Dear Nolan Catholic Viking Alumni, Parents, and Benefactors,

We are honored and excited to inform you about many recent accomplishments and achievements across the Nolan Catholic community. At Nolan Catholic, we are committed to our Four Pillars of Academics, Faith Formation, Character Development, and Leadership. Our students embrace these foundational values every day!

Academically, our Vikings are excelling. We’re pleased to report that we have one National Merit Semifinalist and three students commended. Nolan Catholic has also been recognized on the College Board AP Honor Roll for being in the top 20% of all eligible schools for AP achievement nationally.

At Nolan Catholic, we know that faith formation is the priority. We are most proud of our two recent alumni, Eric Hernandez ‘18, and Joshua Keifer ’21, who have answered the call toward priesthood and enrolled as Seminarians in the Diocese of Fort Worth. Gentlemen, thank you for saying “yes” to our Church; we’re praying for you. This fall, Campus Ministry executed two class retreats and resurrected the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Victory by praying a school-wide rosary and celebrating the Blessed Virgin.

Freshman Diana Uytingco was a national grand prize winner of the Missionary Childhood Association Christmas Artwork Contest and was honored to have her picture taken with Bishop Olson. Freshmen lead the way at Nolan Catholic; awesome work, Diana! In other fine arts news, two Nolan Catholic students earned parts in the Broadway Dallas Performance Ensemble; Krista Farry and Ty Wise, great effort and work.

Our athletics teams have performed incredibly. They have committed their time, blood, sweat, and tears on the field, on the court, and on the trail. Most importantly, they’ve competed as teammates with tenacity, and they have demonstrated the will to never quit. Both are important hallmarks of Viking athletics. This effort has resulted in both our Men’s and Women’s Cross-Country Teams and our Women’s Volleyball Team earning the title of District Champions. The work isn’t done yet; we’re praying for their success at the State Tournaments next week. Let’s bring home the banners!

These are just the highlights of what has been a great start to the school year. All of our students are excelling, all belong, and we are committed as a faculty and staff to help them be the absolute very best they can be, in every way. As we strive for excellence together and support each other along the way, please know of our prayers and support for all of you. We’re grateful for your love and your support, and our desire is to make you proud as graduates and supporters of Nolan Catholic High School.

Esto Dux!

Clint Weber, President

Susan LoCoco, Principal

Around the Circle

National Merit Honors

Nolan Catholic High School is proud to recognize its students who have been honored by the National Merit Scholarship Program, one of the nation’s most prestigious academic distinctions.

National Merit Semifinalist

Luke Melnick (far right)

Mr. Melnick joins an elite group of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists nationwide, representing less than one percent of all U.S. high school seniors.

National Merit Commended Students

Noah Pham, Brigid Connors, and Josephine Vu (from left to right)

These students were recognized as Commended Scholars for their outstanding academic performance, placing among the top three percent of test-takers nationally.

Each of these students exemplifies the intellectual curiosity, discipline, and pursuit of excellence that define a Nolan Catholic education. The entire Nolan community extends its heartfelt congratulations to these exceptional scholars.

AP Faculty Recognition

Excellence in the classroom begins with extraordinary educators. Nolan Catholic High School is proud to recognize the members of its Advanced Placement (AP) faculty whose students achieved outstanding success on the 2024 AP Exams. This past spring, more than 90% of Nolan Catholic students scored a 3 or higher, reflecting both their dedication and the exceptional instruction they receive.

The following faculty members are commended for their exemplary leadership and commitment to academic rigor:

Ms. Heidt – English III
Ms. Farrell – Chemistry
Ms. Yarmchuk – European History, U.S. History
Mr. Freese – Precalculus
Mrs. Guhl – World History
Mrs. Crittenden – 2D Art & Design, Drawing

Through their expertise, creativity, and unwavering support of their students, these educators embody the Nolan Catholic mission to form scholars who pursue truth and excellence in all things.

Cross Country Teams Capture District Titles

The Nolan Catholic boys’ and girls’ cross country teams have each claimed the District Championship, marking a remarkable achievement in what has already been a stellar season for both programs.

The teams now turn their focus to the TAPPS State Championships, which will take place on Monday, October 27, in Waco, where they aim to conclude their extraordinary seasons with another strong showing on the state stage.

Lady Vikings Claim District Title

The Lady Vikings Volleyball team has officially been crowned District Champions, capping off a dominant regular season.

Finishing undefeated in district play (6–0) and boasting an impressive 21–10 overall record, the Lady Vikings have solidified their place among the premier programs in the area.

They’ll take on Southwest Christian in a tune-up game before heading into the playoffs — where they’ll host the first-round matchup. Stay tuned for playoff details coming soon!

Viking Band and Drumline Earn Top Honors at State Championships

The Nolan Catholic Viking Band and Drumline continue to set the standard for excellence in the performing arts, earning top distinctions at this year’s TAPPS Marching and Field Championships.

At the TAPPS State Marching and Field Championships, the Viking Band delivered a powerful and polished performance, earning recognition as the State Runner-Up among an exceptional field of competitors.

The Viking Drumline achieved the pinnacle of success, capturing the title of State Champions in their division.

Catch the Viking Band and State Champion Drumline performing at Homecoming on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Nolan Catholic High School.

Fine Arts Students Selected for Broadway Dallas Performance Ensemble

Nolan Catholic High School proudly celebrates seniors Ty Wise and Christa Farry, who have been selected for the Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theatre Awards (HSMTA) Performance Ensemble.

Chosen from among hundreds of talented students across the Dallas–Fort Worth area through a highly competitive audition process, Ty and Christa will represent both Broadway Dallas and the Viking community at performances and events throughout the year.

Freshman Wins National Art Contest

Nolan Catholic High School proudly congratulates freshman Diana Uytingco, an alumna of Saint Andrew Catholic School in Fort Worth, for being named a national grand prize winner in the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) Christmas Artwork Contest.

Diana was honored by Bishop Michael Olson during the World Mission Sunday Mass in recognition of her artistic achievement. Her winning artwork will serve as the official national Christmas card for the Pontifical Mission Societies, sharing a message of faith and hope with communities around the world.

This remarkable honor highlights both Diana’s creative talent and the strength of the Catholic formation that continues to inspire students within the Nolan Catholic community.

Once a Viking, Always a Viking

Vocations Spotlight

Nolan Catholic High School proudly celebrates alumni who continue to live out their faith through vocations to the priesthood.

Eric Hernandez ’18 continues his formation for the priesthood at St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, Joshua Keifer ’21 has recently answered God’s call and is now a seminarian at St. Joseph Seminary College in Covington, Louisiana. His journey of faith and discernment serves as a profound witness to the strength of the Catholic formation fostered at Nolan Catholic.

In addition to celebrating alumni vocations, Nolan Catholic remains committed to fostering spiritual growth among its families and community. Opportunities for prayer and fellowship include a monthly Mothers’ Mass, the Black Coffee Brotherhood for fathers, a weekly Friday Rosary, and the work of the Catholic Culture Committee, which supports the school’s mission to form students in faith and virtue.

Hall of Fame Inductee: Stephanie Hunter Gavin ’08

Nolan Catholic High School is honored to announce that Stephanie Hunter Gavin ’08 will be inducted into the Nolan Catholic High School Hall of Fame during Homecoming on Friday, November 7, 2025.

A proud member of the Class of 2008, Mrs. Gavin exemplifies the values of faith and service that define the Nolan Catholic tradition.

From Viking Blue to Royal Blue: Zach Cawyer '21 Advances to Double-A

Nolan Catholic High School proudly recognizes Zach Cawyer ’21 for his continued success in professional baseball. A standout athlete during his time as a Viking, Zach has worked his way up through the Kansas City Royals organization and now competes at the Double-A level with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.

Katie Hoang '22 Named TCU Outstanding Senior Award Nominee

Nolan Catholic High School proudly celebrates Katie Hoang ’22, who was recently recognized as an Outstanding Senior Award Nominee at Texas Christian University’s 2025 Homecoming. Katie, pictured front and center in the TCU Homecoming photo, continues to exemplify the leadership, integrity, and spirit that marked her years as a Viking.

Faith and Formation Abroad: Grace Zaucha '23 Shares Her Notre Dame Journey

Nolan Catholic alumna Grace Zaucha '23, now at the University of Notre Dame (Class of 2026), continues to exemplify faith, reflection, and curiosity in action. This fall, Grace was featured in a Notre Dame video reel highlighting her study abroad experience in Scotland as a first-generation student, where she reflected on learning, independence, and faith abroad.

Grace also contributed a powerful Gospel Reflection for Notre Dame’s FaithND series, inspired by her pilgrimage to Mexico City with Campus Ministry. Drawing on her mother’s immigration story, she wrote about cultivating a “pilgrim heart," one open to God’s unexpected call and the journey toward holiness. Read her full reflection at faith.nd.edu/daily-gospel/august-10-2025.

Notre Dame Bound: Nolan Catholic Alumni Gathering

Several Nolan Catholic alumni now attending the University of Notre Dame recently gathered for a send-off celebration. Pictured: Back row – Sparky Kemmo '25; Front row – Sarah Hornick '25, Grace Zaucha '23, Rebeca Pierce Kondratowitch '24, Betsy Weber '25, and Anthony Nguyen '24.

Homecoming Weekend Is Almost Here!

Thursday, November 6

Join fellow alumni, faculty, and friends for Alumni Mass at 9:25 a.m. in Hartnett Arena, followed by a reception at 10:30 a.m. in the IDEA Building.

Please [RSVP Here] by Thursday, October 30, at noon

Friday, November 7

Join us for an exciting evening of Homecoming festivities, including the Alumni Dinner, Viking Varsity Football vs. Trinity Christian Academy, Hall of Fame Induction, and Homecoming Court.

Friday Schedule

5:00–7:00 p.m. – Alumni BBQ & Tours in Hartnett Arena
5:00 p.m. – Gates Open
Family Fun Zone: Free bounce houses (sponsored by the Viking Club) and carnival-style games hosted by the National Honor Society.
7:00 p.m. – Kickoff

Please [RSVP Here] by Thursday, October 30, at noon to help us prepare.

Tickets:

Purchase football tickets online and use code NCHSALUMNI25 at checkout for a complimentary alumni ticket.

We can’t wait to celebrate Homecoming Weekend with our Viking alumni family!

Viking Family, We’d Love to Hear from You!

Have you recently moved, updated your contact information, or reached a new milestone? We want to stay connected and celebrate with you! Whether it’s a college update, a career achievement, or a special life event, we’d love to share your story with the Nolan Catholic community.

Submit your news using the form below — your update may be featured in an upcoming issue of our Viking Connections, in The Shield, or on our social media channels

Alumni Update

Support Nolan Catholic

Grandparents, Mark Your Calendars!

Nolan Catholic's Grandparents' Day is Friday, November 21, from 12:15-3:00 pm!

This year's event will include Mass with Fr. Metzler, and performances by the Nolan Catholic Band, Cheerleaders, Royelle Dance Team, and Ballet Folklorico La Vikina. Enjoy personal tours of your grandchildren's classes, as well as the natatorium, IDEA Building, and renovated chapel. Nolan Catholic's Spirit Shop will be open if you'd like to do a little shopping!

Please rsvp using the button below. If you have any questions about Grandparents' Day, please contact Lindsay Casey, Major Events Coordinator, at 817-395-0254

RSVP

Annual Fund NEW Leadership Perks!

If you give (or have given) at the $2,500 level or above by November 6, you will receive one reserved parking space plus two admission tickets to the Homecoming game on November 7. If this includes you, we will be emailing you with a pass and tickets. Donate Now

As another option for your year-end giving, Nolan Catholic is participating in #iGIVECATHOLIC on Tuesday, December 2. Donations made through #iGIVECATHOLIC support Nolan Catholic's Annual Fund and make our school eligible to receive "bonus" funding.

Please contact Rose Hall Welborn at 817-292-4355 with any questions about the leadership perks or the Nolan Catholic Annual Fund.

Nolan Mardi Gras Dinner & Auction

Please join us for a grand night of fun, full of great New Orleans food, silent and live auctions, raffles, and Dixieland band! This is the main social event of the year for Nolan Catholic parents, alumni, and grandparents.

A gentle reminder: if you give at the $2,500 leadership level of the Annual Fund, you will receive a complimentary reserved table for 10 at the Mardi Gras Dinner Auction on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Hurst Center.

Sponsorhip and Underwriting Opportunities

Nolan Catholic High School

4501 Bridge Street, Fort Worth, TX 76103

817-457-2920 | www.nolancatholic.org

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