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Dear Viking Alumni,
As I pour over our yearbooks, flip through countless black-and-white photos, and delve into the archives of Nolan Catholic High School, I am struck by the overwhelming sense of joy that defines our community. It’s true that we are known for our four pillars: academics, character, faith, and leadership. But as I study our history, another pillar emerges, quietly supporting all the others: joy.
Joy at Nolan Catholic is not an afterthought; it’s woven into the very fabric of our identity. We have always been a school of high expectations. We enforce the cell phone rule with the same rigor that we approach our academics, and we set standards of behavior that other schools often shy away from. Yet, contrary to what some might think, this seriousness in our mission does not stifle joy—it enhances it.
One of the prime examples of this joyful spirit is the legendary English teacher Josephine Koziol, affectionately known as Mama K (see picture from the Lepanto Yearbook, 1994). Mrs. Koziol was a master at bringing poetry to life through her numerous recitations in the classroom, but her influence reached far beyond academics. She was a regular at Nolan sporting events and pep rallies, always donning her Viking horns and cheering on our teams with as much passion as the students themselves.
Mama K embodied what it means to be part of the Nolan Catholic community—she supported all facets of school life, from sports and academic clubs to Masses and recreational activities. She showed us that joy wasn’t limited to a classroom or a single event, but was present in every corner of the school. Whether in her teaching or her enthusiastic presence at school events, Mama K modeled for generations of students and faculty alike what it meant to pour one’s heart into the life of the school.
It’s this balance that I believe sets Nolan Catholic apart. We do not see high expectations and joy as being at odds with one another. Instead, we believe that true joy comes from living up to those expectations, from knowing that you’ve given your best in an environment that supports and challenges you. And this joy isn’t just confined to the students; it extends to our faculty, our staff, and our community. It’s the thread that connects us all, regardless of the decade in which we walked these halls.
As the leader of this remarkable school, I find myself constantly drawn to our history, devoting time to go through our records, not just out of duty, but out of a genuine love for Nolan Catholic and its rich heritage. I am keenly aware that this history is not just a series of events, but a narrative shaped by the people who have been a part of it—people like you, our alumni.
So as we reflect on our past, let us also look to the future with the same joy that Mama K exemplified. Because at Nolan Catholic, joy is not just a feeling—it’s a tradition.
Kind regards,
Oscar Ortiz
Head of School | Nolan Catholic High School