TMP-Marian
The Point of Light is the highest recognition given by Thomas More Prep-Marian to honor significant individuals who have given time, talent, or resources through dedicated service to the school. Recipients of the Point of Light award show commitment to our tradition of excellence, are involved in activities that bring honor to the inductee and to TMP-Marian, and have a heart for service.
Inductees are nominated by the TMP-Marian community and voted on by a variety of individuals representing the school administration, staff, alumni, religious, and community for a diversified selection committee.
TMP-Marian is honored to announce the following 2025 Point of Light Inductees:
Kathy Dreiling-Amrein
A lifelong advocate for education and the performing arts, Kathy Dreiling-Amrein has left an indelible mark on TMP-Marian. A 1976 graduate of Victoria High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Music from Fort Hays State University in 1980. Kathy was united in marriage to Frank Dreiling in 1987 until his passing in 1998 and later to Allan Amrein in 2004. Over the course of her remarkable 41-year career in education, she inspired countless students with her passion for music, including 20 years as a faculty member at TMP-Marian. She also served as co-chair of the school’s Centennial Celebration, ensuring that TMP-Marian’s rich history was celebrated with joy and reverence.
Kathy’s professional achievements include being named the KMEA Outstanding Teacher of 2012, serving as KMEA Northwest District President (2011–2012), and being inducted into the Ellis High School Teacher Hall of Fame.
Beyond the classroom, Kathy has remained deeply involved in faith and service. She is an active member of the Hays Lions Club, Christian Mothers, Daughters of Isabella, and the Liturgy Committee at St. Fidelis Parish in Victoria. Her commitment to her community and her school is matched only by her devotion to her family, with husband Allan and daughters Holly Lang ’07 and Hannah Schmidt ’13, and their seven grandchildren.
Gene and Theresa Flax
Gene and Theresa have been married for 49 years, having first met during their college years at St. Mary of the Plains in Dodge City. Together, they have built a strong legacy rooted in faith, family, and service. They are the proud parents of five children—Don, Karen ’98, Matt ’01, Nick ’04, and Patrick ‘05—and the grandparents to 14 grandchildren.
Gene’s influence on TMP-Marian spans decades. For many years, he served as a football coach, shaping the lives of countless student-athletes. He also dedicated himself to leadership roles as Activities Director and Dean of Discipline, and Assistant Principal, as well as serving four years as Assistant Principal at Holy Family Elementary. Some of the highlights of Gene’s time at TMP-M include coaching the Shrine Bowl in ’03 & ’04, receiving the Jack Schramm Spirit Award in 2010, and serving as Homecoming Grand Marshall with Theresa in 2022.
Theresa also made a lasting impact in Catholic education, teaching for 13 years at Holy Family Elementary, where she inspired young learners and helped form the foundation of their academic and spiritual journeys.
Both Gene and Theresa are active members of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in Hays, where their example of steadfast faith and service continues to inspire.
Duane and Mary Lang
Duane & Mary Lang are being honored as Points of Light for their commitment to TMP-M. Duane is a 1974 graduate of Ellis High School, and Mary (Wilkerson) Lang is a 1977 graduate of Marian High School. They have three children who graduated from TMP-M: Scott ‘99, Sarah ‘01, and David ‘07. After a 38-year career with Schwan’s Sales, Duane joined the maintenance crew at TMP-M in 2020. Mary joined the alumni staff in 1997 as the alumni office manager and served in that position for 27 years, retiring in 2023. Along with many different alumni board members throughout the years, Fr. Earl Befort, Wanda Billinger, Kathy Kaseforth, and Mary Lang took charge of the many capital improvement projects, including the stained glass windows and renovation projects in the Marian Chapel. This group also spearheaded the planning and organization of the TMP-M School Centennial Celebration in 2008. Through the Auction for Christian Education, Alumni Golf Classic, and soliciting donations from alumni, they helped raise funds for many projects, including new school buses, the alumni storage shed and addition. Duane and Mary have helped with many projects through the years sponsored by the Sports Booster Club, Fine Arts Booster Club, and the Parents, Teachers, and Friends. They are charter members of St. Nicholas of Myra parish, serving as past Eucharistic Ministers and helping on a variety of projects as members of the St. Nicholas Knights of Columbus and Ladies Guild. Duane and Mary are recognized as generous individuals who share an abundance of their time, talents, and treasure for the continued prosperity of TMP-M.
Bob and Karen Threlkel
Bob graduated from Atwood High School in 1965 before earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. Shortly after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served honorably for two years. Karen graduated from St. Scholastica Academy in 1970 and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fort Hays State University. The couple married in 1980 and raised two children, both graduates of TMP-Marian—Kevin ‘03 and Kendra ‘07.
Bob began his teaching and coaching career in 1973, enjoying various stints at TMP-Marian, leaving an enduring legacy on the school’s athletics. Over the years, “Coach T,” as his students called him, taught Physical Education and Driver’s Education while coaching football, pole vault, and his true passion—wrestling. His remarkable career produced 44 state qualifiers, 17 state medalists, 2 state champions, 1 Grand State Champion, and even a Big 12 champion. His name and legacy live on through the Bob Threlkel Wrestling Tournament at Hays Middle School, a tribute to the countless athletes he mentored.
Karen dedicated nearly four decades to the nursing profession, serving faithfully from 1979 until her retirement in 2018. Her vocation was marked not only by her professional excellence but also by her compassion and care for those in need.
Together, Bob and Karen continue to serve their community and their faith. Bob serves on the board of the Church of the Nazarene in Hays, and Karen serves at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.