher presentations. The last hour will conclude at 8:27.
Teacher initiated conferences are scheduled for the evening of September 16. Regular parent-teacher conferences are planned for the evening of October 21 from 5:00 to 8:30 in the cafeteria.
August 27, 2010
Blue and White Scrimmages Set for Tomorrow Evening
The schedule for the Blue and White Scrimmage evening on Saturday August 28 has been set. At 5:30 the junior class will sponsor a barbecue. Football, volleyball, and soccer scrimmages will begin at 6:00 and will feature a cheerleader performance during the football halftime. The sophomore class is sponsoring a watermelon feed at 8:00. A back to school dance will begin at 8:30 ($3 admission). The evening will end with a senior date auction at 10 o'clock.
August 18, 2010
New School Year
TMP-Marian principal Bill DeWitt initiated the first day of the 2010-2011 school year. On August 17th only freshmen and new students were in the building. Over 80 students were on campus; 51 of them were new freshmen, the largest incoming freshman class for several years.
After a welcome from Stuco President Macks Schmeidler, the principal discussed the student handbook, activities, discipline rules, lunch procedure, ministry and service hours. He emphasized the importance of stewardship as it applies to young people. Principal DeWitt shared his three expectations: 1. Do the right thing. 2. Whatever you do, do it well. 3. Tell the truth.
After the welcome and discussion, students went for a few minutes to each class, giving them the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the building and meet the teachers. Regular classes for all began August 18th with an opening school Mass. --SL
August 17, 2010
Five Compete in Intramural Biathlon
Junior Peihao (Kleist) Zhou and freshman Jacob Brull each claimed a share of the intramural biathlon title held on campus Tuesday afternoon involving handball and chess. The tournament involved single elimination brackets in each event. Others involved in the competition were senior Adam Nietling, and juniors Tung-Ying (Denny) Hsieh and Jagrit (Jason) Niraula. --RB
August 17, 2010
Cheerleaders Excel at Camp
This morning I will be placing the three trophies in the office and a spirit stick which the cheerleaders were awarded at camp this summer. They did a phenomenal job at camp, and they really grew as a squad and as representatives of TMP-Marian. On the final day of camp, they competed in the Camp Championships. They brought home the 1st place trophy for the Xtreme dance routine, 3rd place for the cheer routine, and 1st place for the home dance routine that they took with them to camp - choreographed 100% by Macks Schmeidler.
Also, Macks Schmeidler, Shayla Gottschalk, and Kassidy Stecklein each received All-American Cheerleader recognition at camp. This gives them the opportunity to pay their way to London to perform. Alexis Ralph earned recognition through the
America Needs Cheerleaders program for leadership and kindnesses exhibited toward other squads. --HS
July 22, 2010
2010-2011 Enrollment Times Set
Enrollment
times for the 2010-11 school year have been set. All classes will
enroll in the school dining room according to the following schedule.
August 9
Seniors 8:00 to 9:30
Juniors 10:00 to 11:30
Sophomores 12:00 to 1:30
August 10
Freshman 9:00 to 11:00
--RB
May 30, 2010
Graduation 2010
The
One Hundredth Commencement featured fifty two graduates, about half
from the Hays area, and half from other places around the world. The
class was addressed by Mr. Denis Coakley, former principal, who came to
TMP-Marian at the same time as the graduating class. Mr. Coakley was
not above delivering one final quiz to his former students, asking them
to recall the Greek idea of
metanoia, a conversion or change for the better. He cited
metanoia
events from the lives of the saints: St. Paul’s conversion from
persecutor to apostle, the conversion of St. Francis from a life of
privilege to a life devoted to peace and compassion, and the conversion
of St. Augustine from selfishness to service. Finally, Coakley
affirmed for the graduates that they have already been a source of
conversion and improvement to their parents, teachers, and associates.
He challenged them to continue to be that
metanoia for others in the world.
Nominees
for the Thomas More Medal of Excellence were Emily Volker, Kate Brull,
and the recipient, Preston Werth. The Monarch Service Citation was
awarded to Anne Drees; the Presidential Medal of Scholarship was
presented to Kaylee Kirmer. Seniors earning scholarships were
recognized; non-duplicating scholarships totaled $612,070 and involved
over 95% of eligible students.
Underclass awards for Christian
leadership were presented to junior Tanner Younie, sophomore Hannah
Keil, and freshman Emily Leiker. Awards for service were presented to
junior Elizabeth Rupp, sophomore Allison Marcell, and freshman Parker
Goldsberry. Underclass awards for scholarship were presented to junior
Rebecca Whitmer, sophomore Brett Chrisler*, and freshman Allison
Pfeifer.
*Corrected award
Pictures of Graduates
May 29, 2010
State Competition Results
On a windy Monday, May 24 at the Hays Smoky Hill course, Matthew Applequist shot a 95 to claim 58th in a field of 101 entries.
The softball team saw their season come to an end Friday evening in a first round loss to Hillsboro by a 8-2 score.
The girls track team amassed a total of 50 points to
claim a tie for 3rd place with Wichita Independent. Heather Ruder
contributed 38 of the points with first place finishes in the 3200m,
1600m, 800m, and a scond place finish in the 400m. Brianna Halligan
added 7 points with a fourth place finish in the 200m and a fifth place
in the 100m. Emilie Taylor's fifth place pole vault provided 3 points;
Hayley Taylor's sixth place vault provided 2 more.
Austin Werth scored the only points on the boys' side
with a sixth place pole vault. Raymundo Hernandez finished 8th in 3200m
and Jeremy Weber claimed the 14th place slot in the triple jump.
The baseball team won the quarterfinal game on Friday
evening against Riley County by a 9-4 score and outlasted Hillsboro in a
long semifinal game which extended into Saturday afternoon, eventually
posting a 22-18 victory. The score in the championship game was close
into the fifth inning, but ended with a 10-0 victory for Galena.
Congratulations to all who represented the school in state competition this year.
May 22, 2010
Softball Statebound!!
The softball team claimed a berth at the state tournament with a 3-0 victory over Larned yesterday afternoon.
May 20, 2010
Baseball Statebound!!
The baseball team earned a state tournament berth with this afternoon's 4-3 victory over Lakin at Lakin.
May 20, 2010
Softball Postponed
Today's regional championship softball game has been postponed to tomorrow at 4:45 pm.
May 19, 2010
Swimmers Qualify for State
Two relay teams will represent TMP-Marian at the state
tournament to be held at Capitol Federal Natatorium at the Hummer Sports
Complex in Topeka this coming weekend. Competing in the 200 meter
freestyle relay event will be Beth Channell, Maria Marcotte, Laura
Braun, and Hollie Herbel. Channell, Marcotte, and Herbel will be joined
by Anne Drees for the 400 meter freestyle relay. Preliminary rounds
for all class 5-1A schools will be Friday morning; final events will be
Saturday morning.
May 19, 2010
Baseball Postponed
Today's regional baseball game vs. Lakin has been rescheduled to tomorrow at 2:00 pm.
May 19, 2010
Regional Results
Golfer Matt Applequist will represent TMP-Marian at
the state tournament here in Hays next Monday. The girls soccer season
ended Monday afternoon with a 8-0 loss at Valley Center. The baseball
team advanced with a 12-2 win over Ellsworth on Monday. The baseball
regional title game is at four this afternoon against Lakin. The
softball team advanced with a pair of victories Monday evening, 9-1 over
Lakin and 27-1 over Holcomb. The softball regional title game is
tomorrow at 4:45 against Larned.
May 14, 2010
Here We Are!!
The entire student body and faculty gathered for a
picture this morning. Photo was taken by Steve Hausler of the Hays
Daily News. Organization of the event
was handled by Mrs. Jana Slansky and the maintenance staff.
April 27, 2010
STUCO Election Results
Executive student council officers elected yesterday are as follows:
President-- Macks Schmeidler
Vice-President -- Kyle Braun
Secretary -- Lacy Unrein
Treasurer -- Michael Moeder
April 23, 2010
Faculty Members Offer Summer ACT Prep
Four faculty members will staff a four day ACT study
session on the TMP campus during the week of June 7 to help those
enrolled develop successful test-taking strategies, take practice exams,
and evaluate practice exam questions. Juleen Stecklein, Kim
Schmidtberger, Randy Brull, and Kathy Pfeifer will lead sessions in
English usage, math, science reasoning, and reading. The academy will
operate from 8 am to noon for four days from Monday to Thursday. The
cost is $40 for TMP-Marian students; $50 for all others.
Click here for an application form. There is a $5 late fee for forms mailed after June 1.
April 7, 2010
FBLA State Results
Please congratulate the following students on their accomplishments at FBLA state competition last week:
Vivian Chen placed 10th in Business Calculations and 3rd in Personal Finance.
Julie Lee placed 9th in Accounting II
Rebecca Whitmer placed 3rd in Business Communications
American Enterprise Project placed 4th. Team members were Elizabeth Rupp, Shaelyn Klaus, and Amy Wang
Rebecca and
Vivian qualified for national competition to be held this summer in
Nashville. I don't think Vivian will be able to go since the
competition is in July, and she will probably be in China at that time.
-- JM
March 29, 2010
FYI Only If Your Interested in Hearing about the Campus Ministry Trip to Atchison
An overview of the Campus Ministry trip to Benedictine College in Atchison
Many have asked about our time away.
Only three students were able to get away. Parker Goldsberry, Brianna Haselhorst, and Jeff Pfeifer.
The adults were Sr. Paul Ann, Julie Haselhorst and myself
We arrived at the Benedictine Abbey just in time for the
Monks 5:15 Mass. Sister’s half-brother, the master of the guest house
at the Abbey and organist, met us at the entrance, rushed us to our
rooms and took us through the connecting walkway into the unique setting
at the back of the altar for the intimate Mass with 20-30 college
students and a group of about 25 Monks. Following Mass the students,
Julie, and myself went to eat with our guest tickets at the college
cafeteria. Sister, being treated like a queen both days, was invited to
have all her meals with the priests and brothers in the restricted area
of the Abbey.
Wed evening at 7:30 the Passion was presented by Radix
in the church. It was an intense presentation, well liked by our
group. By this time Kathryn had caught up with us and we had the
pleasure of seeing Darren Welbrock at supper with his soccer team as he
spent some time with us. It helped that is mom had sent a goodie bag
and shirt he needed. After the program Sister called it a night and we
saw her to her room. Then the rest of us went out to explore the
college. Of great interest to Jeff was the library, so he and Parker
went there while the girls in the group met with dorm mom Sara Swafford
and she shared her Emotional Chastity talk that she gives to incoming
Freshman girls. (Portions of this talk, I had used at two of the class
retreats this year) She is at the dorm in which Kathryn is a resident.
Thursday morning 6:20 Sister Paul Ann asked us to join
her for the Morning Office with the Monks. The adults were the takers
and students slept a little longer. After breakfast we toured campus,
met with Admissions that had arranged our stay, heard about the history
of the school, their mission and students were encouraged to seek out a
college that fits their goals and prompted to be prepared at all college
visits to ask lots a questions in order to discern what is best for
you. Since this was a group of freshmen and sophomores those
suggestions were helpful. While in that office we had the pleasure of
visiting with the college president and the instructor (a Benedictine
Monk) of a biology class invited us for the afternoon to his class since
they were planning to dissect a full grown pig and cut up the meat as
well as make sausage that day. We didn’t think we could devote 3-4
hours to that activity so passed. Not all in the group were as eager as
Jeff and Parker.
We arrived in the crypt of the Abbey for the
presentation prepared by staff members of the Campus Ministry Department
of Benedictine College. Their slide presentation and materials shared
will in part be used here in a modified and customized fashion befitting
of TMP. They have areas of ministry for which individuals in leadership
are accountable to the team that primarily supports the outreach and
communicates with the student body and Campus Minister. After some
brainstorming with our group, the ministry areas we identified at TMP
are as follows: Mass preparations, AV/ technology, service, class
retreats/guest speakers, communications, and special projects.
Following lunch we visited the Music department and met
the head of the department that took us into her office, gave
information about the groups and some of their travels. One shared trip
had been to play for the Pope’s Mass and to be among a crowd of tens of
thousands and be only an arm’s length from the Pope. She ended by
giving a CD of works to one of our students.
We then met up with Sister who had spent the morning
going to Mass and sitting in the parlor visiting with a half sister that
came from Kansas City. Before leaving we stopped by to see Kathryn’s
dorm room and say goodbye. The boy’s weren’t interested in seeing rooms
of pink and purple as they envisioned but were good sports and took it
all in.
On the way home we challenged one another to identify at
least one area each could step into and made a few plans to begin to
see the fruit of the journey. We arrived safely home by 6.
Thanks for your support of this endeavor in working with the students to allow their participation.
The intentional plan Sr. Paul Ann came home with from
our Benedictine journey was the responsibility and potential of
service. Beginning this week she requests that Mass participants join
for prayer in the chapel at 7:44. There is very little she asks of us
in return for her happy service here daily so in gratitude I hope our
students and assigned Eucharistic Ministers that are able will join to
set the tone for our school celebration of the Mass.
March 29, 2010
Forensics Results
The TMP Forensics Squad attended the Ellis tournament on Saturday, 3/27. Here are the results:
Mark Wasinger: 1st Place - Humorous Solo
Michaela Kuhn: 7th Place - Original Oration
Kalee Kirmer and Taran Becker: 3rd Place - Improvised Duet Acting
Kalee Kirmer: 3rd Place - Prose (qualifying her for State Champs!)
It
was a long day with 3 preliminary rounds and Kalee had to leave as soon
as she performed both of her events in Finals to attend the
Constitution Bee in Hays along with fellow teammate Nate Lawson.
The next tournament for the Monarchs will be on 4/12 in Coldwater. -- TG
March 29, 2010
Results of the Constitution Bee
Last Saturday, two TMP seniors represented our school at
the 2nd annual Constitution Bee held at the Fox Pavilion in downtown
Hays. Kalee Kirmer and Nathan Lawson represented our school quite well,
and everyone needs to congratulate them for a job well-done. Though
Nathan never qualified for State, he did come up with some "unique"
answers. Kalee, on the other hand, placed third and will represent the
1st District of Kansas at the State Constitution Bee to be held in
Wichita on April 10, 2010. The question categories covered Supreme
Court cases, Current Events, Constitutional Law, and Founding Fathers.
Unlike the Scholars Bowl where questions are proof-read beforehand some
questions were challenged and a team of judges plus an advocate for the
students would determine if the answers given were acceptable. It was
quite an experience and Mr. Hageman encourages Juniors and Seniors for
next year to think about trying out for it. TMP was represented last
year by Paul Flesher who placed second in the regional competition but
couldn't go to the State contest. Hopefully, Kalee will be able to
represent our school, our Congressional district and her family well at
State. We will all be cheering for her success come April 10th. If
anyone would like to know more about the Constitution Bee, please don't
hesitate to contact both of these fine school representatives or Mr.
Hageman in Room 228.
March 25, 2010
Monarchs Awarded KSHSAA Sportsmanship Trophy
In addition to
bringing home a championship basketball trophy from Hutchinson, the
TMP-Marian community was also honored with the sportsmanship trophy from
the same tournament. A committee appointed by the Kansas State High
School Activities Association evaluates and rates the cheerleaders,
cheering section, students and adult followers, as well as the team and
coach throughout the six state tournaments. The committee then chooses
schools that it thinks deserves top recognition for sportsmanship shown
throughout the tournaments.
This year marks the second time in
as many tries that TMP-Marian brought home a state championship
basketball trophy and a sportsmanship trophy from the same tournament.
The boys' squad and their cheerleaders and fans did the same in Class 4A
in 2007.
"I was thrilled," commented principal Bill DeWitt, a
1992 graduate of TMP-Marian who returned as the leader of his alma mater
just this year. "That's one of the best awards, a reflection of your
entire school and community."
(Story adapted from Hays Daily News, March 24, 2010)
March 25 , 2010
Parents, Teachers, Benefactors, and Students,
I would like to invite all of you to please
help TMP Student Council reach our goal of 95 pints of blood on
Tuesday, March 30 in the Al Billinger Fieldhouse. It starts at 9 a.m.
and the appointments go until 2 p.m. Contact the school at 625-6577 to
schedule an appointment. Walk in appointments are also welcome. Students
must have an appointment and appointment card to be excused from class
to donate. Your donation of blood to the American Red Cross Association
is appreciated. Thanks for all your support.
Sincerely,
Kate Brull
Student Council Vice President
March 24, 2010
Tuesday's Soccer Results
The
TMP Lady Monarchs started their soccer season against Wichita Trinity
on Tuesday afternoon and suffered their first loss by a score of 8-1.
TMP's only score came during the first half when Kelsey King launched a
high kick from about 40 yards out which landed in the side of the goal
just out of reach of Trinity's goalkeeper. Overall, the coaches were
well-pleased by the efforts of all the girls and hope to improve on some
of the positive aspects of their play. For several this was their first
soccer game, especially the junior varsity who also suffered a 4-0
loss, but learned a lot. We would like to thank all the parents, fans
and faculty who braved the "cold" to support both teams. It means a lot
to see people cheering for us even when we are down several goals. Next
action for the Monarch Ladies will be on Monday, March 29 when the
Junior Varsity will play Hays High in a 4 p.m. contest on the Monarch
field. Also, the Lady Monarchs will host Wichita Independent on
Thursday, April 1st which is a change from the schedule which had us
going there for the game. So, mark your calendars and come out to
support the girls' soccer teams.
March 15, 2010
TMP-Marian Announces New Football Coach
Mr. Jon Borer has been named as the new football coach at Thomas More Prep-Marian. Coach
Borer has spent the previous four years at Lourdes Central Catholic
High School in Nebraska City, Nebraska serving as the offensive
coordinator for the Knights. During Coach Borer’s tenure,
the Knights set school records for passing and offensive yardage and
finished ranked in the top 5 in Nebraska class C-2. Prior
to arriving at Lourdes, Coach Borer was a four year starter at
quarterback for the Briar Cliff University Chargers in Sioux City, IA
where he completed his degree in secondary education.
Coach Borer will join the TMP-Marian staff full time splitting his duties between the PE and social studies departments. Details for summer camps and conditioning will be released at a later date. “The
Monarch family is proud to welcome Coach Borer, his wife Jacque and
their two young daughters to the Hays and TMP-Marian community,” said
TMP principal Bill DeWitt. “We were fortunate to have
great interest in this position but it was Mr. Borer’s personal faith,
enthusiasm and understanding of the Catholic school mission that makes
him a great fit for TMP.”
March 13, 2010
STATE CHAMPIONS
The Monarch girls are 3A 2010
basketball state champions. This afternoon's championship game ended
with the Monarchs scoring 56 and the Marion Lady Warriors scoring 45.
March 13, 2010
Girls to Play for State Championship
In second round state tournament play earlier this
evening, the Monarch girls advanced to the championship game with a
52-42 win over Garden Plain. The state title will be decided at 4:00
tomorrow afternoon as the Monarchs meet the Marion Lady Warriors at the
Hutchinson Sports Arena.
March 12, 2010
Girls Advance at State Basketball Tournament
The girls'
basketball team posted a 57-47 victory over Riley County yesterday
evening at Hutchinson to advance to the semifinal round of the state 3A
basketball tournament. They will play again this evening at 6:30.
March 10, 2010
Forensics Team Competes at Spearville
The Monarchs forensics team had a long day in
Spearville on Tuesday with many large and unfamiliar schools competing
with us. While the quantity moving on after the preliminary rounds
suffered, the quality of those performances did not. Mark Wasinger and
Mason Ruder received second place in their improvised duet acting and
qualified for state competition. Mark also made finals with his
humorous solo and received first place! This is the third tournament
this season that Mark has taken first place with his solo. --TG
Girls' Basketball Statebound
The Monarch girls' basketball team
persisted to post a 51-47 final score, defeating number one seed
Southwestern Heights, claiming the sub-state championship, and earning a
slot in the state tournament slated to begin in Hutchinson on Thursday.
March 1, 2010
Science Students Earn Medals at Regional Science Fair
Sophomore
Beth Channell and freshman Hyo Jin Lim developed their science research
assignments into entries for the Fort Hays State University Science and
Engineering Fair last Saturday and both came home with medals for their
effort. Channel’s project (pictured at left) 
investigated
the effect of electronic game playing on blood pressure and resulted in
a silver medal. In an earlier effort she had explored the effects of
Atari games, but she focused on the Wii system this year. This year’s
research showed a lowering effect on blood pressure, just the opposite
of her earlier research. Lim combined winter sports with science as she
explored changes in potential energy and kinetic energy during a
snowboarding run at the Brekenridge ski area. Her project was awarded a
bronze medal.
The Fort Hays State Science Fair is one of several
in the state of Kansas and is a gateway to the state fair held in March
on the campus of Friends University in Wichita. The mission of the
Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair competition will involve
students in dynamic scientific investigations. The participating
students will gain perspective of the world through science and will
develop skills necessary to persist in today’s society. This venue
provides students with experience in critical thinking , leadership, and
creative problem solving.
February 25, 2010
All School Field Trip Scheduled for Tomorrow
Due
to the large number of requests to attend the state tournament on
Friday, we will sponsor a field trip to the coliseum and use this
opportunity to put our great school on display for the Hays community.
This
is a school sponsored field trip so the expenses will be paid by the
school. Donations have been made for the purchase of the tickets and a
(non-meat) sack lunch will be provided at lunchtime which we will be
available to be eaten outside of the coliseum. FHSU & KSHSAA
prohibit outside food to be brought in to the arena, but we will provide
an opportunity for all students to eat. Concessions will be available
throughout the day for those who want them.
It is a regular school
day. All students are to report on time to school in their homeroom so a
lunch count can be taken. The dress code will be enforced. The
exception is that students may wear the state tournament t-shirt they
ordered from the school with their khakis.
After roll, the students
needing transportation will be loaded onto school vehicles. Students
receiving permission to drive or ride will be asked to FOLLOW the school
vehicles to the coliseum to Gate 3 of Gross Memorial Coliseum for
admission. These permission forms are available in the front office.
Roll will be taken again at the coliseum during admission and the students will sit in the same section.
The following people will be assigned for each class:
Seniors – Mrs. Taylor
Juniors – Mr. Flax
Sophomores – Mrs. Wentling
Freshman – Mr. DeWitt
There will be additional staff attending to help with crowd control and facilitation of the students.
At
the conclusion of the second round students will be transported back to
the school in time for regular dismissal. Students with permission to
drive or ride will be dismissed by their assigned sponsor from the
coliseum. They may choose to stay or go home. Students not wishing to
eat a sack lunch should bring money to eat at the coliseum. There will
not be on open lunch and the students will be expected to remain at the
event during the supervised time.
Eighty-five communities will be
in attendance this weekend and we have an excellent opportunity to put
our school on display. Thank you for helping to allow this to happen.
If you have any questions, please call me at the school.
Thank you,
Bill DeWitt
February 22, 2010
Four Monarch Wrestlers Qualify for State
Freshman Jonathan
Walker, Sophomore Dylan Schumacher, Senior Preston Werth, and Senior
Jesse Barnes qualified for the 3A State Wrestling Tournament.
Schumacher, the #1 ranked wrestler in his weight class, held off the #2
ranked wrestler in the championship round of Norton's 3A regional
Saturday night, with a 15-1 victory. Werth fell in the champsionship
round, finishing second overall. Walker came through the consolation
bracket to place third in the regional and qualify for state. Barnes
made it to the semi-finals before dropping into the consolation bracket,
ultimately placing fourth overall and qualifying for the state meet.
The State Championship Tournament will be held Friday and Saturday, Feb.
26th and 27th at Gross Memorial Coliseum (FHSU) in Hays,
KS.--Chancellor Staff
February 12, 2010
Comments from the Scholars' Bowl Coach
"All
good things come to those who wait". This is so true for the TMP
Scholars Bowl team as they traveled to Cimarron on Saturday for the
State Scholars Bowl meet. And..........................The young
Monarchs captured the 3-A state title by going 4-1 in pool play and 4-1
in the finals. We have tried for four years to reach state and when we
finally do, our guys decided to win it all.
It has been seven years
since TMP won a state title in scholars' bowl, so our students thought
it was about time to do it again. However, it wasn't as easy as our
scores show. A loss to Douglas in the finals almost cost the Monarchs
the title, but two losses by Douglas in the last two rounds handed the
title to the Monarchs. Riley County who competed in our regional
captured fourth place and they felt our regional was probably the
hardest of all. Believe it or not, TMP's only loss in the finals was to
the third place team in our regional, Hillsboro. A special thanks goes
to Mr. Zimmer who spent extra time helping our students go over math
problems. Apparently, that helped us a great deal. That...and the fact
that our students didn't give up until the final question which helped
them to win two rounds. We also brought home some medals and a huge
plaque which will be on display in the offcie until it gets in the
trophy case. We want to thank parents, friends and supporters who stood
behind us whether we won a round or not. Your support was tremendous.
And, we cannot leave out Jack Schramm who met us at Cimarron and cheered
for us all the way. Obviously, Jack knows how to make a winner. We also
want to thank our God who saw we got to state safely and back and gave
us the inspiration to do our best. Without him we wouldn't be
celebrating now. -- Don Hageman
February 12, 2010
Scholars' Bowl Team Wins State
In
state competition this afternoon at Cimarron, the Monarchs claimed
first place in their pool and went on to win the championship round,
claiming the state title. Second and third places went to
Wichita--Independent and Douglass, respectively. Other teams in the
state tournament were Atchison -- Maur Hill Mount Academy, Eureka,
Goodland, Riley -- Riley County, Whitewater -- Remington, Burlington,
Hillsboro, Conway Springs, and Winchester -- Jefferson County North.
February 11, 2010
Community Ambassadors Organize Haiti Relief
A Monarch Community
Ambassador committee chaired by senior Kaylee Kirmer, organized a
"jean/sweats" dress day last Tuesday to raise money for earthquake
relief in Haiti. For a two or five dollar donation students received
permission to relax from the regular school dress code. Donations were
also taken at the home basketball game that evening. By the end of the
school day $710 had been collected; another $240 was donated in the
evening, including donations from two members of the visiting Larned
girls basketball team. An anonymous donor matched the amount collected
by the school bringing the total raised to $1900. The funds will be
forwarded to Haiti through Catholic Relief Services.
February 11, 2010
Chess Team Competes at Topeka
Junior Eric Lee paced an
abbreviated Monarch chess team last Saturday in varsity competition at
Topeka Collegiate School. Lee's four wins in six rounds earned him an
eighth place individual medal in a field of 31 entries. Sophomore Adam
Nietling earned 2.5 points in his first varsity tournament; classmate
Kaleb Stark also logged his first six rounds of tournament play. The
Monarch chess team will travel to Wichita on February 20 to compete at
the Pleasant Valley Tournament.
February 8, 2010
Wrestling Results
103-Jonathan Walker- 3rd Place
112-Dylan Schumacher-1st Place
140-Austin Werth-1st Place
189-Preston Werth 1st Place
285-Jesse Barnes 1st Place
The
Monarchs took only eight wrestlers to the league tournament and came
away with four first place medals and one third place medal. TMP won 17
of the 28 matches they wrestled in. Preston Werth beat two ranked or
formerly ranked individuals on his way to a first place finish and has
won 18 straight matches. Over all the Monarchs wrestled very well and
hope to ride this momentum into regionals on February 19-20 in Norton.
--MH
February 5, 2010
Monarchs Win Scholars' Bowl Regional
After
4 years of hosting the regional tournament in scholars' bowl, TMP is
going to state after placing first in the regional on Thursday evening.
TMP had a perfect 5-0 record in the finals and easily outdistanced Riley
County who took second with a 3-2 record. Hillsboro was third with a
2-3 record and Rock Creek was fourth with a similiar record. There were
fifteen schools competing for the top three places in regional and a
chance to go to state. The 3A state tournament will be held at Cimarron
on February 13. Members of the team were Alex Becker, Tanner Younie,
Kaleb Stark, Matt Applequist and Nathan Lawson. Other squad members who
will go to Cimarron to support our team are Candace Staab, Jeff Pfeifer,
Ajay Pradham, Samantha Wilson, Jin Lim, and Hannah Keil. This is the
first time in several years that TMP will go to the state scholars' bowl
tournament and we hope to represent our school and region well. February 4, 2010
Bishop Celebrates Catholic Schools Week
Bishop
Paul Coakley celebrated Mass on the TMP-Marian campus with students
from all Ellis County Catholic schools yesterday morning. The bishop
was joined by Fr. Joshua Werth, Father Gilmary Tallman, Father Felix
Petrovsky, Fr. Fred Gatschet, students from the host school, students
from St. Mary’s Elementary School of Ellis, students from Holy Family
Elementary School in Hays, and dozens of parents, friends and alumni.
In
his homily, the bishop reminded the assembly that, like the people of
Nazareth in the gospel, those in Catholic schools have grown up in the
company of Jesus, and may easily have a tendency to overlook his message
on account of familiarity.
Bishop
Coakley also referred to the centennial of Ellis County Catholic
education celebrated recently and noted that it was in part a result of a
national effort by Catholic bishops at the 1884 Council of Baltimore to
encourage Catholic schools in every parish.
Students from all
three schools participated in leading the various parts of the liturgy.
A special event for the day was the reception of the blessing of St.
Blaise by all in attendance.
January 27, 2010
Scholars Bowl Results
The
TMP scholars bowl squad went to Phillipsburg last evening and came away
with second place behind a strong Norton team. Going 5-1 in pool play
with the only loss being to Norton, the young Monarchs faced Rock Hills
in the semi-finals and defeated them 80-0 to advance to the Finals. In
the Championship round TMP had to face Norton again and this time they
gave them a run for their money but failed to stop the three talented
seniors and two juniors on the Norton team and had to settled for an
80-45 loss.
Next action for the Monarchs will be the hosting of the
3-A regional on Thursday, February 4th. There will be 14 other schools
from around the state competing for the top three spots to advance to
the state tournament which will be in Cimarron on February 13. The
Monarchs would like to thank everyone who has supported them throughout
this season and hope they will come to TMP next Thursday and cheer for
the home team. --DH
January 26, 2010
TMP Students March for Life
“Stand
Up Now and Unite for the Life Principles--No Exception! No
Compromise!” This is exactly what our TMP-Marian students did.
Seventeen students, faculty, and parents from TMP-Marian, as well as
others from the Salina Diocese, journeyed to Washington, DC, January
20-24, 2010, for the 37th annual March for Life. The pilgrimage
consisted of a 24-hour bus ride to and from our nation’s capital, vigil
Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the 
Immaculate
Conception, March for Life Rally at the Mall and the march up to the
United States supreme court building. In addition, we had a Kansas Mass
with Senator Sam Brownback the day of the march. On Saturday, before
our return to Kansas, our diocese did some sightseeing around
Washington, DC. Pilgrims from TMP-Marian included seniors Andrew Allen,
Jenna Schulte, Emily Volker, Jenna Dreiling, Mark Wasinger, Rachel
Weber, Steve Woo, Christina Lee, and Lisa Park; junior Jennifer Widders;
sophomore Brianna Haselhorst; freshmen Hannah Hulse and Chelsea
Zimmerman; and sponsors Judy Schuler, Eric and Jaclyn Brown, and Julie
Haselhorst.
January 25, 2010
Wrestling Results from the Bob Kuhn Classic
The
Monarchs competed at the Bob Kuhn Classic this past weekend. TMP came
away with two medals. Preston Werth accomplished a preseason goal of
winning the tournament. He beat a wrestler from Hoisington that was in
the state rankings. The other medal winner was Dylan Schumacher. He
brought home a second place medal. This was the first loss that Dylan
has suffered in all of his high school matches. You would be proud of
how Dylan carried himself after the loss. He looked like a true champion
in defeat. The wrestlers win be in action again on February 6 at the
MSAA league tournament. --MH
January 23, 2010
Basketball Teams Win at Hillsboro
Thursday's
second round games and today's third round at Hillsboro yielded four
varsity victories for the Monarch basketball programs and a first place
finish for the Lady Monarchs. The girls bested Marion in overtime by a
61-55 score on Thursday and went on to claim the tournament championship
by posting a 45-38 victory over Hillsboro this evening. The boys
claimed victories against Republic County on Thursday (50-44) and
against Hillsboro this afternoon (45-42) to finish the tournament in
fifth place.
January 17, 2010
Scholars' Bowl Competes at Great Bend
TMP went to Great Bend
on Saturday to participate in the Great Bend scholars bowl tournament.
This was one of the largest tournaments the Monarchs have faced this
year and it proved to be a tough field in which to win.
On the
varsity level, TMP went 4-1 in pool play and tied Liberal and Maize, but
lost out on the head-to head tie breaker and had to settle for third in
the pool and thus never made it to the final rounds. With wins over
Rolla, Maize, Newton and Nickerson and a loss to Liberal on the last
question of round one, the Monarchs thought they might just be able to
make it to the finals. However, that loss in the first round proved to
be the deciding factor at the end. There were four pools in the varsity
tournament with six teams in each pool for a total of 24 teams
competing. The only undefeated team to come out of pool play was
Hutchinson Trinity.
If you believe in "deja vu", this was exactly
what happened to the Monarchs in the Class 3-A Regional Tournament last
February. A win over the top team in that tournament didn't help the
Monarchs as they had to settle for fourth place after tying with
Cimarron and Norton for second place and thus failed to make it to the
state tournament. Students participating on the TMP Varsity team were
Alex Becker, Tanner Younie, Matt Applequist, Nathan Lawson, and Kaleb
Stark.
In the Novice tournament, TMP had several close matches,
losing to Ellinwood by a 20-30 score, to Bishop Carroll out of Wichita
by a 20-30 score, to Hutchinson Trinity by a 10-20 score and to Hesston
by a 10-30 score. The lone win for the younger Monarchs was against
Liberal with a 40-0 score. Those students who participated in the novice
division were Jeff Pfeifer, Candace Staab, Hannah Keil, Ajay Pradham,
and Jin Lim. Samantha Wilson is also a part of this group, but was
unable to make it to Great Bend.
Next action for the Monarchs
will be the varsity tournament held in Phillipsburg on Janaury 26 at 4
p.m. After that, the Monarchs will be getting ready to host the 3-A
Regional Tournament on February 4 with 14 other teams competing for the
top three spots in order to get a trip to state.
Friday's Basketball
Boys' and girls' varsity basketball teams
both played at Scott City Friday evening. The boys fell to the Beavers
by a score of 86-38; the girls added a 63-29 victory to their season
record. Leading scorers for the girls' team were Kaylee Hoffman with 17,
Jessa Stramel with 16, and Rachel Jacobs with 13. Both teams will play
in the Hillsboro tournament this week.
January 13, 2010
Basketball Teams Compete at Abilene
Yesterday
afternoon both Monarch basketball teams traveled to Abilene for varsity
competition. The boys fell to an undefeated Cowboy team by a score of
48-71; the girls prevailed against their ranked opposition by a score of
62-37. Both Monarch teams will travel to Scott City this coming Friday
for their next competition.
January 12, 2010
Scholars Bowl Results
The
TMP Scholars Bowl varsity team went to Scott City on Saturday for the
MSAA League Tournament. After defeating Scott City and Larned in the
first rounds, the Monarchs faced a different Scott City in the second
round and came out on the short end of a 70-50 score. After several
"Ghost" rounds and one more win over Larned, TMP was matched up against
Scott City to determine the League champs. Unfortunately for the young
Monarchs, Scott City's 3 seniors proved the difference as they soundly
defeated the Monarchs to claim the League Championship. Next action for
the Monarchs will be the Great Bend varsity and novice tournaments on
Saturday, January 16th at 9:30 a.m. --DH
January 11, 2010
Wrestlers Score at Ellsworth Invitational
The
Monarchs took a small squad to Ellsworth last Saturday, but came back
with big results. At 103 Jonathan Walker battled his way to a first
place finish beating a ranked wrestler in the finals. Dylan Schumacher
continued his success winning first place. He battled a ranked Ellis foe
to an overtime victory in the finals. Lucas Walker surprised everybody
placing fourth at 125. He was bumping up two weight classes. He ended
the day with two falls. At heavyweight Jesse Barnes started the day off
very slow with an overtime loss. He then turned things around rattling
off three straight victories enroute to a third place finish. Overall
the Monarchs placed fifth out of 13 in the team standings. This fifth
place was accomplished with only six wrestlers at the tournament. --MH
January 10, 2010
Week's Basketball Marked by Split Results
Two
basketball evenings during the week resulted in two wins for the
Monarch girls and two good efforts from the Monarch boys which came up
short. On Tuesday evening at Larned, the girls prevailed against Larned
70-53 while the Larned Indians bested the boys by a 47 to 39 count.
Friday's games at Al Billinger Fieldhouse saw a similar result against
the visiting Ulysses Tigers: 58-36 in the girls' game and 39-52 in the
boys' game. The next action for the Monarchs is Tuesday, January 12 at
Abeline. Game time is 6:15; the games will be aired on KAYS Radio
including a live webcast at http://www.kaysradio.com/index.php?page=tmp.
January 10, 2010
Sister of St. Agnes Joins TMP-Marian Staff
Once again, the TMP-Marian Staff will feature a
member of the Congregation of Saint Agnes. Sr. Paul Ann Dinkel was
introduced to the faculty and staff at Tuesday's faculty/staff meeting
as the newest member of the school community. She will provide a
variety of services including making copies and publications, serving in
the lunch line, and helping out as needed. Sr. Paul Ann is an Ellis
county native and has been a sister of St. Agnes for more than fifty
years. She has worked, mostly in food service, in Pennsylvania,
Indiana, New York City, and most recently at St. John's Assisted Living
here in Hays. Sister's office is just to the north of the counselor's
office in the student center; her phone extension is 218.
January 10, 2010
Scholars' Bowl Team Dominates
Last Thursday evening at the Osborne
tournament, the TMP Scholars' Bowl team captured first place honors in a
most convincing way. Not only did the the Monarchs post a perfect 10-0
record, but they averaged over 90 points per round. Members of the
team were Alex Becker, Tanner Younie, Matt Applequist, Kaleb Stark,
Candace Staab, Jin Lin, and Jeff Pfeifer. Next action for the Monarchs
will be the League Scholars Bowl Tournament at Scott City on Saturday,
January 9 starting at 10:00 a.m.
January 7, 2010
Flax Resigns as TMP-Marian Head Football Coach
Gene Flax announced his resignation as Head Football Coach of the TMP-Marian Monarchs on January 5. Flax took over as head coach in 1997 and served 14 years as the leader of the program. Flax led the Monarchs to Bi-District Championship in 1999 and a Regional Championship in 2002. The 2002 team advanced as far in the Kansas State High School Tournament as any football team in the history of the school.
Flax not only provided leadership on the field, but as a strong mentor of the Catholic faith for our young men. We
are fortunate that Flax will continue his duties as Assistant
Principal, Athletic Director and Physical Education instructor for
TMP-Marian.
January 6, 2010
Three student teachers have joined the regular TMP
faculty for the spring semester. Erika Householter is working with Judy
Mitchell in the business department; Josh Peterson is working with Kim
Schmidtberger and Gene Zimmer in the math department; and Kersten
Schmitz is working with Gene Flax and Matthew Dumler in the physical
education department.