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Alumni Science Fair Judges
We were grateful to welcome Viking alumni back to Nolan Catholic High School to serve as judges for our 7th Grade Science Fair.
Thank you to our alumni judges for giving back to Nolan Catholic and inspiring the next generation of Vikings through your presence, mentorship, and support.
Front Row (left to right):
Rebeca Pierce-Kondratowitch ’24, Bao-Tran Nguyen ’25, Dominique Mendez ’24, Trang Vu ’24, Angela Lubrano ’21, Madeline Kapavik ’25
Second Row:
Luke Laughlin ’25, Sparky Kemmo ’25, Sean Dang ’25, Katie Aucoin ’25,
Ella Button ’24, Sebastian Harasimiuk ’23, Logan Collier ’24, Grant May ’23, Bea Birbeck ’22
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Senior Reality Check Panel
Some of our alumni recently returned to campus to speak with seniors during a Reality Check panel, offering honest insight, answering thoughtful questions, and helping prepare students for the road ahead. Their willingness to share real experiences and practical advice made for a meaningful and impactful conversation.
Thank you to our alumni for coming home to guide and encourage the next generation of Vikings—your presence is a powerful reminder of the lifelong bonds formed at Nolan Catholic High School.
From left to right:
Ethan Thompson ’25, Andrew Ginani ’24, Gabriel Villarreal ’25, Ashlyn Wessel ’23, Delaney Wessel ’21, Kelsie Kopf ’25, Betsy Weber ’25, Mary Kate Endres ’24, Sydney Cannon ’24, and Ava Glover ’24
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Catholic Schools Week Honorees
Each year during Catholic Schools Week, Nolan Catholic High School honors a member of our community whose faithful service, lasting impact, and lived witness to Catholic education exemplify our mission. This recognition celebrates those who serve not only through their work, but through the way they love, mentor, and walk alongside students and colleagues each day.
This year, we are proud to recognize two extraordinary individuals.
With a combined 45 years of dedicated service, Señor Arturo Beltran and Señora Maria Beltran have been described by our faculty and staff as “the soul and heartbeat of Nolan Catholic.” Their presence has shaped generations of students, not only through excellence in language instruction, but through the genuine care, humility, and generosity they bring to every interaction.
Whether in the classroom, after school, or supporting students beyond academics, Señor and Señora Beltran consistently go above and beyond—modeling compassion, perseverance, and faith in action. Their commitment to their students has never wavered, and their influence extends far beyond the walls of the classroom.
As they approach retirement, we are honored to celebrate their decades of faithful service, kindness, and unwavering dedication to the mission of Catholic education. Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Catholic Schools Week Honorees and saying “Muchísimas gracias” to Señor Arturo and Señora Maria Beltran for the incredible legacy they leave at Nolan Catholic.
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The Class of 2026 College Pennants Are Going Up!
The Class of 2026 college pennants are beginning to line the halls at Nolan Catholic—a tradition that honors where our seniors have been accepted and the journeys ahead of them.
For our alumni, you may recognize a few familiar pennants along the way—schools where you once began your next chapter. It’s a powerful reminder that today’s Vikings are following paths shaped by those who came before them.
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Stephen Breen Memorial Middle School Basketball Tournament Returns to Campus
Nolan Catholic High School is honored to once again host the Stephen Breen Memorial Middle School Basketball Tournament, welcoming teams from across our community for a meaningful week of competition rooted in faith, sportsmanship, and service.
This annual tournament honors the life of Stephen Breen, an alumnus of Saint Andrew Catholic School and Nolan Catholic High School. At just 13 years old, Stephen was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. Throughout his battle, Stephen was known for his courage, humor, and deep concern for others.
Following his passing in 2004, the Stephen Breen Memorial Foundation was established to carry forward his legacy—fulfilling his wish to help children receive a Catholic education and to support families navigating the challenges of childhood cancer.
We are grateful to all who participate, support, and pray with us as we continue this cherished tradition that keeps Stephen’s spirit and mission alive.
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Free admission with this year’s tournament shirt.
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Tournament schedules and brackets are available here.
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Forming Leaders Beyond the Game
At Nolan Catholic High School, athletics matter—but our mission goes far beyond sports. Through competition, we form leaders of character: young men and women who live their faith, serve others, and rise to every challenge with courage and integrity.
That mission is powerfully reflected in Nolan Catholic senior Jimmy Suter, who has earned nominations to three U.S. service academies—a remarkable achievement that speaks to his academic excellence, leadership, and commitment both on and off the field.
Jimmy’s coaches share this about his character and impact:
“Jimmy is a tough, hardworking, and thoughtful student-athlete. He leads with integrity, serves the Lord faithfully, and can always be counted on to do what is right—on and off the field.”
— Tony Savino, Head Football Coach
We are proud of Jimmy and of all our students who allow Christ to shine through their efforts—in athletics, the classroom, the arts, and beyond.
To see how Catholic education is shaping lives across our community, view the 2024–25 Impact Report from the Diocese of Fort Worth.
| | Once a Viking, Always a Viking | | |
Groundhog 63rd Anniversary Celebration - University of Dallas
Groundhog 2026 was a success! Dual alumni of Nolan Catholic and the University of Dallas—Andy Breclaw, Madison Ginani, and Chloe Shearer—braved the bitter cold to celebrate one of the most unique and spirited campus traditions around.
Adding to the Viking pride, Andy Breclaw and Madison Ginani now serve as faculty members at Nolan Catholic, continuing to shape the next generation of Vikings while staying connected to the broader alumni community.
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Alumni Spotlight:
Rick Garnett '99
Once a Nolan Catholic student, now inspires the next generation as a teacher—bringing faith, science, and stewardship together in powerful ways. Through his Ecology Program, students experience Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity while learning what it truly means to care for God’s creation.
Diocese of Fort Worth Storyteller Series
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lgPmhpEBIQ
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Diocese of Fort Worth Alumni Series: Abbey Button ’18
During Catholic Schools Week, the Diocese of Fort Worth celebrated vocations—a call from God to a distinctive way of life. That call may be to the priesthood, the diaconate, religious life, or marriage and parenthood. It is also lived out through the work we do each day, whether as teachers, healthcare professionals, accountants, bus drivers, or in countless other professions.
Abbey Button ’18 reminds us that every vocation is a path to holiness. No matter where God leads us, we are each called to serve, to love, and to bring others closer to Christ through how we live and work.
This reflection is part of the Diocese of Fort Worth Alumni Series, highlighting graduates who continue to live out the mission of Catholic education beyond the classroom.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N15EqNbGwKc
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Alumni Spotlight: Andrew Harper '99
Andrew Harper ’99 continues to lead with purpose and service in higher education, exemplifying the values formed during his time as a Viking.
A graduate of St. Edward's University, Andrew earned his B.A. in English Writing & Rhetoric in 2003 and later completed his Master of Liberal Arts in 2008. His commitment to lifelong learning and student development has shaped a career rooted in leadership, mentorship, and professional formation.
Andrew currently serves as President of the St. Edward’s University Alumni Association, where he works to strengthen alumni engagement and foster meaningful connections across generations of graduates. In addition, he is the Immediate Past President of the Cooperative Education & Internship Association (CEIA), a national organization dedicated to advancing experiential learning and career readiness for students.
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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.
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Nolan Catholic Exceeds 2025 Annual Fund Goal
Thanks to the generosity of our community, Nolan Catholic exceeded its 2025 Annual Fund goal of $150,000 by 39%, raising just over $208,000 in total support. This remarkable achievement includes $101,151 raised through the #iGiveCatholic campaign in December.
We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support of our Viking community, with 428 individual donations made this year, which included incredibly strong participation from Nolan Catholic grandparents.
Annual Fund contributions are vital to supporting the day-to-day operations and programs of the school, helping keep teacher salaries competitive and tuition affordable, and ensuring that Nolan Catholic remains accessible to families now and in the future.
Thank you to all who contributed to the 2025 Annual Fund and for your shared commitment to Catholic education and the continued strength of Nolan Catholic.
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45th Annual Dinner & Auction Highlights
Nolan Catholic recently celebrated its 45th Annual Dinner and Auction, welcoming more than 420 guests for a Mardi Gras–themed evening of fellowship, community, and support for our school. The success of the event reflects the generosity and dedication of our Viking family.
We are grateful to our co-chairs, committee members, volunteers, and faculty and staff whose leadership and service made the evening possible. Proceeds from the event continue to support tuition assistance and important campus enhancements, including the new LED video board and scorer’s table in Hartnett Arena.
Thank you to all who support Nolan Catholic and help ensure that a Catholic education remains accessible while strengthening campus life for current and future Vikings.
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Register or Sponsor the 6th Annual Viking Club Classic!
Monday, April 6, 2026
Shady Valley Country Club | Arlington, TX
The Nolan Catholic Viking Club invites you to participate in the 6th Annual Viking Club Classic, a premier golf event benefiting Nolan Catholic students and the greater school community.
Event Schedule
- Registration: 9:30 a.m.
- Shotgun Start: 11:00 a.m.
Registration includes golf, cart, lunch, beverages, awards, and snacks, along with exciting games, prizes, and a hole-in-one contest.
Early Bird Pricing is available through March 15, so be sure to register early!
Sponsorship opportunities are available, and in-kind and cash donations are welcome. This event is a wonderful way to support Nolan Catholic while enjoying a top-tier golf experience.
To register, sponsor, or learn more, scan the QR code or visit:
https://aesbid.com/ELP/VIKINGS25/
vikingclub@nchstx.org
We look forward to seeing you on the course for a great cause!
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Summer at Nolan Catholic
Each summer, Nolan Catholic comes alive with camps that welcome Future Vikings to campus for learning, skill-building, and fun. From athletics and academics to fine arts and enrichment, our summer camps give younger students a chance to experience the spirit, community, and tradition that alumni know so well.
These camps are often a first step in a student’s Nolan Catholic journey—and a great way for alumni families to share the Viking experience with the next generation.
Learn more and explore camp offerings at https://www.nolancatholic.org/summer-camps.
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Coffee, Talk & Tour | Spring Admissions Events
Thursday, March 27, 2026 | 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Nolan Catholic is welcoming prospective families to campus this spring through Coffee, Talk & Tour, a morning event designed for families exploring our community.
Register HERE
For families unable to attend on these dates, personal tours are available year-round by appointment.
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Nolan Catholic High School
4501 Bridge Street, Fort Worth, TX 76103
817-457-2920 | www.nolancatholic.org
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