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Saint Thomas Aquinas High School

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Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame 2026 Award Plaques

Saint Thomas Aquinas High School established the Saints Hall of Fame Awards Program in the school's 25th year to formally recognize Alumni, parents, and friends that help define and advance the institution and its mission. 

The Saints Hall of Fame honors alumni, parents and friends whose lives and service exemplify our mission and advance the legacy of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Through their witness, these honorees inspire our community to live the Catholic faith and to use their God-given gifts in service to the Church and the world.

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Saints Hall of Fame

 
Hall of Fame Logo for Saint Thomas Aquinas

 

Award winners are celebrated in conjunction with the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, and earn a plaque on the walls, leaving a permanent mark of gratitude.

The Hall of Fame at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School reflects the school’s tradition of honoring individuals whose lives and service strengthen our mission and vision. Nominations are welcomed from the Saints community and should highlight the nominee’s character, impact, and lasting influence on campus and beyond.

All eligible nominees are reviewed with care, considering how their achievements and leadership reflect the four Cardinal Virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Nominees are recognized for leaving their mark on the Saints community and helping create a better future for those who follow.

Through thoughtful deliberation and confidential voting,  individuals are selected whose example merits one of the school’s highest honors.

Inductees may be recognized with the Legacy Award, Distinguished Service Award, Alumni Award or Marian Award,  with final approval confirmed by school leadership before the public announcement and induction ceremony every three years.

 

 

2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

Legacy Award

This is the highest award that is bestowed in the Saints Hall of Fame. The Legacy Award is given to individuals, families, groups or organizations in recognition of long-term commitment to the mission of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and our great Catholic Church Community. Recipients of this award exemplify the traits of the Catholic faith, and what it means to truly live as a Saint. Recipients of this award are identified by the President and/or Board of Trustees, and can be conferred at any time during the recipient's tenure. This honor can be conferred posthumously.

Veronica and Peter Mallouk

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Peter and Veronica Mallouk have shown exceptional generosity and leadership as lead donors of the We Are Called Campaign (2024-2025) from its inception. Their faithful, annual support of the Saints Canned Food Drive for Catholic Charities reflects their commitment as both parents and alumni parents.

Grounded in their Catholic faith, the Mallouks continue to support the Catholic community of Kansas City through Catholic Charities, the Catholic Education Foundation, including Gaudeamus, and their home parish, St. Michael the Archangel. Their example of service and generosity is a true inspiration to our community.

The Mallouks are proud parents of three children, all graduates of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School: Michael, class of 2019, JP, class of 2024 and Gabby, class of 2024.

 

Distinguished Service Award

The Distinguished Service Award is given to a person or persons who, by example, represent the beliefs and ideals of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. This award is given to those who showcase the qualities of outstanding achievement in a person's profession, vocation or avocation. On top of these accomplishments, they also exemplify selfless dedication and involvement to Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, that has led to the growth, expansion, and continued development of the students and greater community. They showcase their commitment to, and enthusiasm for the mission of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. Recipients can included friends and benefactors from all Saints constituencies. Nominations are accepted on an ongoing basis, and recipients are selected every three years. This award can be conferred posthumously.

Teresa Ahrens

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Bill Blaise

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Mark Radetic

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Alumni Award

The Alumni Award honors alumni who have exemplified dedication and faithfulness to the mission and ideals of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School through exceptional personal or professional accomplishment. Nominations for this award are accepted on an ongoing basis from all Saint Thomas Aquinas constituencies and awarded after a selection process that occurs every three years. Recipients must be graduates of at least ten years from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. This honor can be conferred posthumously.

Fr. Jaime Zarse, Class of 2005

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Robby Cowdrey, Class of 2013

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Marian Award

The Marian Award is presented in recognition of 30 years of dedicated and distinguished service to the students of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. This award is bestowed upon faculty, staff, and administrators of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School for their life-long commitment to the ideals and values of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. Recipients of this award are identified and selected by the President and/or Board of Trustees, and can be conferred at any time during the recipient’s tenure. This honor may also be given posthumously.

Betsy Collins - 2025

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Laura Cline Oliva - 2025

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Cathryn Radiel - 2024

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Past Honorees

“I wouldn’t trade the 15 years with Aquinas for anything.  While the actual Extravaganza was fabulous, it was always the days, weeks, and months before where the real magic happened. I measure an experience by the friends we keep. The lifelong friendships made, the laughs shared and the autonomy to use a creative spirit as I see fit -  I am grateful for all of it.”

Mary Luther, 2023 Distinguished Service Award Recipient

Selection Process

The Hall of Fame at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School reflects the school’s tradition of honoring individuals whose lives and service strengthen our mission and vision. Nominations are welcomed from the Saints community and should highlight the nominee’s character, impact, and lasting influence on campus and beyond.

All eligible nominees are reviewed with care, considering how their achievements and leadership reflect the four Cardinal Virtues of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Nominees are recognized for leaving their mark on the Saints community and helping create a better future for those who follow.

Through thoughtful deliberation and confidential voting,  individuals are selected whose example merits one of the school’s highest honors. Inductees may be recognized with the Alumni Award, Distinguished Service Award, Legacy Award, or Marian Award, with final approval confirmed by school leadership before the public announcement and induction ceremony every three years.

Award winners are to be celebrated in conjunction with the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, and earn a plaque on the walls, leaving a permanent mark of gratitude.

Criteria

  1. All nominees must demonstrate Catholic values that represent Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and demonstrate the four core values of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. This may include involvement in activities that directly support the school's mission and/or complementary programs not affiliated with Saint Thomas Aquinas High School that reflect the candidate's Christian values.
  2. “Exceptional professional or personal achievement” shall be deemed appropriate and worthy of recognition by the Selection Committee.
  3. Areas of “outstanding achievement in profession, vocation or avocation” may include – but not are not limited to – fields of industry, religion, science, business, 
    the arts, medicine, the military, or athletics.
  4. Acceptance will be contingent on his/her ability to attend the Induction ceremony.
The Awards Selection Committee will consist of:
  • The president of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
  • A representative of the Aquinas Board of Trustees
  • Two representatives of the Aquinas Faculty
  • A representative of the Aquinas Staff
  • Two past or current alumni parents 

Send the completed Official Nomination Form and Nomination Cover Sheet with supporting documentation, resume, media articles, etc. to:  Cover Sheet Form

Saints Hall-of-Fame Nominations
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
11411 Pflumm Road
Overland Park, KS 66215
FAX (913) 345-2319

Questions or Want to Learn More?

Tim Zande Director of Advancement Saint Thomas Aquinas

Tim Zande, '02
Director of Advancement
913-319-2446
tzande@stasaints.net