San Antonio Academy
Nolan Ellis - Class of 2011 (Alumni Monday Speaker)
Nolan Ellis - Class of 2011 (Alumni Monday Speaker)
Nolan Ellis, Class of 2011, joined us as the Alumni Monday speaker during chapel on May 20, 2024. During his presentation, Nolan took a nostalgic trip down memory lane as he shared fond memories from his Academy days along with his life journey and success since graduating.
Nolan attended The Academy as a "lifer" from Pre-K through 8th grade. During his presentation, he highlighted several aspects of his time at SAA, from being in the drum corps to his involvement in sports like football and baseball. He fondly recalled the impact of chapel talks, which often combined sports with gospel teachings, sparking his love for sports and a stronger faith.
He reflected on his Academy experiences with humor, emphasizing the camaraderie and special culture experienced here. He went on to describe his high school years at Antonian College Preparatory, where he played baseball, followed by his collegiate baseball career at the University of the Incarnate Word.
Nolan is currently a successful entrepreneur, having co-founded a popular bar and restaurant on the River Walk called Elsewhere. Despite opening just before the pandemic, Elsewhere thrived, earning accolades including "Best New Bar" in 2020. Although he and his business partner came together from different generations, they support one another and are now working on a second location. The restaurant industry is a challenging career, and Nolan's continued determination and dedication are commendable.
As he concluded his talk, he emphasized the importance of respect, hard work, and cherishing the bonds formed at SAA. He encouraged the boys to appreciate their time at The Academy and assured them that the friendships and lessons learned here would remain invaluable throughout their lives.
About Alumni Mondays: Each Monday, we welcome an Academy alumnus to speak to SAA boys during chapel. During this presentation, our alumni speakers share meaningful stories and lessons from their days at SAA. View Alumni Monday Showcase
Divider Logo
More Stories of Interest...
![Athletic Achievements]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749497861/saacademyorg/drflhxllomecca27m7k2/athleticachievements1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749497861/saacademyorg/drflhxllomecca27m7k2/athleticachievements1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749497861/saacademyorg/drflhxllomecca27m7k2/athleticachievements1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1749497861/saacademyorg/drflhxllomecca27m7k2/athleticachievements1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1749497861/saacademyorg/drflhxllomecca27m7k2/athleticachievements1.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749497861/saacademyorg/drflhxllomecca27m7k2/athleticachievements1.png","width":1800}])
Over the past year, Wildcat athletes gave us much to celebrate. Whether attending early morning cross-country practices or soccer matchups played at Classic Elite Sports Complex, the Middle School athletics teams demonstrated leadership, integrity, and brotherhood through both individual and team triumphs. Here, we celebrate a year of standout achievements from the field, the court, and beyond.
![Foster Jenne Fraternitas Friday]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749244779/saacademyorg/qtyysyqttgl43h1hzwqg/IMG_8607.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749244779/saacademyorg/qtyysyqttgl43h1hzwqg/IMG_8607.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749244779/saacademyorg/qtyysyqttgl43h1hzwqg/IMG_8607.png","width":800}])
On most Fridays during The Academy’s school year, an 8th grader steps up to the chapel podium to deliver a “Fraternitas Friday” speech for the entire school body, reflecting on one of the school’s core values. In the final presentation of the year, Foster Jenné offered a heartfelt message on brotherhood, honoring his older and younger buddies who helped shape his Academy experience, and also inviting each of his fellow Class of 2025 brothers to join him on stage in a powerful display of unity.
![8th grade trip]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747931269/saacademyorg/eiqgl2r7plyq4ur7kslt/8thgradetrip.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747931269/saacademyorg/eiqgl2r7plyq4ur7kslt/8thgradetrip.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1747931269/saacademyorg/eiqgl2r7plyq4ur7kslt/8thgradetrip.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1747931269/saacademyorg/eiqgl2r7plyq4ur7kslt/8thgradetrip.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1747931269/saacademyorg/eiqgl2r7plyq4ur7kslt/8thgradetrip.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1747931269/saacademyorg/eiqgl2r7plyq4ur7kslt/8thgradetrip.jpg","width":2200}])
In the final stretch of the school year, each San Antonio Academy grade, from curious Pre-K boys to graduating 8th-grade leaders, embarked on a purpose-driven End-of-Year Culminating Experience. Designed to extend learning beyond the classroom, each grade-level trip reflected The Academy’s mission to provide an exceptional education intentionally crafted for boys. Whether navigating high ropes courses, trekking the Grand Canyon, or tracing the paths of Texas history, each adventure is anchored in the school’s core values of scholarship, leadership, integrity, and brotherhood.
![Gather Under the Oak Tree]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749176998/saacademyorg/wcxhrdmbgtxsvpocenjg/54540234031_4315ae67f3_c.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749176998/saacademyorg/wcxhrdmbgtxsvpocenjg/54540234031_4315ae67f3_c.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749176998/saacademyorg/wcxhrdmbgtxsvpocenjg/54540234031_4315ae67f3_c.jpg","width":799}])
Generations of Academy alumni gathered for a memorable evening at our annual Gather Under the Oak Tree event. Two dozen alumni spanning the classes of 1959 to 2015, returned to their elementary and middle school alma mater for an evening that honored the past while looking confidently towards the future. Highlights included a "State of The Academy" update, a symbolic walk through the Bondurant Gate, and a nostalgic campus tour.