Proud American Catholics
(L-R) David Granados, Daniel Cantarella, Brigid Connors, Trifon Walser, James Suter, and Daniel Johnson pose for a photo outside of Nolan Catholic High School. (NTC/Juan Guajardo)
Since the war for independence 250 years ago — when a diverse army of citizen soldiers in their teens and early 20s defeated a world power — the U.S. has always relied on the optimism, resiliency, and ideological commitment of its young people.
Nowhere are those traits more evident than in the 2026 graduating class of Nolan Catholic High School. In addition to earning $17.5 million in scholarships from some of the nation’s top-tier schools, the senior class boasts five members appointed to service academies and one accepted into a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program.
Trifon Walser, son of Lindsay and Billy Karant, will attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; Daniel Johnson, son of Robert and Jennifer Johnson, is appointed to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy; David Granados, son of Jesse and Deborah Granados, will go to the U.S. Naval Academy; Daniel Cantarella, son of Chris and Karin Cantarella, was accepted to the U.S. Air Force Academy; Brigid Connors, daughter of Michael and Shannon Connors, is headed to the U.S. Naval Academy; and James Suter, son of James and Madison Suter, was awarded an NROTC scholarship to University of Notre Dame.
All six students exhibit purpose-driven leadership, strong academics, and a willingness to serve God and country.
“At Nolan Catholic we talk about being a servant leader. There’s a reason for this,” said Clint Weber, president of Nolan Catholic High School. “Our faith teaches us there is something bigger and more important than just our own individual will, desire, or self-preservation.
“Whether they choose to join ROTC, the service academies, or direct entry via enlistment, we are incredibly proud of all our Nolan Catholic men and women,” continued Weber, a former Marine fighter pilot. “After all, these acts of service are true, authentic patriotism.”
A big commitment
Brigid Connors hopes to pilot jets after graduating from the Naval Academy, but a love of science and curiosity about how things work and move are only part of that career decision.
“A pilot is the first line of response for people needing help on the front lines of war,” explained the swim team captain, band drum major, and varsity track pole vaulter. “I prayed a lot about it. I wanted to make the right decision because it’s such a big commitment.”
The St. Vincent de Paul in Arlington parishioner said attending Nolan allowed her to experience different activities, learn a lot about herself, and grow in faith.
“It set me up very well for my future by having high-level advance placement classes for college credits,” she continued.
Connors’ appointment comes just as the U.S. observes the 50th anniversary of admitting female cadets to service academies. Less than 10 percent of military pilots are women.
“I’m looking forward to growing that number,” the 18-year-old said.
My dream school
After receiving acceptance letters from the Army, Air Force, and Navy service academies, James Suter decided to attend University of Notre Dame — a school honored as the nation’s top NROTC unit in the nation. An NROTC program provides tuition, stipends, and training during a traditional college experience while preparing students to serve as naval officers after graduation.
Passing up a service academy was difficult, admitted the 17-year-old parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Keller.
“For over a month I prayed, reflected, and talked with my family and [Nolan chaplain] Father [Brett] Metzler,” Suter explained. “Notre Dame had the Catholic community I wanted. It was always my dream school.”
Knowing there’s not much downtime at a service academy, family was another consideration.
I’ll get to see all my younger siblings more,” he added. “I didn’t want to miss out on their childhoods.”
The captain of the football and baseball team described Nolan as a close-knit community where the students support one another. He’s looking for a similar college environment.
“I want to fly. That’s my goal,” said Suter, who plans to study psychology as an undergraduate. “Learning how people think and being able to relate to them will help me be a better leader in the Navy.”
Building character
Applying to a service academy was never on Daniel Cantarella’s radar until he caught the attention of a coach at the U.S. Air Force Academy.
The 18-year-old joined the Nolan football team as a junior and started honing his kicking skills. Before receiving an offer from the Air Force Academy, he hoped to play for a Division I college.
Cantarella remained undecided until a visit to the Colorado Springs campus tipped the scales.
“I was stunned by how amazing it was,” he recalled. “I believe you set yourself up for success not with money but character. After my visit, I knew these were the best people to develop my character and ability to make tough decisions.”
The soon-to-be cadet credits Nolan with giving him a firm foundation in faith.
“As I take this next step, it shouldn’t be hard for me to calm my mind and know that God is with me,” said the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parishioner who plans to study business management.
Excited to serve
Daniel Johnson will follow in the footsteps of his brother, Robert, at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Seeing his sibling thrive at the institution influenced his decision.
“I saw the potential and opportunities you get from attending a military academy,” said the 17-year-old St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parishioner. “My father was in the Army, so the military is in my roots. I want to serve my country and get a top-tier education.”
Nominated for outstanding featured performer during the 14th Annual Broadway Dallas High School Musical Theater Awards for his portrayal as Andrew Carnes in Nolan’s production of “Oklahoma,” Johnson enjoyed theater, basketball, and serving as captain of the school’s Siena House. He’s preparing for his new role as cadet by doing 100 push-ups every morning in addition to cardio and pool workouts.
“There are a lot of steps in the application process, but it’s worth the $300,000-valued education,” Johnson pointed out. “I’m willing and excited to serve. I don’t see it as a burden.”
Proud to be American
Recognized as the most outstanding swimmer at the TAPPS state meet with the Bruce Rollins award, Trifon Walser’s first place finishes helped earn him a spot at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
“I was already looking at some of the military academies when the swim coach reached out to me,” said the athlete who excels at the 200 and 500 freestyle events. “I’d never heard of the Merchant Marine, so I went up to New York, and it was better than other service academies I visited.”
Looking at post-college graduation job opportunities cemented his decision.
“I can choose to go into any of the military services or stay a civilian and work in the maritime industry,” Walser added.
The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School alumnus enjoyed swim practice at the 25-meter, 10-lane pool on Nolan’s campus.
“Other schools don’t have that,” he said. “Being close to my coaches and teammates definitely helped me do well.”
The Eagle Scout looks forward to serving his country, adding, “I’m proud to be an American.”
Finding faith
Captain of the cross-country team, the male lead dancer in the Ballet Folklorico troupe, and co-founder of a culinary class, David Granados always considered himself a leader.
“Attending the Naval Academy is the best way I can give back and be the servant leader I want to be,” said the parishioner of St. Andrew in Fort Worth. “I’d like to be a pilot but working on a submarine is a possibility. I really want to major in physics.”
The application process was a roller coaster of ups and downs, but his faith helped him deal with the uncertainty.
“When I visited Annapolis, I was still questioning whether this was the education I wanted, but I had the opportunity to talk with the chaplain and go to Mass,” Granados explained. “That really showed me I can find my faith up here.”
The high school graduate, who attended grade school at Holy Family in Fort Worth, believes this is an amazing era in history to be alive.
“We’re a nation with a strong foundation,” he said. “It’s going to be an honor to say I served at this time.”