Learning the ropes ~ The guidance department took 20 students to UTA on Jan. 5 for a Pre-College Program put on by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE, Inc.) The students were given information about what it takes to succeed in high school and in college as well as information about Engineering as a career choice. Former Dallas Cowboys football legends Michael Downs, Emerson Walls, Michael Kislak and Greg Hill presented on what it takes to succeed as a minority including the importance of having a goal and surrounding yourself with quality people. "Our students conducted themselves maturely and received some very good basic career and college advice," complimented Mrs. Patty Kulpa

National Honor Society/National Junior Honor Society ~ Tapping Ceremony - Feb 4 in the Auditorium. Students will be formally invited to become members in NHS/NJHS at this time, after a review of their service, leadership, and character evaluations. Also, the NHS/NJHS Induction will be held in the ARENA at 7pm on February 15 (note change in location from school calendar.) A reception will follow the induction ceremony.

NHS gift-wrapping fundraiser raised over $300 for the Tarrant County Food Bank. Thank you to the faculty/staff, parents, alumni and friends for bringing your gifts to be wrapped.

Speech & Debate Team Tournament Results

Mardi Gras 2005 ~ Raffle ticket sales are going well. Students, get those tickets in by Feb. 4. Top prizes are still up for grabs.

Mardi Gras Event Set-up - Students, do you need CM hours? Parents do you know if your student needs more CM hours? Join the Mardi Gras parent volunteers and other students on Saturday, February 5 at 9:30 am at the Doral Tesoro Hotel and Golf Club - 3300 Championship Parkway - Fort Worth, TX 76177 for the Mardi Gras decorations and event set-up.

Divisional Parent Socials Volunteers Needed ~ To All Current Parents - Are you interested in meeting other parents from your child's class? Do you like to coordinate social activities? Have we got a deal for you! The Development Office of NCHS is in the process of organizing a social activity for the parents in each Division. We are in the process of setting up an initial meeting. If you would like to volunteer to assist with this activity, please contact Meg Pelzel, Director of Development, at 817-457-2920 ext. 1559, email mpelzel@nolancatholichs.org, or Carol Cradick, Divisional Parent Social Coordinator, at 817-265-0307.

Project Graduation ~ Have you upgraded you mobile phones recently? Do you have old mobile phones taking up space at home? Think about this! If every student brought in 1 cell phone, in any condition, battery or not, Project Graduation could make over $1,000.00. Bring in those old phones to any drop-off box throughout the school by Valentine's Day, February 14 and help out Project Graduation!

Nolan Catholic junior Cory Zebian, was recognized as the Cadet of the Year for the Texas Region by the United States Naval Sea Cadets Corps at their Annual Awards Dinner on January 22.

The Cadet of the Year award acknowledges the Sea Cadet who distinguishes himself or herself by exceptionally meritorious service to the Naval Sea Cadets Corps.

Prior to his state-wide recognition, Cory was named the Cadet of the Year for the Lone Star Squadron of the Naval Sea Cadets Corps, his local unit. He also received the Navy League Youth Medal and ribbon from the Navy League of the United States, recognizing excellence by participants in the Naval Sea Cadets Corps.

As the Texas regional award winner, Cory is eligible for the national Sea Cadet of the Year award, to be announced in March.

Mrs. Janet Rodriquez, ceramic artist and Nolan Catholic parent gave a mesmerizing performance as she revealed the secrets of the "art of the potter".

Janet was invited to demonstrate techniques of throwing on the wheel by Moira McCarthy, the art teacher at NCHS, on Thursday, January 27 in the art studio.

As Janet fashioned two vessels in each presentation, the students learned the necessity of mastering "centering" and "collaring." From the two basic forms of cylinder and bowl, they witnessed the transformation to more complex forms and the personalizing techniques that has made Janet's business so successful. Mrs. Rodriguez was once Nolan Catholic's campus minister and Christian Ministry director. She left in the early 80s to found Hart Street Pottery. In addition to unique art pieces and housewares, Janet has served the Church making crosses, Eucharistic vessels, baptismal fonts and earthenware pitchers and bowls for the Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday celebrations. Visit the NCHS main office to see her talent, our cross symbolizing the religious institutions that have served Nolan Catholic High School.

Thank you to Mrs. Rodriguez for sharing her love of pottery in the service of God's people.

Lady Viking Soccer ~ The Lady Vikings Soccer team continues to press forward during another successful year. At 14-5-0 the Lady Vikings continue to gain local, regional, and national respect. The varsity girls team is considered one of the best teams in the country consistently breaking into the National Rankings in the Top 25.

above PHOTO by Lepanto photographer, Brad Lengen '05

With a 6-2-0 district record, the Lady Vikings finish District 1-6A runners-up behind Ursuline (8-0-0). NCHS receives a first round bye into the playoffs and will host the Regional Championship at Doskocil Stadium on February 12. The regional champion will advance to the Final Four at Baylor University the following weekend.

The Lady Vikings are very excited about their chances of advancing to the Final Four and getting an opportunity to compete for a State Championship for the 8th time in the past decade. Sophomore forward, Jackie Torda leads the Vikings with a career- high 24 goals and 10 assists. Senior, Audrey Brown looks to add to her 20 point season, as well as freshman, Shelby Campbell along with the rest of the Lady Vikings as they look to continue their season deep into the playoffs.

High school soccer careers will come to an end at the conclusion of this season for seven seniors: Charla Baker, Audrey Brown, Caitlin Gallagher, Reghan Grasty, Katherine Henscheid, Brittany O'Brien, and Heather Ulliman. Our seniors will be honored at the final regular season home game on February 8 vs. Arlington Heights at 8:00pm.

Visit the Vikings online for scores, standings and other athletic news.

Get your Spirit Gear! Viking Spirit Gear products are available now. Visit the Spirit Gear stores in the Arena during athletic events. If you prefer shopping at home, The Spirit Gear online store is now open for business through the NCHS web site.