This year’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian, Sarah Hornick and Samuel Steele, delivered powerful speeches that reflected a common message: true greatness is rooted in faith, gratitude, and service to others.
From Sam’s reminder to lead with humility and live out our Catholic values, to Sarah’s challenge to pursue a life of purpose over prestige, both inspired their classmates to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Read their full speeches below and be reminded why the world needs more leaders like them.
Salutatorian Speech by Samuel Steele, Class of 2025
Good Afternoon, my name is Samuel Steele but everyone knows me as Sam. I am honored and humbled to stand before you as the Salutatorian for the Nolan Catholic High School Class of 2025. I would like to take a moment to welcome my fellow graduates, families, friends, teachers, staff, and members of the diocese who are in attendance for our graduation ceremony. I also want to take a moment to congratulate our Valedictorian, Sarah Hornick, who I was never gonna catch.
I wasn’t sure what I was going to say in this speech, but I did as my mom always tells me, “Say a Hail Mary”. This advice has stuck with me all throughout my life and I know I have said thousands of them, whether before a test, before a race or before giving this speech.
As we prepare to enter the next chapter of our lives, I want to reflect on two values that have been integral to our high school journey: Leadership and Faith. Our motto: Esto Dux has guided us throughout our time here. We have had many opportunities to lead, whether in the classroom, in sports, or in our communities. For me, this has taken the form of being involved in National Honor Society as an officer, being a part of the track and cross country teams, and earning the rank of Eagle Scout. These activities have shaped me into the leader I am today, and have also helped me cultivate lifelong relationships and they were led by great adults that helped support me in my growth . I would like to thank Ms. Farrell for not only being a great chemistry teacher, but also an amazing NHS moderator. She has encouraged and assisted me in many donation drives, as well as helping to grow my love of chemistry. I also want to thank my coaches: Coach Lamb, Coach Weber, Coach Van Zanten, and Coach Cain for supporting me during my running career. Even if I’m not the greatest athlete, they never stopped believing in me. I would like to acknowledge my scoutmasters including, Mr. Ritchey, Mr. Brady, Mr. Horton, Mr. Breen, Mr. Garvett, and my dad, who have been excellent role models during my time in scouts. Out of all my activities, Boy Scouts has had the most profound impact on me. It has taught me respect, loyalty, leadership, and it has allowed me to contribute to the Nolan Catholic community with the construction of the rosary garden in Mary’s Courtyard. Whatever the activities are that you choose to be involved in, let us always be leaders who use the lessons Nolan Catholic has taught us: humility, integrity, compassion, and kindness.
During our four years at Nolan, our journey has been shaped by our Catholic Education, which has not only helped us academically but has also given us a strong foundation for a relationship with God. Nolan is a community that values service, prayer, and love. Weekly school mass, the emphasis on the sacraments, and theology classes have all contributed to a growth with God and my faith. During my many years at Catholic school, this faith has taken the form of strong relationships I’ve made — with friends who truly encourage me, and with teachers whose guidance represent the values of Nolan Catholic. Standing here today, I am extremely grateful for the friendships I have made through my journey in Catholic Schools. These friends have supported me for so many years, and I would like to personally thank William, Harding, Charlie, Davlon, Kipp, Luke, and of course, Nicholas Ritchey, who was the only person I told about being named salutatorian. He literally told everyone he saw, and if he didn’t tell you personally, he said it loud enough to hear. This is the type of friendship I value because he always supports me when I’m successful, and he’s my biggest cheerleader. Thank you, Nicholas. The past four years I have been blessed with so many amazing teachers, a few of them have made a lasting impression: Mrs. Guhl, Mr. Freese, Mr. Reyes, Mrs. Thompson and Dr. Hubbard. Since my freshman year, Dr. Hubbard has been a persistent source of encouragement and always gently suggested new pursuits, from becoming an ambassador, running cross country and track, or in the classroom. Thank you so much, Dr. Hubbard. Finally, I would like to thank my family. First my sister Bella. Your faith and commitment to others and God has always inspired me. I am glad we have so many great memories together and I can't wait to make more.I would not be the person I am today without you. I love you. Next, my parents. I want to thank my dad for always working so hard to provide me with the opportunity to attend Catholic School. Also, your commitment to medicine has motivated me to do the same with my life. Last but certainly not least, my mom. Mom, you have always encouraged me to not only be the best student I can be, but also the best person I can be. Your immense support and high energy have been a conduit for my success. I love you both. As we’ve seen, Catholic Education is more than just academics, it creates unbreakable friendships, formation of the mind by wonderful teachers, and allows students to live lives rooted in faith.
Finally, Class of 2025, I would encourage you to be Faithful, Be a Leader, and as Coach Cain always says Be Great. Congratulations, and may God bless you in all your future endeavors. Thank You!
Valedictorian Speech by Sarah Hornick, Class of 2025
Hello ladies and gentlemen, for those of you who may not know me I am Sarah Hornick and I am truly honored and humbled to stand before you today as the Valedictorian. But, I want to first congratulate you, Class of 2025, on making it through high school. I remember as we first entered the halls of Nolan, we hurrying through the crowded halls dodging all the towering upperclassmen. It was a time of a lot of unknowns. We were unsure how we would make friends, unsure how we would pass this class, and unsure where in the world D hall was. It was the year of a block schedule, a football run to regionals, and the lovely Mrs. Rios as our principal. After Freshman year, our time here at Nolan was full of changes. As a class we underwent 5 schedule changes, switched from a traditional student council to a house system, changed administrations, transferred from a principal to a head of school, and saw fellow classmates enter and leave our class. Despite all this change and unknown, the class of 2025, through it all, we remained constant with a tenacious spirit and love for one another.
Much of that was thanks to the constants within our lives. And no, I am not just talking about the C hall bathroom or the Common’s burritos. I am talking about all the people that were there for us no matter what, always willing to lend a helping hand or a piece of loving advice. I would like a few moments of your time to thank some of those people now:
To Our Creator, who placed us together at this school, granted us life, and never left our side no matter how far we strayed away from Him.
To the Nolan Catholic faculty and staff, from Mrs. Bosquez's constantly supplying us snacks to Mr. Cox constantly bringing us joy with his music. Our teachers taught us not only from the syllabus but from their heart, pouring in their love and passion into every lesson. For that, we thank you.
To Campus Ministry, which always pushed us to go out into the community and give back through service, ensuring we had access to the sacraments, and Mass every week. We thank you.
To the maintenance crew who always ensured our classrooms were clean and ready for us every day. We see you and we thank you.
To every family member here today or those who could not make it, thank you for giving your support and guiding us to this moment. Hopefully you are proud of us, because as I look at the beautiful souls in this class, I think you really should be.
Class of 2025, I implore you to thank all the people who remained a constant within your life and brought you to this moment. I know for certain you would not be the caring men and women you are today without them. And I know I would not be standing before you today as the valedictorian if it wasn’t for the constant support and caring nature of my loved ones. For that I would like to thank my family: my mother, father, sisters: Katie and Emmy, and my brother Gus. My friends and classmates: Katie Aucoin, Joanna McLean, Betsy Weber, Reese Maldonado, Kimberly Garcia, Isabella Rodriguez, and Gracie Miranda. And my mentors: Dr. Hubbard, Mrs. Thompson, Mr. Calvin, Mrs. Lester, Mr. Freese, Ms.Yarmchuk and Jentry Yates. Thank you for being there for both my highs and lows, and keeping me continuously grounded in your love.
Class of 2025, not only are you impacted by the constants within your life, you also have an impact on them as well. To remind you of this impact and your tenacious heart, I have contacted a few former Viking teachers, coaches, and administrators, asking them to reflect on your time at Nolan and its effect on them. In response to my question, our former principal Mrs Rios remarked, “You came in as Freshmen, full of curiosity, energy, and potential. I've had the privilege of watching this class grow into leaders filled with integrity, testing the boundaries, learning from challenges, and continuing with persistence, persevering to accomplishment.” Or take these words from former Theology teacher Mr Mason, who wrote, “I believe that the year I spent teaching you will always be the most cherished year of my career, and I sincerely miss you. You were and are a special group, so genuine and engaging. Remember that God created you for happiness, for greatness, to be fully alive; life is meant to be lived, not merely survived.” Last but certainly not least the former head of athletics and football coach, Coach KJ Williams might convince you “At Nolan Catholic, you embraced a "we, not me" mentality, understanding the power of unity and teamwork. Your class was Tough and selfless in your actions and that has prepared you to make a positive impact on the world. So I ask you this class of 2025, Carry these values with you, spread joy, and continue to serve others with integrity and compassion. The world needs your light—go out and make a difference!”
Not only did these amazing former Vikings have an impact on you, your relentless character and heart had an impact on them. Never forget how much you are loved by those around you.
Class of 2025, soon we will venture off into college and our own journeys. We will go from Vikings, to Aggies, Longhorns, Frogs, Fighting Irish, and so many others. Much like Freshman year we will enter a new stage of unknowns and changes, I am certain that you will face it with the same tenacious spirit as you did throughout your time at Nolan. As you move from this stage to the next, I want to give you one last piece of advice, a lesson I learned amidst the struggle of pursuing my greatest goal. I knew from the moment I entered the halls of Nolan, I wanted to be the Valedictorian, so I worked hard for it. For four years, I studied for hours every night, grew in a caffeine addiction, and went through about a million flashcards, not kidding. Quickly I found that the pursuit of this title consumed my life. I thought when the final moment came, everything would fall into place, making all the stress and anxiety worth it. However, when I stood before the class and the final moment came, I remember my name being announced, and I remember feeling that something was still lacking. For the past four years, I thought receiving this title would make every sleepless night and problem disappear in the face of this momentous achievement. But by the end, something changed, and it was not merely about the medal I received. I poured hours of blood, sweat, and tears into a title, one that I should be proud of. But, I realized within my final moments in high school, that I mistakenly placed this title as my god. This misalignment in my life makes it seem to the world and the people around me that I have everything together. However, when I misaligned my goals, it left me unfulfilled, and with an insatiable desire for more inside my soul. When we place anything but God as the center of our lives, we will constantly run around trying to fill our lives in some other way. Many of you might relate to my story in one way or another. Maybe your life has also been misaligned at times. You may think partying, sports, followers on Instagram, having certain friends, or money, or even just trying to look like you have the perfect life in the eyes of the world, is the most important thing in your life. But ask yourself truly, when you go to bed every night do you rest easy and fulfilled? Ask yourself, are you truly satisfied and happy or are you just too busy to tell the difference? Although this struggle proved a hard lesson for me in high school, I am glad it happened at the ripe old age of 18 because what a tragedy it would be for me to get to the end of my life only to realize I lived it according to only what the world said was important or worthwhile. Because Class of 2025, I promise you at the end of your life your tombstone will not read multimillionaire, Harvard lawyer, or CEO. What it will hopefully say is a devout spouse, generous friend, caring parent, and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. As you go off, ensure that you pour most of your energy, not into passing awards, accolades, or status symbols, but into the realities that will live beyond you: firstly, your character, paying attention to who you are becoming, and secondly your relationships with friends, family, and most importantly God. I beg you, class of 2025, as you go off and accomplish great things, do not be a leader in name alone, but seek to change lives by the way you treat those around you. You do not have a fancy title or be rich to change the world, you can change the world by showing the light of Christ in your everyday actions. If you do not believe me, trust one of the most brilliant scientists, Albert Einstein as he once said, “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” Seniors, choose to live worthwhile wherever life takes you. I implore you to strive to live a fulfilled life rather than a prestigious one. I would like to congratulate you again, Class of 2025- go make your mark on the world and set the world on fire with your tenacious heart.
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