Excitement and Energy Fill the Room at 18th Annual Night of the Lion Fundraiser

“The word of the night is ‘new.’ New President, new optimism, new chapter in the history of Saint Viator High School.” That’s how Nick Papanicholas '97 described the energy and excitement that filled the room Saturday at the 18th annual Night of the Lion Fundraiser.

Nick and his wife Katie were the evening’s honorees at the dinner and auction, acknowledging their longtime dedication to the school and the impact their involvement has made.

This year’s Night of the Lion returned to the school and the response was overwhelmingly positive. A crowd of 350 people — including current and past parents, alumni and two tables of the Viatorians — filled the Cahill gymnasium for the formal dinner and auction.

Fr. Thomas von Behren, C.S.V., Saint Viator's chief administrator, opened the formal portion of the evening by welcoming guests.

“To attend this gala event is a testament to the love and care you have for our school,” Fr. von Behren said, “and of our shared mission of providing a Catholic, college preparatory education to young men and women who enter our doors each day.”

Fr. von Behren then introduced Saint Viator’s newly named president of the school, Mr. Ryan Aiello, who begins his term July 1.

“I am so blessed to be here tonight celebrating the Saint Viator community,” he said after being introduced. “This is a truly humbling moment for me, and I am so excited for our future.

“I echo the words of Fr. Tom. I believe our best days are ahead of us,” he added, “and together we’re going to move our school to even greater heights.”

Fr. von Behren also had the job of introducing Nick and Katie Papanicholas. He described their involvement in the school community, including Katie serving on the hockey board and Nick’s role as chairman of the building and grounds committee and as a member of the board of trustees.

“Together, their commitment and dedication are foundational,” Fr. von Behren said, “and have brought us to this time where we enjoy newly remodeled classrooms, air conditioning throughout the school and a learning environment that is first class.”

In accepting their award, Nick and Katie Papanicholas first thanked Fr. Daniel Lydon, C.S.V., the immediate past president of Saint Viator. 

“He really ignited the passion in Katie and me to make a difference,” Nick Papanicholas said. “Without him stoking that fire, Katie and I would not be here tonight.”

In describing their commitment to the school, they pointed to the students and improving the student experience.

“It’s about the future, future students, future athletes,” Nick Papanicholas said. “It’s about the lifelong staff that give so much to our school and our kids. It’s about making an impact on the school and leaving it better than when we found it.

“It’s about believing that the foundation is formed,” he added, “when you walk through those hallways.”