Distinguished Alumni
In our 40th year as a St. Thomas More Catholic High School community, we are thrilled to announce the establishment of a Distinguished Alumni Award to honor our outstanding St. Thomas More High School Alumni who have made a difference in their community.
The St. Thomas More Catholic High School Distinguished Alumni Award exists to ensure that the history and tradition of the school, as well as the contributions of individuals, is celebrated. The purpose is to honor, pay tribute to and perpetuate the memory of those individuals who have made outstanding contributions pertaining to the school's mission of producing seekers of truth, individuals of character, and God's servant first. Congratulations to our 2022 recipients - Robert Kallam '83, Lance Strother '96 and Kyle Kellner '04.
Robert Kallam '83 is married to Michelle Rome Kallam and they are the parents of Barrett (STM 2014), Caroline (STM 2016), Benjamin (AES 2018) and William (STM 2019). Following his graduation from STM in 1983, Robert received his undergraduate degree from LSU in 1987 and thereafter his law degree from LSU in 1990. Robert is a member of the LSU Law Center’s Hall of Fame as the winner of the Tullis Moot Court Competition. Robert has maintained his connection with the Law Center as a long-time member of the Board of Trustees/Chancellor’s Council. Robert is a partner in the Lafayette office of Kean Miller practicing with the offshore energy and maritime group.
Robert is recognized by Louisiana Super Lawyers, 2008-2022 (Top 50 in 2018 – 2020). Robert is also recognized in Acadiana Profile’s Top Lawyers for 2014-2022. He is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and recognized by The Best Lawyers in America. Robert is the recipient of the 2019 Federal Bar Association Lafayette Acadiana Chapter’s Inaugural Professionalism Award. Robert has served as president of the Federal Bar Association (Lafayette/Acadiana), the Lafayette Young Lawyers Association and will serve as President of the Lafayette Bar Association (2022-23). Robert and his family are parishioners of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist parish, he has served on the Cathedral Carmel School Advisory Council, St. Thomas More Catholic High School Foundation Board as well as the Ascension Episcopal High School Athletic Booster Club Board.
Lance Strother '96 is an inventor, coach, consultant, speaker, campus minister, musician and teacher. Over the past twenty-two years he has focused on developing people, teams, institutions & businesses. Lance’s passion for life, God and people is evident in all of his work. Lance believes that each person has unique gifts meant to serve the world and he is committed to helping others move forward with that in mind.
As a former college and professional football player, Lance has a passion for sports where he has dedicated time to mentoring and coaching young men. He has used his expertise in sports and coaching as a catalyst into developing companies, communities, families, and individuals. Lance co-invented CatchRite and GreatCatch both patented. GreatCatch is sold in stores globally. Lance travels consulting, speaking and coaching at events, camps, retreats, and conferences across the country.
He graduated from Arkansas Tech with a degree in Business and holds a Master’s Degree in Religious Education and is Director of Campus Ministry at STM . Most importantly, Lance’s main passion is being a husband to Kat and father to his three children, Maddy (STM 2021), Landon, and Gracie. Lance is Co-Owner & Co-Founder of LEAD Professionals Group.
Kyle Kellner '04 has practiced in public accounting since 2007. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and was honored as the University’s Outstanding Graduate. After working with two regional accounting firms, Kyle and his partners founded Singleton, Kellner, Bolding, Avant & Associates, LLC in 2011. In addition to being a Certified Public Accountant he also holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) accreditation and assists clients in all areas of financial planning.
Kyle has helped co-found other business ventures. He has various companies in different industries including nurse staffing, lawn & landscaping, real estate investment/development, and the restaurant/service industry. Over the years he has helped to create hundreds of job opportunities in the Acadiana area. He is very involved in the community and currently serves as the board president of Acadiana Animal Aid and also serves on the board of the Beaver Club civic organization. He has previously served and volunteered with the LA Society of CPAs (Acadiana Chapter board president), Parish Proud, Junior Achievement, and St. Joseph’s Diner. He was selected and graduated from the Leadership Lafayette Class of XXXI. When not working, he enjoys traveling with his wife, Stefanie Kellner (STM 2001), reading, and aviation (he obtained his pilot’s license in 2018).