20th Annual Night of the Lion a Smashing Success

The energy was electric at the 20th annual Night of the Lion fundraiser Saturday night. The 465 guests raised their paddles early and often in support of the Viator Foundation, with an emphasis on tuition assistance, making a Catholic education accessible. 

The emcee for the evening, Head Football Coach Robbie Gould, noticed the excitement right at the outset.

“I love the energy tonight. This is great, it’s fantastic,” Coach Gould said. “Tonight is our largest fundraiser. This event has the unique ability to bring people together who are invested in our school, not only today but tomorrow as well.”

In fact, the crowd was a mix of incoming, current, and alumni parents as well as alumni of all ages joining members of the Clerics of St. Viator and Saint Viator administrators, faculty, and staff.

Saint Viator President Ryan Aiello welcomed the crowd, as he described many of this year’s accomplishments, including its historic year in athletics, as well as its environmental commitment by installing solar panels and a strong incoming freshman class.

“We as a community are committed to raising the bar of everything we do at Saint Viator,” Aiello said, adding, “Viator is back, Viator is here to stay, and Viator is thriving.” 

In the early years of the Night of the Lion, Father Charles Bolser remembered, “We were looking for a way to bring people together who cared about the school, its teachers, and the students,” Father Bolser said before the dinner. “It’s all about creating community.”

The evening included presenting the Saint Viator Legacy Award to Michael '95 and Melissa Canning, recognizing their commitment to Saint Viator High School. In addition to generously supporting the school financially, Melissa has served on the NOL committee for two years.

In receiving the award, Michael credited his father, John Canning, with instilling in him and his siblings a commitment to Catholic education. 

“He had a passion for Catholic education and seeing what it could do for society,” Michael said. “Like my father, Melissa and I believe every student should have the chance for a Catholic education. Tuition assistance should not be a barrier.”

He also reflected on his own education at Saint Viator, saying he appreciated it even more as an adult. 

“Looking back, Saint Viator did a terrific job in preparing me not just for college, but for life,” Canning said, whose son, Mikey, is a current freshman.

The evening also included the presentation of the first Spirit of Saint Viator Award to the school’s Building and Grounds team, Martin Castaneda, Salomon Marcial, and Gregory Smith. 

Guests in the audience cheered loudly as they were introduced and stood for a heartfelt ovation.

In describing the team’s combined 90-year commitment to the school, Director of Building and Grounds Mark Rychlik said, “All of us who work at Saint Viator, and all the students, owe you a debt of gratitude. The building is always safe, clean, dry, warm, and now cool each and every day.”

In accepting the award, Smith said he and his teammates were deeply humbled.

“I’ve been here for 37 years, and I never thought I’d be up here accepting an award,” said Smith, who arrives at school every morning at 4 a.m. “With my teammates and my boss, we’re very, very blessed to be here at Saint Viator.”

Student speaker Abby Farrell ’26 also drew guests to their feet after her emotional remarks.

“This community has shaped who I am today,” Abby said. “The students and staff truly supported me to become the person who God wants me to be. I am extremely excited for the future and confident that Saint Viator has prepared me well.”

Several of past honorees were on hand to celebrate the evening, including former Dean of Men Patrick Mahoney in 2007, Fr. Bolser in 2009, Jim Bristol ‘73 in 2014, Nick ’97 and Katie Papanicholas in 2024, and Matt ’84 and Christine Boler in 2025.

Bristol spoke for his fellow honorees when he said that none of them expected to receive an award when dedicating themselves to the students of Saint Viator.

“But it is a great opportunity to recognize people and thank them for what they do,” Bristol said.

Matt Boler said simply, “It’s a fantastic night. People are socializing and excited to support the school. It’s an event that really drives the community at Saint Viator.”

If you have not yet done so, we invite you to be part of this impact by making a meaningful gift in support of the Viator Foundation and our students.