SCARLET GRAY&
Santa Ana City Councilman Phil Becerra shares in Monarch pride at the Spirit Festival.
Dear Mater Dei Community,
Welcome to the Winter 2026 issue of the Scarlet & Gray Magazine!
As you turn these pages, you’ll encounter powerful examples of service in action and joyful traditions that continue to unite generations of Monarchs in Honor, Glory, and Love
Service sits at the heart of who we are at Mater Dei, and this issue highlights that commitment in meaningful and deeply personal ways You’ll read about our Thanksgiving and Christmas Outreaches, the Senior Service Retreat, and Lidia Acalin ’26, who spent Easter Break 2025 in service at the Poland–Ukraine border Beyond the pitch, our Girls Varsity Soccer team gave back to our neighbors in Santa Ana experiencing housing insecurity.
As we continue celebrating 75 years of Mater Dei High School, enjoy highlights from our Inaugural Spirit Festival in September 2025, 15 years of Grandparents Day, reflections on 30 years of Christmas at the Corner, and updates on the Spirit of Mater Dei Capital Campaign Did you hear? There WILL be tennis courts on the Mater Dei campus! Where? See page 7 to find out
Our Monarchs continue to shine through academics, the arts, athletics, and co-curricular programs Peek into our thriving Guitar Program and incredible Academic Decathlon Team who at press time are in their competitive season Go Monarch Decathletes!
You’ll also discover how an overlooked corner of campus in the 200 wing has quietly evolved from an old closet into a creative environment where students collaborate, learn, and help tell the Mater Dei story in real and meaningful ways
In our Faculty Spotlight, you’ll meet Jonathan Knauer ’10, a proud Mater Dei alumnus who returned to campus to serve in our Choral and Vocal Music Program, which changed the trajectory of his life as a student As a Choir Teacher and Head of the Vocal Conservatory, Knauer is an integral part of the beloved Annual Madrigal Feast, which marked 35 years in December
Our yearlong anniversary celebration continues to build toward our culminating event – the Diamond Anniversary Gala on Saturday, April 25, in the Meruelo Athletic Center We hope you will be with us for this momentous occasion Visit materdei.org/auction for more information
We continue to be filled with gratitude for this incredible Monarch community – past, present, and future
IS ISSUE
WE ARE MD
Spirit of Mater Dei Campaign Update 4
Christmas at the Corner Celebrates 30 Years
HONOR GLORY LOVE
Grandparents Day Celebrates 15 Years 8
Thanksgiving and Christmas Outreaches
Girls Varsity Soccer Gives Back
CURRENT STUDENTS
Student Spotlight: Lidia Acalin ‘26
Inside Mater Dei’s Guitar Program
A Test of Ten: MD Academic Decathlon
FACULTY AND STAFF
Mary, Mater Dei,
Faculty Spotlight: Jonathan Knauer ‘10
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Teacher of the Year: Kenny Connolly
IN MEMORIAM AND CLASS NOTES
Content Creation Lab: From a Storage Closet to Storytelling Hub 15 17
In Memoriam Class
A Party with a Purpose: Monarch Spirit Festival Scarlet & Gray Magazine is published bi-annually by Mater Dei’s Office of Communications We welcome and encourage story ideas for upcoming issues about any member of the MD Community Contact Allison Bergeron ’96, Executive Director of Communications & Media Relationsatcommunications@materdei.orgorcall(714)850-9532.
A PARTY WITH A PURPOSE: MONARCH SPIRIT FESTIVAL
When the gates opened for Mater Dei’s Inaugural Monarch Spirit Festival on September 6, 2025, it was immediately clear this was no ordinary campus gathering It was a joyful declaration that the next 75 years in Mater Dei history had officially begun
From its earliest planning stages, the vision was rooted in one word: community.
“Our vision was to bring the Mater Dei community together to kick off our 75th anniversary as a family,” said Melinda Craft, Coordinator of Advancement Operations and Events “This was something completely new for us A breath of fresh air A chance for people to simply be together ”
For Danielle Hill ’01, Manager of Annual Fund and Alumni Relations, the goal stretched beyond campus gates. “We wanted to create an event that didn’t just bring together our current students and staff, but our families, younger siblings, extended families, friends and even Santa Ana neighbors We wanted to show them what 75 years of Mater Dei has built and is all about ”
That sense of legacy was at the heart of the day Scott Melvin, Vice President of School Relations, reflected on the festival’s deeper meaning. “Coming together, celebrating, and being part of community is in the DNA of Mater Dei. There was no better way to begin our 75th anniversary than with Mass (on August 17), asking for the intercession of Mary for the year ahead, and then following it with a great celebration of the people who make this place home ”
Planning the first ever Monarch Spirit Festival came with its share of unknowns. With no blueprint to follow, logistics posed real challenges.
“This was the first carnival style event we have ever hosted,” Hill shared. “We did not know what to expect From coordinating with the City of Santa Ana to figuring out how everything would work in our space, it was all new But with the support of our faculty and the city, we were able to make it happen ”
Another major unknown was attendance
“We truly had no idea how it would be received,” Craft said. “We set our expectations conservatively ”
By the end of the day, those expectations had been wildly exceeded An estimated 2,500 to 3,000 guests flowed through event venue in the Monarch Way parking lot celebrating together Particularly meaningful was the resurgence of alumni returning with their own children.
“That part was really special to see,” Melvin noted. “Alumni who had not been back in years came with their families and shared how transformational their Mater Dei experience had been To see them now envisioning the next 75 years with their own children was incredibly powerful ”
Moments of magic unfolded throughout the day. Melvin recalled reconnecting with former students he had not seen in decades. Hill witnessed alumni from the early 1970s dancing with their grandchildren who may one day become Monarchs themselves And for Craft, one unforgettable highlight was watching performer Matt Mauser of the Tijuana Dogs invite his daughter, Penny, a Mater Dei senior and member of the Girls Water Polo team, on stage to sing with him. “Seeing their joy together in front of the Mater Dei community was incredibly moving,” Craft said.
Behind the scenes, it truly took a village. More than 200 parent and student volunteers, coordinated by Marisa Winch ’96, Performing Arts Events Manager, ensured seamless coverage throughout the day Facilities and security staff worked tirelessly to prepare the campus, support the event, and keep everyone safe The Advancement team managed countless layers of logistics and even pre-event marketing and communications. Alumni Council leadership, led by Armando Sambrano ’82, played a key role supporting the popular beer garden. More than 30 vendors participated, many through word of mouth alone, including several from the surrounding Santa Ana community See full list at materdei.org/spiritfestival.
“I cannot say enough about our leadership team, our facilities crew, and our security staff,” Hill shared. “They trusted our vision, supported every step, and worked endlessly behind the scenes to make sure this event could happen safely and successfully ”
In the weeks that followed, the feedback was overwhelming. “People kept asking if we were going to do it again,” Hill said “That is how you know it was a success ”
Craft agreed “For weeks afterward, people told me they hoped this would become a Mater Dei tradition ”
And in many ways, it already has. While future Spirit Festivals may look different due to upcoming campus construction (see Capital Campaign Article on page 7), the intention remains strong
“What we intended was to create a new tradition,” Melvin affirmed “A way to begin the year with Mass, joy, and a celebration of what is to come A giant tailgate of sorts for the entire community.”
Melvin echoed that gratitude “This event only worked because of the incredible trust, collaboration, and shared belief across our campus Our leadership, facilities, and security teams did not just support this effort They empowered it.”
“It was heartwarming to see how many people simply wanted to be part of the magic,” Craft added
As Mater Dei continues its 75th anniversary celebration, the Monarch Spirit Festival stands as its joyful opening chapter, a living reflection of a school rooted in faith, community, and forward looking vision
And the celebration is far from over! The next major milestone awaits with the Diamond Anniversary & Ring of Honor Gala on April 25, 2026, promising yet another unforgettable chapter in this historic year. Visit materdei.org/75 for details and more information
CHRISTMAS AT THE CORNER TURNS 30
In December 2025, Christmas at the Corner, one of MD’s most cherished holiday traditions, marked its 30th anniversary Prior to 1995, the event was held at the UCI Bren Center but lacked that true Monarch community spirit
“Everybody was so far away from the action with the kids. Something was missing,” said Fr. Steve Sallot ‘72, former MD President and RectorChaplain. “We wanted to bring people back to Mater Dei and put a little more religious fervor into it ”
It was during an administrative meeting that the idea took shape to bring the celebration home to campus (at the corner of Bristol and Edinger) and give it a new identity
“I said, ‘Why don’t we bring it back to Mater Dei and call it Christmas at the Corner?’” Fr. Steve shared.
That first event back in December 1995 was a huge success and included a few unforgettable surprises involving metal trash cans, smoke, and yes – a visit from the fire department
Fr Steve tells the full story in #18 of our 75 for 75 series Watch now on Instagram @materdeimonarchs, at materdei.org/75, or scan the QR code
Over the years, Christmas at the Corner has grown into a campus-wide celebration featuring festive food, crafts, and performances from every corner of our amazing Performing Arts Department For many families, one of the most meaningful moments of the evening is the living Nativity At this year’s event on December 7, we expanded the cast to include future Monarchs as angels, shepherds, and Magi
“Having those little Monarchs up there was a visible reminder that this tradition continues to be passed from one generation to the next,” said Fr. Steve.
Thirty years later, Christmas at the Corner remains what it has always been: a joyful welcome into the Christmas season, rooted in faith, strengthened by community, and lived out at the corner of Bristol and Edinger
SPIRIT OF MATER DEI
HONORING TRADITION, BUILDING THE FUTURE
As Mater Dei High School celebrates its 75th anniversary, the Spirit of Mater Dei campaign stands as both a tribute to the school’s enduring legacy and a bold investment in its future Launched in a quiet phase on February 29, 2024, the Spirit of Mater Dei Campaign enters its public phase as this issue of Scarlet & Gray goes to press, opening the door for the broader Monarch community to take part in a transformative moment in the school’s history.
“The naming of the Spirit of Mater Dei campaign was very intentional,” shared Scott Melvin, Vice President of School Relations “From the beginning, our goal was to draw from the deep traditions and identity that Mater Dei has carried for 75 years and use that foundation to propel us forward as we serve current and prospective families for the next 75 years ”
That vision is already taking shape across campus through a series of thoughtfully planned capital improvements designed to enhance campus life and support Mater Dei’s mission of forming students in faith, excellence, and service
Construction on The Studio began in Fall 2025 near the baseball field and represents one of the first visible outcomes of the Spirit of Mater Dei Designed to support dance, cheer, and other performing arts programs, the new space signals the momentum building toward even greater transformation.
“This is just a small taste of what’s to come,” Melvin said “As we move forward, additional major construction projects will begin that will reshape the campus experience in meaningful ways ”
One of the most anticipated projects is the construction of five on-campus tennis courts, which will be built within the footprint of the current senior parking lot along Monarch Way.
Long part of campus lore, the tennis courts will soon move from legend to reality. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026, with an expected commissioning date of summer 2027 Once completed, the courts will allow Mater Dei to host CIF competitions and provide a permanent home for the school’s tennis program
“We will finally be able to support and celebrate our tennis student-athletes on campus,” Melvin shared. “This is an important step forward for the program and for our facilities as a whole.”
As plans progress, the leadership team continues to work closely with Associated Student Body leaders to thoughtfully address senior parking and ensure seniors are honored and celebrated in ways consistent with long-standing Mater Dei traditions
Perhaps the most significant and long-dreamed-of project is the Performing Arts Center, first envisioned nearly 30 years ago as part of the Mater Dei 2000 Capital Campaign. Construction on the Performing Arts Center is anticipated to break groud this summer with an expected completion and commissioning in fall 2028
“To see this project finally coming to life is incredibly exciting,” Melvin said
The Performing Arts Center will feature 570 seats and include a scene shop, green rooms, dressing rooms, rehearsal spaces, a lobby, and concession areas. Designed to support Mater Dei’s robust performing arts programs, the venue is also intended to serve the broader community
“Our hope is to open this space to Catholic schools in Central Orange County and local nonprofit organizations who are seeking an affordable and professional place to perform and gather,” Melvin added.
Plans are also underway for a new security center, which the school hopes to commission prior to the opening of the Performing Arts Center
None of these projects would be possible without the generosity of the Monarch family
“This campus and its excellence are the result of the people who have walked these halls for the past 75 years,” Melvin reflected. “There is not one brick, one classroom, or one blade of grass that has not been touched by the generosity of our alumni and benefactors We are deeply grateful for their support and for the faith they place in Mater Dei to continue building the best Catholic education in America ”
Melvin also expressed gratitude to the many partners working behind the scenes, including tBP/ Architecture, Slater Builders, the City of Santa Ana, and the Diocese of Orange, whose collaboration have been instrumental throughout the process.
As the Spirit of Mater Dei campaign enters its public phase, the path forward is clear: honor the legacy, strengthen the mission, and build a campus worthy of generations of Monarchs still to come For more information or to get involved visit mdmonarchfoundation.org.
HONOR GLORY LOVE
BY THE NUMBERS: A SEASON OF SERVICE
Thanksgiving Outreach
176 boxes of food packed and distributed
$10,265 in gift card and cash donations for food Organizations Served
SPIN (Serving People in Need)
VCSA (Vietnamese Catholic Student Association)
Society of St Vincent de Paul Catholic Charities
Christmas Outreach
Over 800 toys collected
250 filled stockings
$8,200 in gift card and cash donations
Your generosity brought joy and comfort to families and children in our local Santa Ana and Orange County communities, as well as to families at Camp Pendleton
GIRLS VARSITY SOCCER MAKING AN IMPACT BEYOND THE PITCH
At Mater Dei, many athletic programs build culture outside of practices, strength training, and games
For the Girls Varsity Soccer team, that commitment took shape during the Christmas season through a service outreach with Illumination Home, a shelter located just a few miles from campus in Santa Ana. With the support of their coaches and parents, the team planned, donated, and helped serve a Christmas BBQ for more than 200 shelter residents
“It felt really good giving back to the community,” shared Grace Galluccio ’27 “We all came together as a team with gratitude, and it was special to celebrate Jesus’ birthday by giving back to others.”
For many players, the day offered a powerful shift in perspective. Sophia Montiel ’26 (pictured center with her father and brother) reflected on how the experience opened her eyes to the needs within the local community “It was really nice to bring happiness to people in our own community and just spend time with them,” she said
The outreach was especially personal for Montiel, whose father, Carlos, a retired Santa Ana police officer, has worked closely with Illumination Home for several years well beyond retirement. Carlos and his wife, Marlene, are proud members of the Class of 1989 and sent all three of their children to MD, including Sophia “Seeing [my dad] there opened my eyes to a different side of him,” Sophia shared “It made me realize how much work he puts into helping others and how many lives he’s impacting ”
Small moments throughout the barbecue left lasting impressions for others on the team Chloe Mix ’26 recalled one woman who repeatedly offered kind words as she passed by the serving tables “She kept saying, ‘God bless you I hope you have a great day,’” Mix said “Hearing that from someone else really stuck with me. It was also special to experience this day with the support of my mother, Susie.”
Beyond service, the experience strengthened the team’s bond and sense of leadership “It definitely brought us closer together,” Woods said “We all worked hard serving and providing, and it taught me patience, respect, and the importance of putting others before yourself.”
Head Coach Matty West said the outreach helped ground the program in purpose beyond the season’s results “Being able to help people in need opened our eyes and hearts to appreciate the difference we can make when we put our minds toward something bigger than ourselves,” he said
Serving together, the Girls Varsity Soccer team truly lived their season motto, “We Will” not simply as words, but through action Their outreach stands as a powerful reflection of Mater Dei’s mission and values of Honor, Glory, and Love
GRANDPARENTS DAY CELEBRATES 15 YEARS
For 75 years, Mater Dei High School has been a place where faith, tradition, and family are deeply intertwined Fifteen years ago, the sense of family took on a new meaning with the launch of Grandparents Day
The idea for the event came about during the 2009–2010 school year, when Allison Bergeron ’96, then serving as Director of Planned Giving, approached school leadership with a simple but heartfelt proposal: invite grandparents back to campus to experience a day in the life of their grandchildren.
At the time, the idea raised practical questions, including parking (there was no parking structure), capacity, and whether high school students would even want to host their grandparents on campus. “We started small and piggybacked on existing campus events to gauge interest,” Bergeron shared.
“From there, we grew a contact list and hosted our first Grandparents Day in the Chapel in February 2010 ”
Interest grew, word spread, and before long, “we quickly outgrew that space,” Bergeron said “Suddenly people were asking why their grandparents hadn’t been invited. We knew we had to offer more events in a bigger location on campus to accommodate the interest. It was a nice problem to have.”
As the tradition grew, so did its meaning One of the most special aspects of Grandparents Day is welcoming grandparents who are proud alumni
and/or lifetime parents of a Monarch. Seeing grandparents walk the halls alongside their grandchildren, sharing their own MD memories, creates a powerful, full circle moment that beautifully reflects the school’s enduring legacy and deep family roots
Today, Grandparents Day is a cherished Mater Dei tradition, now thoughtfully overseen by Kathleen Kelly ’94, Director of Alumni and Legacy Relations. A proud alumna and longtime Mater Dei employee, Kelly (pictured below left with her nephew and mother) brings a personal perspective to the role With several nieces and nephews who attended Mater Dei along with her five siblings, she has experienced the school across generations and has even had the joy of welcoming her own mother, Jude, back to campus as a Monarch Grandparent
During the event, grandparents get a taste of the daily life of a Monarch, attending one class alongside their grandchild, celebrating Mass together in the Mater Dei Chapel, and sharing a special luncheon on campus
“It is always so much fun to have our grandparents on campus,” Kelly shared “There is something truly special about seeing generations connected through faith, education, and shared experience.”
As Mater Dei marked 15 years of hosting Grandparents Days, the tradition stands as a beautiful reminder that being a Monarch is more than a four-year experience It is a lifelong identity: rooted in faith, strengthened by family, and carried forward across generations
CURRENT STUDENTS
Lidia Acalin ’26 Brings Compassion to the Ukraine–Poland Border
When most high school students head into spring break, they look forward to rest, travel, or time with friends For Senior Lidia Acalin ’26 (pictured right), the week offered something profoundly different a chance to serve on the front lines of a humanitarian crisis.
Last April, Lidia traveled alone to the Poland–Ukraine border, working alongside American physicians and nurses to care for Ukrainian families displaced by war At just 16 years old, she became the youngest member of a medical relief team serving thousands of refugees each day
Her path to this experience began months earlier, when she earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license while still a Mater Dei student. Though she applied to local hospitals, many could not hire someone her age “I really wanted to use my license and learn,” she shared “So, I started looking for ways to serve abroad There were a lot of opportunities to help at the Ukrainian border, and I decided to go ”
The original plan was to cross directly into Ukraine, but escalating dangers required her team to remain in Poland and travel to the border each day. There, they staffed makeshift medical centers overflowing with mothers, children, and elderly refugees seeking care
Lidia quickly found herself entrusted with essential responsibilities triage, intake, vitals, patient flow, and comforting families who often arrived exhausted, frightened, and unsure of what came next
“There were thousands of refugees and only a few nurses,” she explained. “Since I wasn’t a doctor, I organized a lot of the intake and handled first contact with families I guided them through the process and stayed with them while they waited It taught me so much ”
Language barriers added a new layer of complexity With few adult translators available, many conversations depended on the help of Ukrainian children some as young as eight who translated for the team. “It was slow,” she said, “but we figured it out together.”
The experience strengthened her desire to pursue a future in medicine Though she initially considered nursing, she now hopes to explore anesthesiology “I’m grateful to learn what I love and don’t love Every experience helps guide me ”
Service has long been woven into the fabric of the Acalin family. Lidia’s parents, aunt, and uncle are Mater Dei alumni, and she grew up hearing stories of giving back Still, her commitment is extraordinary She has completed more than 500 hours of community service, plus 200 additional hours volunteering at Hoag Hospital an opportunity she earned after returning from Poland
“When I told them what I had done abroad, they saw my passion,” she said. “That opened the door for me.”
Her drive, she believes, is part calling and part gratitude “Service is very important to me It’s not work It’s what I would choose to do over anything else I feel lucky to know my purpose so young ”
On campus, Lidia has participated in Wrestling, Girls Flag Football, Girls Lacrosse, and serving with Campus Ministry at All-School Masses. One person in particular who has helped shape her journey of faith and service is Ms. Helen Steves, Executive Director of Campus Ministry.
“She’s someone who makes me know there’s a God,” Lidia said “Her kindness is incredible I try to live up to that every day ”
Beyond Mater Dei, Lidia plans to study medicine in college and is dedicated to a life of service “I’ve always loved helping,” she said simply. “It’s my purpose.”
Congratulations and thank you, Lidia, for being a powerful example of what it means to live a life of Honor, Glory, and Love
A Different Kind of Ensemble: Inside Mater Dei’s Guitar Program
Within Mater Dei’s Performing Arts Department is a program that commands the spotlight through performance, yet remains one of the school’s best kept secrets Under the direction of Mr Ken Parker, the Guitar Program has become a home for students drawn to contemporary music, hands on learning, and real-world performance
“This program is for students who might not see themselves in band or choir,” Parker explains. “They want to do something more contemporary, music they know and grew up with.”
That sense of accessibility resonates with students like Jazryel Trejo ’26, who joined the program after encouragement from a friend and has stayed all four years “I thought it would be a fun elective,” she says “I did not expect how much I would love performing. Being on stage is exciting, especially when the audience is really engaged with you.”
The program serves more than 40 Monarchs across three course levels, welcoming everyone from beginners who have never touched a guitar to advanced musicians preparing for public performance or even professional pursuits Parker’s goal is twofold: to help music become a lifelong passion for some and, for others, a pathway into the music industry.
While guitar is at the core of the curriculum, students quickly discover they are learning far more than one instrument “They do not leave here just knowing guitar,” Parker says “They can play bass, drums, piano, sometimes sing They learn percussion and explore other instruments as well ”
For Jimena Contreras ’27, that versatility was unexpected. “I did not play guitar before joining,” she says. “I wanted to pick up a new skill, and I ended up learning keyboard too. It opened my eyes to how many different genres and instruments there are ”
Equally important are the skills students develop beyond music Parker emphasizes accountability, integrity, and collaboration, lessons reinforced through group work and frequent performances “We have shows,” he says. “But, I am not calling students to remind them to practice. You show up prepared. That is how it works in the real world.”
What truly sets MD’s Guitar Program apart from other high schools is its emphasis on public performance Guitar students have performed at venues such as Rock and Brews and the House of Blues, while also taking the stage at major campus events including La Primavera, Materpalooza, and Christmas at the Corner.
More advanced students comprise the Code Red Band, which has performed at football games, school rallies, and has even played the national anthem before several events and competitions.
That performance experience often leads to personal growth Brayden Devonald ’27 entered the program as a guitarist and discovered a new passion altogether “I did not see myself switching to drums,” he says “But now I am a drummer Performing changed how I see music It is all about passion and energy ”
Two years ago, the former Band Room (located off The Pavilion aka Old Gym) was renovated to accommodate the growing needs of Mater Dei’s instrumental music including the Guitar Program With six dedicated classrooms, students are able to break into small groups for both individual practice and collaborative band work, creating an environment that supports creativity and growth
Beyond graduation, the Guitar Program continues to connect Monarchs long after their time on campus. Alumni remain closely connected, mentoring current students and supporting one another as they navigate the challenges of the music industry In a field that can be difficult to break into, fellow Monarchs collaborate, share opportunities, and even hire one another, reinforcing the idea that Mater Dei is far more than a four-year experience
More than a class, Mater Dei’s Guitar Program creates a lasting community built on shared experiences, growth, and of course music – something that extends far beyond four years. Keep on rocking, Monarchs.
Thirty Years of Academic Decathlon
For three decades, Mater Dei High School’s Academic Decathlon Team has consistently modeled what teamwork and intellectual curiosity can look like when students are challenged beyond the walls of a traditional classroom Academic Decathlon traces its roots to Orange County, where it began in 1968 as a local competition in Garden Grove and later grew into a nationwide academic movement
Today, Academic Decathlon is a 10-event academic competition in which students study a unifying theme each year across subjects ranging from science and literature to economics, art, speech, and interview Together, these events create a rigorous interdisciplinary experience unlike any other
Led by Anna-Lisa George ’89, who returned to Mater Dei as a teacher in 1995, the Academic Decathlon program has been shaped under her guidance for nearly three decades
Unlike many schools, Mater Dei fields a large multitiered team, typically 24 to 35 students, divided into smaller competitive units This model allows more students to participate while still experiencing the close-knit dynamics of a traditional nine-member team. Students compete within GPA based divisions, honors, scholastic, and varsity, ensuring that learners of all achievement levels can contribute and succeed
“What makes Academic Decathlon different,” George shared, “is that it emphasizes teamwork and learning for learning’s sake ” Students begin preparing nearly a year in advance Topics are released in March, materials arrive in May, and competition takes place in January. With no weekly games or meets, students spend months reading, teaching one another, and steadily building knowledge before everything culminates in an intense competition season
That sense of teamwork extends beyond the current roster. The program is strengthened by a network of Academic Decathlon MD alumni who regularly return to campus as assistant coaches and mentors. Many once competed in the same classrooms and competitions and now give back their time and expertise to support today’s Monarchs
For students like Sofia Rudolf ’27 and Victoria Nguyen ’26, the experience has been transformative Both spoke about the leadership opportunities the program provides, often for students who might not seek them out elsewhere.
“Academic Decathlon gave me the chance to step out of my comfort zone,” Rudolf shared
“I’ve learned how to lead, how to work with people who are very different from me, and how to push myself academically.”
Nguyen highlighted the program’s diversity and structure “Everyone here is involved in something different, athletics, theater, choir, academics Decathlon brings all of that together You learn how to be both a leader and a follower ”
Beyond academics, the program also offers immersive learning experiences abroad. Over the years, Mater Dei’s Academic Decathlon team has traveled to destinations such as Rome, Italy; Greece, Belgium, London, Berlin, and Vienna These trips allow students to experience art, music, history, and culture firsthand, bringing the curriculum to life in meaningful and lasting ways
As competition season approaches, preparation intensifies under this year’s theme: the Roaring 1920s. Practices extend into the evenings as students balance demanding course loads, extracurricular commitments, and the pressure of performance Yet, as Rudolf and Nguyen emphasized, “the team culture remains one of encouragement and support, students lifting one another up when the challenge feels greatest ”
After 30 years, Mater Dei’s Academic Decathlon program has earned regional championships, countless individual medals, and a reputation for excellence More importantly, it has produced alumni who credit the program with preparing them for college, careers, and lifelong learning
As Mater Dei celebrates 75 years, Academic Decathlon stands as a powerful reminder that excellence comes in many forms and that the pursuit of learning can be just as competitive as any game on the field.
From Storage Closet to Storytelling Hub: Inside Mater Dei’s Content Creation Lab
Room 217 has lived many lives at Mater Dei High School. Once a storage closet and long before that the campus AV room, when “technology” meant a VCR on wheels, it wasn’t even considered a destination space. At one point, it didn’t even have a room number It was simply a room Or a closet Today, it is anything but Now known as the Content Creation Lab, Room 217 has become the hub of Mater Dei’s marketing and communications efforts and a launchpad for students pursuing creative careers
The lab is the brainchild of Parker Shoaff ’12, Director of Digital Content, who saw possibility where others saw limitations. What began as a true “what if?” moment quickly grew into a bold vision, not only to create something no other high school had, but to empower students to capture and produce content that would actually be used to tell the Mater Dei story
“It was a crazy idea,” Shoaff shared. “But I kept thinking, what if we trusted students to create real work for a real audience?” Clearing out years of outdated equipment and archived files in the room took time, but four years later, the vision is fully realized and thriving
Today, the Content Creation Lab functions as both a working studio and a digital command center It houses Mater Dei’s photo and video archives and supports the daily capture, editing, and production of content shared across the school’s platforms.
Supporting that work is Mater Dei’s adoption of PhotoShelter, a professional digital asset management system used by many collegiate athletic programs and NFL teams. PhotoShelter allows the MD Communications team to efficiently collect, organize, and distribute photo and video content captured on campus and beyond, creating a centralized, searchable home for thousands of assets while streamlining collaboration across departments
Just as important as the technology is the student experience. The Content Creation Lab is home to Mater Dei’s Communications and Sports Marketing Interns, an internship style program that appears on a student’s transcript without a traditional letter grade Designed to mirror real world professional environments, the program emphasizes hands on learning, accountability, and skill development in filming, photography, editing, asset management, and storytelling
Many students find their way into the lab through Film and Media Arts courses such as Television Production and Sports Broadcasting, while others come through photography classes in the Visual Arts Department Once involved, they collaborate on real projects that follow professional workflows and contribute directly to the school’s storytelling efforts
That experience is exactly what drew McCabe Tackney ’27 to the lab this year after taking a Sports Broadcasting course “What I like most about the
Content Creation Lab is that I get to work on projects I actually care about and be creative without it feeling like a class,” McCabe shared. “Working on the Signing Day videos was honestly really fun, and seeing b-roll I filmed show up on Mater Dei’s social media and YouTube was kind of surreal It’s pretty cool knowing that stuff I shot is actually being used and that I get to help tell the Mater Dei story, even if it’s mostly behind the scenes ”
That kind of hands on, real world experience has long term impact, something evident in alumni like Francisco Perez ’23, who spent years capturing and editing photo and video content before going on to major in visual media at California State University, Fullerton At press time, Perez was covering the Winter 2026 Olympics in Italy as a sports photo and video creator
“I’m incredibly grateful for the Content Creation Lab and for the opportunities it gave me to grow as both a photographer and videographer,” Perez shared. “Having access to that space and learning directly from Parker helped me turn an interest into a real path forward. The mentorship and trust made all the difference ”
The Content Creation Lab stands as a powerful example of innovation at Mater Dei, a space transformed not by size or spectacle, but by vision and belief in students
In Room 217, Monarch stories are not only preserved – they are created by the storytellers of tomorrow.
FACULTY AND STAFF
Faculty Spotlight: Jonathan Knauer ’10
When Mr. Jonathan Knauer ’10 returned to campus in 2020 to join Mater Dei’s Choral Music Program, it felt less like beginning a new role and more like coming home As a student, choir was where he discovered his voice, his confidence, and a supportive community that encouraged him to grow Now, as a Choir Teacher and Head of the Vocal
Conservatory, he is committed to giving that same experience to today’s Monarchs.
Mr Knauer often describes the choral program as the safe and welcoming space that shaped him during his high school years “It was where I grew, engaged, and figured out who I was as a leader and as a person,” he shared. “I wanted to give as many students as possible the same opportunity.”
Although he started high school in the band program, a director transition prompted him to explore choir during his junior year That decision changed the trajectory of his life “Scott Melvin, Director of Choral Music at the time, heard me talking and said, ‘You have a voice!,’” he recalled. “Next thing I knew, I was in Chambers ”
He also credits Kent Helwig, Collaborative Pianist, as a defining mentor “Kent was formative in who I am And Scott, both then and now as
our Vice President of School Relations, helped shape me into the right kind of Monarch ”
After graduating in 2010, Mr Knauer spent several years discerning his path at Mt. San Antonio College before committing fully to music. He earned his bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from Cal State Long Beach and later completed his master’s degree at the University of Nevada at Reno, finishing his studies just days before the COVID 19 shutdown By that fall, he had returned to Mater Dei to teach lessons and support the choral ensembles. Early classes were even held in the parking structure. “That was our choir room,” he said. “Being back in a real space now feels like such a gift ”
Today, Mater Dei’s choral program includes nearly 275 students, making it one of the largest and most spirited communities on campus. “If you are looking for friends, join
choir,” he often tells students “One in six Monarchs is in Choir So, statistically, you will find them ”
Reflecting on this year's Madrigal Feast, Mr Knauer shared how meaningful the experience was for students and audiences alike “The group numbers operated at a higher level, and the kids brought their hearts to it. They had a little more energy to give this year, and I am really thankful for that.” His favorite piece remains “Peace, Peace,” a song he loves for its sentiment and the way it invites the entire audience into the moment
Mr Knauer is passionate about preparing students for the diverse demands of today’s vocal world “When I was in school, you were told you would be one type of singer Today’s singers must be able to do everything, opera, musical theater, pop, gospel, jazz ” He appreciates that Monarch performers embrace this variety with enthusiasm and curiosity.
Looking to the future, he is excited by the possibilities that new performing arts spaces may bring His vision includes additional rehearsal rooms, dedicated teachers in each vocal style, and eventually hosting a vocal competition where students from across the region can
Mater Dei Teacher of the Year
We are proud to recognize Mr. Kenneth “Kenny” Connolly of our Film and Media Arts Department as Mater Dei’s Teacher of the Year and a finalist for the Diocese of Orange’s St Elizabath Ann Seton Teacher of the Year Award
We surprised Mr Connolly with this news in the
Arthur Brock '61
Richard Calderon '67
Ricci Chilson '54
Virginia Wagner Costello '53
Mary Madden Courtney '67
David Frayne '83
Edward Fredette '59
Thomas Gorman '70
Rick Haugen, Lifetime Parent
Joan Miller Kaletka '54
Steven Kasper '67
John Kerwin '68
Chris Layton '62
Kim Hills Leibe '91
Fred Loya ‘57
Mark Lucio '80
Letitia McCarthy-Clifford '73 Sr Bridget Clare McKeever (Sr Wilfred), Former Faculty
Jimmy Morgan '67
Sherrie Kelley Oldham '56
Rachel Gonzales Palacios '62
Ryan Regan '07
Charles Severino '76
Mary Elgin Schee ‘64
Larry Williams '81
Erin Gadahvi, Lifetime Parent
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CLASS NOTES
Frank Patten ’54 and Sylvia Beltran ’54 met at Mater Dei and were married for 68 years until Sylvia’s passing. They raised five children and lived in Santa Ana, Downey, Ojai, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Eugene, Oregon. Frank’s career spanned banking, stock sales, purchasing, and civilian service with the U.S. Navy before later work as an organic farmer and food producer Sylvia devoted years to raising their family, later serving as a preschool teacher and Spanish translator, reclaiming her maiden name with pride in her Mexican heritage, and becoming an accomplished artist whose framed kimono pieces were sold at fairs across Oregon 1 9 5 0 s
Judy Hastings Linck ’66 is enjoying life in Southern California and recently published a book titled My Jesus, My Child, inviting readers to reflect on God’s word and blessings.
Roy Jimenez ’69 resides in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he pursues a variety of professional interests. A car enthusiast and television producer, he is currently renovating a former Bacardi plant to create an aging facility for television productions and event space
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Marco Guido ’01 and his wife, Ashley, purchased a 20-acre vineyard in Healdsburg and in 2022 launched BuonGuido Wines, honoring their Southern Italian heritage and traditions of faith, family, and belonging. The portfolio features Italian white varietals, Old Vine Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Monarchs interested in visiting or arranging a private tasting may contact Cristina Guido ’04, who holds degrees from the University of San Diego and Loy joined the winery as E decade practicing law
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Ron Glenane ’82 and Susan Leach ’82, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in October 2025 Susan is a kindergarten teacher at Red Hill Lutheran School in Tustin Their three children recently completed college and graduate studies, and the Glenanes enjoy returning to Mater Dei to support their nephew, Ciaran Glenane ’26, and niece, Darcy Glenane ’28, in their school activities 1 9 7 0 s
Greg Scelsa ’73 and Steve Millang are the Los Angeles–based musical duo Greg & Steve, known for performing and recording children’s music since 1975 Both Mater Dei alumni serve as vocalists and guitarists, creating engaging music and movement experiences that have reached generations of young listeners For more on their work and catalog, visit their official site: gregandsteve.com
Lyndsay Heard ’09 on to play basketba Long Beach State graduating from Mater Her career in the game led to coaching mentoring opportu across the United S and Asia before retu hometoLongBeach
In 2018, she founded Strong U, a female-focused program that blends athletics, mentorship, and personal development to foster confidence, resilience, and balance in young women Through training, education, and experiential learning, Strong U equips scholar-athletes with life skills such as financial literacy, college readiness, and leadership empowering them togrowbothonandoffthecourt. 1 9 9 0 s
Jennifer Westfall ’91 operates a boutique travel agency specializing in the Islands of Tahiti and destinations around the world She has lived in Tahiti for more than eight years and invites fellow Monarchs to connect for future travel opportunities Are you interested in traveling with your fellow Monarch alumni? Scan code to complete the travel survey form
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Dr. Andrea de Leon Bernhardt ’11 recently opened her own dental practice, Agapé Smile Spa, in Orange Park Acres after seven years as an associate dentist. Rooted in faith, love, and service, she is a proud Mater Dei alumna who looks forward to mentoring students interested in dentistry
Addison Ooms ’14 and Chase Forrest ’14 went on to play football for the Cal Golden Bears They’re now part of the team behind NEXTUP, an AI-powered platform that uses phone-based computer vision to capture verified athletic measurements and track physical development over time NEXTUP is being used by organizations across sports, including MLS teams like the LA Galaxy and Power 5 football programs, to monitor key metrics and support talent evaluation with objective data Designed to reduce friction and improve access to reliable performance data, NEXTUP helps programs better evaluate and develop athletes while giving prospects a way to share verified measurements with decision-makers
Faith Nguyen ’21 recently signed her first professional contract with Angel City Futbol club. Her collegiate career began at UCLA, where she won a national championship, and concluded at Texas Tech, where she earned First Team All-Big 12 honors and Second Team Collegiate Sport Communicators recognition in 2024
William Nimmo Jr. ’19 attended UCLA, where he played football and earned degrees in public affairs and education with an emphasis in coaching and leadership He later completed his final season at San Diego State while finishing a second master’s degree in educational counseling Today, he is a licensed financial professional with New York Life in Irvine, helping families and athletes build long-term financial security, and remains a proud Monarch connected to the Mater Dei community.
Patrick Keegan ’20 and Sean Turk ’20 are the cofounders of Instant Energy Gum, a functional energy chew created while they were students at the University of Arizona Designed as a convenient alternative to traditional energy drinks, the product delivers caffeine and electrolytes in a portable, quickacting format and has begun gaining attention across Orange County Learn more and follow them @instantusa or see a recent feature on them in the LA Times
Jeremy Son ’23 is a junior at Seton Hall University, where he participates in both rugby and ice hockey He is also involved in public relations initiatives, contributes to WSOU 895 sports radio programming available on Spotify, appears on SHU TV broadcasts, and serves as a sports commentator for the Pirate Sports Network He was recently named to the Dean’s List
Grace Hong ’23 was named the Locker Hicks Cal Bears Transfer Student-Athlete of the Week at the University of California, Berkeley, where she studies global economies with an emphasis in finance and competes in Division I beach volleyball
She is also the founder of the GRIP Foundation, a nonprofit supporting individuals with limb differences through confidence-building programs, care packages, and advocacy promoting inclusion and resilience. G O T N E W S ?
1202 W. Edinger Avenue Santa Ana, CA 92707 www materdei org
