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