2025Supplement
Faith in Action: Mrs. Hart’s Mission on Campus
Kendra Hart has been a hard worker in multiple ways and applies Honor, Glory, and Love through Campus Ministry. Hart is both the Assistant Principal of Catholic Identity, Formation as well as the Religious Studies Department Chair and Teacher. She has been teaching at Mater Dei since 2004 and has made a huge impact on campus and to those around her. She’s been deeply involved in Campus Ministry and doesn’t stop her dedicated mission.
“God has called me to service in Campus Ministry,” Hart said. “Being involved in Campus Ministry has given me the opportunity to live out Honor Glory and Love in a unique way. God has called us all to the biblical principles of Honor, Glory and Love. In Honor, I am inspired to use my talents of leadership and administration. In Glory, I am called to honor God when I use my talents. In Love, I am called to give Glory to God with dedication and service to this community.”
Hart is thankful for her position at Mater Dei and feels it is her purpose in this world.
“I think that I have the best job in the world,” Hart said. “A vocation to service of God’s young people at this beautiful community at Mater Dei high School. I am blessed to work in a place that is a vocation and not a job. My life is transformed every day by the young people I journey with and who journey with me. A great example of this is two years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer and I had to have surgery. The English Department had all of the students write me letters to read in my recovery. I had over 1,700 letters to read in my recuperation. That turned a really difficult part of my life, a sorrow if you will into a joy.”
Hart’s mission is to remind others that Campus Ministry isn’t just a small part of the school, but in reality it makes our school live by its name, Mater Dei High School. She always tries her absolute best to spread the message of God in any way possible and sees greatness in the school. Growing the school to live through faith is the most important aspect Campus Ministry has to offer, and Hart is doing more than that.
“ The reason that Campus Ministry is important at MD is stated in its mission statement, ‘In the spirit of the Gospel, Campus Ministry at Mater Dei High School exists to support the spiritual growth of the school community: Faculty, Staff, Parents, Students, and Alumni.’” Hart said. “Campus Ministry is an invitation to faith, spiritual growth, and service to your community. Campus ministry provides all members of the MD community with opportunities to live out our call to be Monarchs in Honor, Glory and Love.”
BondedThroughFaith
Students connect through Campus Ministry Events
On Oct. 24 members of Campus Ministry gathered for an afternoon of food and games to bond together and become better acquainted.
ALL SMILES
Seniors Erica Mock and Ashlie Murillo gave a smile as they posed with their food. CHEESE Freshman Kayla Medlin and Sophomores Brooke Lalonde, Gianna DiNapoli, and Mia Games enjoyed their pizza as they smiled for the camera. REFRESHED Students lined up as they scoop up ice into their cups to try and win.
HELPFUL HANDS
Seniors Charlotte de Leon and Ethan Fetter helped hand out slices of pizza to students. CHATS Mr. Bravo declared to the students around him as they enjoyed their picnic. COMPETITION Campus ministry members all join in on some fun games to share a little bit of competition.
SHARING IS CARING Father Mark Cruz hands out cups to students to start the games off.
Heated Victory
Photos courtesy of Gose Penukoko
On March 2, the Varsity Girls Soccer Team played against Troy Warriors in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 finals.
MATER DEI
THE MOMENT The Varsity Girls Soccer Team celebrates the historical victory. DASH DRIBBLE Junior Marina Jester dribbles away from her opponent. THROUGH PASS Freshman Luciana Mendiola uses a through pass to find her teammate. FEINT KICK Sophomore Addison Doria gets ready to deceive a cross. TOO FAST Senior Sydney Kwasizur runs across the wing of the field. HYPE TALK The Varsity Girls Soccer Team huddles up for a team talk before the game. Olé Olé Olé The Varsity Girls Soccer Team embraces together as the final whistle blows.
ANYTHING’S POSSIBLE Sophomore Lena Rios as Jojo and Senior Danielle Taber as Cat in the Hat pose at the end of their song.
Seussical Jr
On Ma r. 15, Honors Musical Theatre II and III presented Seussical Jr. at Santa Ana College's Phillips Hall.
GRINCH Junior Norman
Phu takes center-stage and puts his hands on his hips.
SOUR KANGAROOS Junior
Briel Jim and Emilia Fouts (daughter of Mrs. Fouts) sing as the Sour Kangaroos.
ONE FEATHERED TALE
Junior Emily Sparks as Gertrude sings a lament about her smale tail.
Story by Brooke Carmody and Evelyn Vos, Photos by Thi Nguyen
THE TINIEST PLANET Seniors Khoi Doan, Brooke Carmody, and Sophomore Lena Rios sing together. MONKEY AROUND Junior Bella De-libro, Junior Antonio Perez, Senior Ty Bragalone, Senior Micah Golden, and Junior Shyer Satina sing as the Wickershams. PALM BEACH Senior Kathryn Veracruse as Mayzie gets fanned by Junior Rachel and Reagan Sim as Thing 1 and Thing 2. I JUST HAVE TO SAVE THEM Junior Thomas Mitchell as Horton sits on a nest. SEUSS! Senior Danielle Taber sings the opening number to Sophomore Lena Rios. BIRD GIRLS Juniors Faith Nguyen, Gianna Galindo, Seniors Grace Henze, and Lauren Fernandez harmonize and turn to Gertrude and Mayzie. AN ELEPHANT BIRD Juniors Thomas Mitchell and Emily Sparks as Horton and Gertrude hold the baby Elephant Bird. AMAZING MAYZIE Senior Kathryn Veracruse as Mayzie poses at the end of her song.
Singin' In the Rain
PHOTOS BY BOSTON CRENSHAW & LANDeN Gonzalez
"My favorite memory was getting ready and acting on stage. Dancing and speaking on stage with friends who, like me, have never acted before was a fun and unforgettable experience."
"One of my favorite memories from senior musical was getting ready for the show with everyone. We would blast music in the dressing room and sing and dance until the show started."
"My favorite memory from performing in the play was definitely being backstage before the show. The energy before the performance was above and beyond and it just really got me excited to be in the show."
1. SUNSHINE YELLOW In one final scene, the cast dance in yellow raincoats in the rain. 2. JAZZ HANDS Actresses and actors raise and put their hands out with pizzazz. 3. CAKE SURPRISE Senior Piper McClave pops out of a cake as part of her dance routine. 4. PRESENTING… Senior Lauren Emella Fernandez gives a grand introduction to the as characters enter the scene. 5. SILENT MOVIE Seniors Grace Henze and Ty Bragalone exaggerate their character’s singing for a silent movie. 6. DOWN TO THE KNEES Senior Micah Golden hits a high note as he falls to his knees on stage. 7. EXCUSE ME? Senior Lucas Cruz looks appalled in a conversation with Seniors Ty Bragalone and Grace Henze. 8. DANCING ON PINK Fluorescent performers raise their hands together theatrically. 9. KICK OUT Seniors Micah Golden, Piper McClave, and Ty Bragalone hold hands as they dance in unison.
1. SCHOLARSHIP TIME A representative from the New York Film Academy presents students with scholarships for their exceptional storytelling and film making. 2. WATCH PARTY Students and their families gather in the LeVecke Center to attend the Inaugural Monarch Film Festival.
3. AMAZING JOB Director of Film and Media Andrew Roberts introduces a representative of RED Digital Cinema, one of the many sponsors of Mater Dei’s film department. 4. AWARD WINNING Senior Ty Bragalone proudly accepts his award provided by
MATER DEI FEATURED
On April 16, Mater Dei Film students showcased their films and received awards for their hard work throughout the school year at the Monarch Film Festival.
a sponsor of Mater Dei film. 5. CAMERA CHAOS Seniors Milo Morris, Anthony Dovidio, Sara Canton, and Elijah Asrani- Ramirez explore their newly awarded camera from RED Digital Cinema.
6. HIGH FIVE Film and Media Teacher Kenneth Connolly congratulates Junior Abigail Lowenberg on all her hard work.
PhotosbyOliviaWills.StorybyEvelynChavezOlguin,OliviaWills,andKileyThaosatien
Lent & Easter
Show Your Easter Spirit !! Eager Students Express Their Joy for Easter
“I gave up TikTok for Lent.”
Sophia Schrader (11)
“I gave up drinking soda for Lent.”
Mateo Lopez (11)
“I gave up Taco Bell for Lent.”
Adel Farvid (11)
A Season of Hope and Renewal
COZY Freshmen show their spring spirit by wearing comfy dress. Setting UP Student volunteers prepare the fields for Special Games. TO-GO Senior Ava Marks participates in charity by donating to get a Rice KrispieTreat. HUNGRY Freshman
Dylan Derieg and his friend show their creative skills by decorating rice Krispie treats. DIY Freshmen add toppings to their desserts during Lower Lunch. SWEET TREAT ASB sets out Rice Krispies for the students to pick up during both lunches for spring spirit week. ALL SMILES Senior Tengjie Qiu and sophomore Boston Crenshaw encourage others to sign up for the Spring Blood Drive.
Academic Decathlon in Santa Clara for State
Photos courtesy of California Academic Decathlon Alumni and Jade Welch, Story by Olivia Wills
1. GETTING READY A group of decathletes pose for a photo in a hotel mirror. 2. BUSY ARTIST Senior Abby De La Mora draws on the back of a paper in her extra time between tests. 3. ALL GRINS Sophomore Olivia Wills smiles while talking to another decathlete. 4. AWARD WINNING Senior Cianna Gagliardino and Coach Anna-Lisa George pose for a photo on stage during the awards ceremony.
5. NERVY CHATTER Junior Kaylenn Arana and senior Bella Holguin talk while waiting to enter their interview rooms. 6. EASY-PEASY Senior Bella Holguin stares at her completed test. 7. TIME TRACKING Sophomore Sofia Rudolf has her speech timed before she presents it to judges.
8. CHAT BREAK Juniors Joseph Vu and Kaylenn Arana relax between their designated speech and interview times.
.
activity. 4.
5.
her buddy.
1. SPIRIT IN PAINT! Sophomore Rafaela Carmona paints sophomore Giselle Martinez’s face at the face painting station. 2. LEADER-UP! Mater Dei Special Games Leaders, seniors Lucas Cruz and Caitlyn Babin pose for a picture during the games
3. BIN-GO! Sophomore Dane Hanson points at his buddy’s bingo card as they pick the next
WHEEL IT! Junior Julia Bocan pushes her buddy in his wheelchair to the next game.
PAPARAZZI INCOMING Sophomore Reagan Mike and her peers pose for a picture with
Mater Dei Special Games
Mater Dei held the annual Special Games event on Mar. 29, inviting all ages to participate in the various activities that were being held.
7. SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE! Freshman Catherine Raney walks the race with her buddy, taking it slowly but surely. 8. SAY “SPECIAL GAMES!”! Juniors Joseph Woore and Kenzington Miner end the day with their buddies at the buddy photo booth. 9. SOAR TO THE FINISH! Alumni Derek Cornejo runs with his buddies while they both complete the race, zooming past the finish line. 10. STAY FLEXING Sophomore Logan Miller and his friends flex their muscles with their buddy.
Synthesis
On April 2 - 3, the Dance Program performed their annual Synthesis Concert at the Irvine Barclay Theater.
SOLO SPOTLIGHTS Senior Vina Pham and sophomore Vy Pham steal the show during their solo. STEAL THE SHOW Seniors Avery Ross-Ryan and Courtney Stoneman dance under the spotlight. STRIKE A POSE The Song Team freezes into their final pose as their last performance ends. DANCE 1 DIVAS The Dance 1 class smiles wide as they dance on stage. RED AND WHITE The Song team gives it their all during their performance. RISE UP Junior Gabrielle Schrader reaches up during the Dance Conservatory performance. GO WITH THE FLOW Dance Conservatory dances in unison, creating a captivating visual. HANDS UP Seniors Natalia King, Vina Pham, and junior Milania Kia raise their hand high.
Photos by: Brooke Carmody
Mater Dei Students Vs. Heartbreak
Photo and Story by Thi Nguyen
Mater Dei students face many challenges in life like academics, time management, extracurriculars, and relationships. Relationships are one of the hardest to maintain, and when it’s broken, the pieces leave a lasting effect.
It’s natural for feelings to develop between two people but what happens when one of them is left with a broken heart? Some students push it into the back of their minds and carry on with their lives. Others allow the it to consume and distract them from school and hobbies.
Freshman Zoe Duncan shares her experiences with heartbreak. Rather than dwelling on her sadness, she turned to sports as a healthy escape from reality.
“It made me focus on the sport instead of me being sad,” Duncan said. “However, there were times when I would still think about what I did wrong
She also shares advice on how to help another who is going through heartbreak.
“If I were to help a friend through heartbreak, I’d tell them that the pain is only temporary,” Duncan said. “Even though it feels hard, the pain will disappear and leave you with memories, some good and some bad.
She is not the first and will not be the last person who has been scarred by heartbreak. It happens to everyone no matter what age or time. Freshman Lillian Tsai has also been touched by
“When I experienced heartbreak for the first time, it was very difficult and I didn’t know what to do,” Tsai said. “To cope with the whirlwind of emotions, I talked to friends who had experience with heartbreak. “
Hearing about their stories and sharing my own got me through the challenging task of moving on,” Tsai said.
Thanking her friends, Tsai also shares that communication with others is what helped her move forward in her life. Instead of dwelling on lingering thoughts about the past, she focused on
how the pain can be used as a learning experience and the good memories that are yet to come.
“I quickly discovered that focusing on the best times made me happier. From every bad situation springs forth a valuable lesson,” Tsai said.
Sophomore Phoenix Nelson also shares ways to cope with heartbreak. Although he didn’t go through it himself, he shares the experience of helping a friend who had gotten their heart broken.
“A large part of it was just listening, letting my friend say how they felt, as well as offering reassurances,” Nelson said.
He also offers advice not only to those going through heartbreak but those who are helping others through it. Nelson described how his advice has helped him become more aware of the potential for sadness and happiness in life. Everyone experiences a vast array of emotions.
“Be open, it’s hard but you have to try” Nelson said. “Be open to the possibility of feelings not being mutual, be open to them actually feeling the same, be open to whatever response will come your way.”
“If you set your mind to one reality, just one outcome, and if you bank your happiness on that outcome, you will be
Kindest Hearts on Campus
Behind the scenes in the health office. What nurses do for us.
Story and photos by
Paloma Navarro
School Nurse Gina McConnell has a lot of love for students and makes sure they are feeling healthy. Her day to day tasks don’t go unnoticed; she sees many students visiting her throughout the day, each with all different health issues.
McConnell enjoys building relationships with the students that visit her on a more frequent basis. Her day consists of helping those who aren’t feeling their best and need support to continue learning. She is constantly busy calling home, checking temperatures, and making sure her students are feeling better.
Nurses are true heroes putting their health on the line for the benefit of others.
“I wanted to help take care of people, make them feel better,” McConnell said.
Her friendly office is always ready to help people. Located on the right of The Grotto, with an open door ready for anyone who needs assistance.
Sophomore Nishita Bhakta shares her experience visiting the health office. After experiencing a sharp pain during class, she asked to go to the nurse. In the nurse’s office they helped her feel better and she ended up staying at school rather than going home.
“It’s somewhere you can actually rest and get an opportunity to get better. For students in pain it’s a place to heal and tell the nurse what you’re experiencing. They will provide anything to help you feel better,” Bhakta said. She emphasized that students should feel comfortable going to the nurse for help and to not be afraid or nervous.
Passion for Percussion– A Spotlight on Paul H. Le
Senior Paul H. Le has been passionate about music since he began playing instruments at a young age. Le decided to join the instrumental music program his freshman year and continued playing with the school’s band all four years at Mater Dei, eventually becoming the percussion captain.
“Music has been something that I have enjoyed since I was little,” Le said. “Personally, I have strong connections with it because of the nostalgia and sentimental value. Outside of my past and memories, I also aspire to be able to bring some joy into the lives of those who watch our performances.”
While at Mater Dei, Le has played at many events including school Masses, rallies, plays, home games, and percussion concerts. He is a leader to the front ensemble by making sure they
stay on task, practice and follow his lead.
“Among the basic qualities needed for leadership, the most important in my opinion, is confidence,” Le said. “If you do things with confidence people will naturally follow your lead, but act without [confidence] and they will question you and start to drift.”
Due to his professional behavior, hard-working attitude, and go-getting work ethic, Le has managed to help the team win several marching band competitions. Le hopes to use these same skills when he graduates from high school— especially when he goes to college to pursue medical engineering.
“In general I learned different skills that are important for leadership such as confidence and public speaking,” Le said. “The one that has been most important for me personally is mentorship.”
Story and Photos by Landen Gonzales
Always More Dance
Story by Grace Hunt, Photos Courtesy of Gabrielle Schrader
Mater Dei has three different opportunities where students can get involved in dance: Dance Conservatory, Song, and Hip-Hop. Dance Conservatory is a program which prepares dancers for college-level dance or even a professional career. The Dance Conservatory incorporates subcategories of jazz, hip-hop, and ballet into their lessons and Director of Dance, Rochelle Mapes, works to make sure that students visit college coaches and learn more about the college dance program.
Conservatory students train many days a week, which makes it rigorous course. This training prepares the dancers for a variety of school events, including football games, rallies and formal dance concerts open to families and the parents.
Junior Gabrielle Schrader has been part of Dance Conservatory since her freshman year. Because the training is sometimes intense, she finds it hard balance school and such a demanding activity.
“I would say balancing [dance] out with school [is the hardest part],” Schrader said.
T his sport also includes competitions, performances, and College Dance Day. Schrader furthers her dance training with ballet lessons at Southland Ballet Academy. While Schrader does not wish to take her dance to the college level, she is focused on continuing to build her skills in dance.
“I hope to challenge myself more and enjoy the moment,” Schrader said.
As with all activities at Mater Dei, instructors and coaches greatly emphasize teamwork and friendship within the department, group or team. Spending three years with the same team, Schrader describes the connections she had made with others in dance to be life changing.
“I feel closest to Sophia Ataei because we are captains of the JV team,” Schrader said.
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2025Supplement
