Alumni Stories
Want to know what is going on with old Valor friends? Stay up to date with the latest stories about our alumni!
Katherine Noonan balances recording new music while studying medicine at Vanderbilt University
Written by Blake Froistad
Going the medical route in college has a way of refining even the finest of students. Trying to balance the coursework alone has forced many aspiring Doctors and Nurses to question if they really want to stick it out, or pursue another calling. Yet Katherine Noonan has found a way to not only continue her pursuit of being a physical therapist, but also record new music while studying medicine at Vanderbilt University. To pull this off, it takes more than just a hobby, but a deeply rooted passion. From a young age, Katherine took a liking to music, "I took lessons growing up and started with the flute, taking more of a classical approach." The classical approach laid a solid foundation, and it wasn't long before she started vocals too, "I got a guitar for Christmas and started playing songs, and found out I loved singing too." After getting involved with the Cherry Hills Praise Band, she really started to develop her talent by the time she arrived at Valor.
Katherine performing at 2021 Commencement
"I really fell in love with it at Valor, and was able to work at the craft and learn the structure of songs." But this didn't come easy, and Katherine talked about battling some self doubt before really breaking free as a songwriter. "I remember writing my first song about my sister leaving for college and the reaction was great. It gave me the confidence I needed to keep trying." But a little more adversity was just what she needed to really take hold of being a singer-songwriter. "I broke my ankle in soccer my sophomore year and missed the whole season. I met Marty, and enrolled in songwriting junior year, and picked up piano too." Yet another testament to the Lord's healing and sovereignty in brokenness.
Being at Vanderbilt has allowed her to not only cultivate her PT goals, but to continue to be exposed to the music industry. "There's so many young, like-minded musicians. It's fun taking a break during the week to go to concerts and be around other creators." But Katherine isn't just a consumer of music now, she also leads worship on campus and at her church in Nashville. She recently released a new song in September called "No One Like You" and has numerous other songs in the works. In true Music City fashion, she records out of friends houses to keep the dream and passion alive.
You're probably wondering what will give way first: the medical career or the music career? Reflecting on pursuing music beyond college: "I think about it everyday. I love music so much and the songwriting process. No matter what I end up doing, it'll always be a part of my life. I play with the idea of doing this for a living, and the uncertainty is scary, but trusting in God's sovereignty that He will guide my every step." Be sure to stay up with Katherine's new music on her Spotify page.
More Alumni Stories
Congrats to Valor Alum Luke Wheeler for being nominated for the Hockey Humanitarian Award. Good Luck!
Congrats to Valor Alum AJ Adams who earned the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Athlete of the Week.
Valor Alum Olivia Smith is cooking breakfast everyday and loving it.
Valor Alum Josh Griesemer is living his childhood dream
Valor Alum Tyler Childs help produce a blockbuster movie with Karen Kingsbury.
Congratulations to both Raegan and Kindyll on taking your teams to the NCAA Women's March Madness Tournament! Your Valor family is extremely proud of you!
Valor Alum Sarah Swift was crowned Miss Colorado!
Valor Alum Christian McCaffrey was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Valor Alum Cori Dyke was selected by the Orlando Pride with their second-round pick of the 2024 NWSL Draft (22nd overall)
During a faculty and staff in-service last week, Valor alums visited and shared about their years at Valor to encourage and challenge.
Valor's parents provided pies and set a space for alumni to meet and greet one another and catch up on Wednesday. The 'Pie Oh My' event has become an annual alumni tradition that takes place during Thanksgiving week when many college students return home for time with family and friends.
Graduates from the classes of 2021 and 2022 reunite to serve in the villages of Northern Thailand. A first time experience for alumni serving in Discovery.
Class of 2016 graduate Sami Snellings is seeing the Lord move in big ways while working in DC for Fox News.
Jason Mishler (2014) and Jamal Hinkle (2013) team up to transform homes with gutter cleaning, power washing and window cleaning.
Best Friends turned Business Partners seeing rapid growth with their wedding day content company 'Follow the Bride'
Class of 2022 Graduate Aspen Edge pursues her dream of barrel racing competing across the Western U.S. at Weatherford College.
Camden Deal (class of 2019) is rehearsing with the cast of a new musical that will open in Dallas this Spring.
Katherine Noonan balances recording new music while studying medicine at Vanderbilt University
Catching up with Class of 2020 graduate Patrick Armould while on tour and how he is making his singer-songwriter dream a reality
A humble heart, a dream to make music, and a call from the Lord is all Emma Haylett needed to be successful from her first day on Valor's campus.
How God transformed his passion for music into a successful, industry leading business in Nashville, Tennessee
Valor Alum Nicole Toscano (Class of 2013) has spent all of her adult life passionate about Valor's dance program and the young ladies she mentors
From Valor, to Taylor University, to Ireland, her success on the court has allowed her to impact lives across the globe through the game of basketball.
How work ethic and striving for excellence allowed him to have success at the next level and beyond.
The mental and physical toughness he developed during his time on the mound led him to pursue a career with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control
Even as a senior at University of Missouri School of Journalism, Marian Bouchot is already seeing her passion and hard work pay off!
Working as an artificial intelligence and robotics engineer has given Timothy Werder ‘13 a fascinating opportunities!
Even as a senior at University of Missouri School of Journalism, Marian Bouchot is already seeing her passion and hard work pay off!
Valor’s Special Olympics program was instrumental in Cooper Youngs ‘14 growth throughout his time at Valor.
Melanie Allen (’14) has followed her passion for theatre stage management ever since her start in Valor’s theatre department.
Alum Pete Freeman (’14), is helping to build a new design studio in the Big Apple after graduating from Parson’s School of Design this year.
Valor Arts has had the joy of having Justin Kedl (’14) back in our Arts community – this time as a Fellow for the Visual Arts Conservatory.
Clara Tate (’17) has been pursuing her art with lots of adventure since graduating from Valor.
Now a junior at Point Loma Nazarene University majoring in Visual Arts and competing as a varsity track athlete, Gianna shares about some of the aspects of her high school experience that led her to where she is today.
Evan Williams ‘19 did everything from evangelism in the red-light districts of the Philippines to work in tribal communities that have an ISIS presence during his Gap Year with Youth With A Mission