MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL
Scarlet&gray magazine I summer 2021
CLASS OF 2021 VALEDICTORIANS & SALUTATORIANS
In This Issue
Class of 2021 - senior strong Ring of honor inductees Monarchs back in action!
Greetings of Honor, Glory, and Love to all Mater Dei alumni, parents, students, friends, and benefactors. What a year it has been for us all! As always, we continue to hold our Monarch family in our prayers especially during these ever-changing times. In this issue of the Scarlet & Gray Magazine, we provide updates of how our community successfully navigated this school year with grace, resiliency, a strong sense of humor, and hope. On September 22, our students returned to campus for in-person instruction. After six long months missing them, it was truly an exciting day to welcome them home! Since that time, we have operated under a hybrid model of online and in-person instruction complete with red and gray groups, morning and afternoon sessions, and a new Wednesday “flex day” which offers students and teachers a chance to make up work, seek extra help, and attend meetings or other business on campus. Along with “masking on” and observing distancing guidelines, this has been an adjustment for us all. But the opportunity for us to be together and the valuable insights gained from these unique circumstances have presented great opportunities to further advance Mater Dei High School. We are always learning and growing – even during these COVID times! As we entered 2021, guidelines and restrictions began to shift, and normalcy began to return. It was so incredible to see and hear our student athletes and artists back “at play” on the fields, courts, track, in the pool, throughout the Grotto and yes, even in our parking structure. Catch up on the action in our Current Students section beginning on page 8. We commend and congratulate our faculty and students for their diligence and innovation throughout the past year – especially our graduates from the Class of 2021. Having nearly half of your high school experience drastically changed is something we never wished for you. However, you made it through, and you should be proud of all that you have overcome and accomplished. Finally, we bid farewell to Fr. Steve Sallot ’72, who has served as Mater Dei’s Interim President since January 2020. Read more about his farewell on page 4. Of course, Fr. Steve will be of great help to Fr. Walter Jenkins, our new president, as he officially joins us on July 1. With gratitude, we wish our entire Mater Dei community a restful summer – especially our dedicated faculty, staff, and parents who have supported our students during this tumultuous year. It is our hope that everyone can relax and unwind. The 2021-2022 school year will begin on Monday, August 16. As of press time, regulations have continued to shift. We are optimistic that this coming school year will feel more customary for everyone. We are reminded how blessed we are to be a part of this special Mater Dei community, named in honor of Our Blessed Mother, Mater Dei. May the Lord continue to bless you all and keep you safe.
Scarlet&gray
magazine I summer 2021
In this Issue We Are MD Farewell and Thank You, Fr. Steve! ................................... 4 Career Day & Alumni Speaker Series .............................. 4 2021 Ring of Honor Inductees.............................................5 Honor Glory Love Special Games Drive Thru.................................................... 6 Record Year in Student Service............................................7 CHOC Wellness Partnership ................................................7 Current Students Class of 2021: Senior Strong............................................... 8 Monarchs Back in Action.....................................................12 Esports is a Top 10 Program............................................... 13 Sailing Team’s National Title .............................................14 Performing Arts Continues to Create................................14 Faculty & Staff Faculty Spotlight: Jodi Reed................................................16 Faculty Staff Day of Recollection......................................16 Spirit of Josef Award.............................................................. 17 Class Notes.............................................................................18
WELCOME Fr. Walter E. Jenkins, C.S.C., Ed.D. President - Mater Dei High School
Beginning July 1, 2021
save the dates August 10-13 REDD Days August 11 Welcome Day
Together in Christ,
Fr. Steve Sallot ‘72 President
MATER DEI HIGH SCHOOL
Frances Clare Principal
August 16 First Day of Classes October 15 Homecoming www.materdei.org/calendar
@MaterDeiMonarchs @MaterDeiHighSchoolAlumni @MaterDeiMonarchs @Mater_Dei_Alumni
@MDHSMonarchs
@mater-dei-monarchs
www.youtube.com/materdei
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We Are MD
Thank You, Fr. Steve Sallot ‘72 Now, as the 2020-2021 school year comes to an end, Fr. Steve says his goodbyes to the Mater Dei community that has embraced him for the last four decades. While serving as the interim president, Sallot not only worked to keep MD on track, but was also charged in assisting with the new president search. Fr. Steve has also served as a mentor and confidant to our new school president, Fr. Walter Jenkins who will officially begin on July 1, 2021. “I was privileged to be a part of the great Mater Administrative and Advancement teams for the past year and a half. Despite all the Covid-19 challenges, Mater Dei navigated those waters with pride, poise and courage. I am thankful to be able to welcome Fr. Walter Jenkins and hand off the role as President of a great school with a great future. I have been blessed by this experience.” - Fr. Steve Sallot ‘72
Third time’s a charm! A student in the early 1970s, Rector in the 90s and President in 2020! MD has been blessed by Fr. Steve Sallot’s presence on campus on three occasions. Last winter, after President Patrick Murphy’s departure for his new position with the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, Fr. Steve Sallot, stepped in to be the school’s interim president in January 2020.
Who knew he was signing up to help lead Mater Dei through a leadership change AND a global pandemic! We are so grateful for the example of wisdom, patience, and perseverance Fr. Steve set for us. As we often say, Once a Monarch, Always a Monarch. So, this departure is not goodbye, but see you later. Fr. Steve won’t be far away; he’ll be back to having just one full-time job as Pastor of Our Lady Queen of Angels Parish.
Career Day & Speaker Series Connects Alumni to Current Students The College and Career Center, in conjunction with the Alumni Office, holds a Career Day for juniors each February. As with most events in early 2021, Career Day, had to go virtual. Our switch to Zoom was not without a few technical difficulties, but in the end, it was still an amazing day for our Junior Students. This new format allowed us to invite MD alumni from all over the country to participate as Career Speakers. We are so grateful to the 45+ speakers from six states who took the time to share their insight and knowledge with our Juniors. The event kicked off with a large Zoom conference for the entire junior class led by Denise Cianciabella Johnson ’83 of the USC Career Center. She provided the Class of 2022 with valuable insights on resume building, networking and interview skills. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to attend up to four small, career specific sessions. Sessions were offered four times through the day representing over 25 Career Fields. Many sessions had multiple presenters covering a wide variety of job opportunities within each career field.
Diana Cianciabella Johnson ‘83 provided the keynote address.
Although we hope to have our speakers back on campus to visit with our students, next year, the ability to have Zoom sessions could help us expand the impact of this event for our students in the future. The opportunity to have out of town speakers as well as recording for future use could prove invaluable. If you would like to be involved in a future Mater Dei Career Day, please contact Kathleen Kelly ’94 – kkelly@materdei.org. Kira Imhoff ‘22 connects with alumni in the entertainment industry: Shannon O’neill ‘04, John Sanders ‘85, and Joseph Goriel ‘09.
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2021 Ring of Honor Inductees On Wednesday, June 2, we celebrated the 2021 Ring of Honor Inductees at our Annual Donor Appreciation Night in the beauty of the Grotto. It was the first time in over a year that we were able to welcome beloved members of the MD family back onto campus. Read on to learn about this year’s esteemed class of inductees. The Sisters of St. Louis The Sisters of St. Louis were among the first orders of religious educators during Mater Dei’s foundational years in the 1950s through the 1980s. The order was originally founded in 1842 in France by Fr. Louis Bautain, but its development centered around the mother house founded in Ireland in 1859. In 1949 as California was experiencing a post-war population boom, the community established a U.S. headquarters in Woodland Hills, CA. This was shortly after answering a plea from an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles who shared that the growing number of From left: Pat and Marti Murphy, Sr. Judith Dieterle ‘67, Sr. Nuala Ryan and Bob Webber ‘59. Catholic schools badly needed teachers. Serving as teachers, club moderators (Glee Club, Highlighters Club, Journalism), music ministers, and great mentors to the earliest Monarchs, the Sisters greatly contributed to many MD traditions that are alive and well today. Former faculty member, Sr. Bridget Clare McKeever, SSL (then known as Sr. Wilfred) wrote the lyrics to the school’s alma mater defining our charism of “HONOR, GLORY, LOVE.” Throughout several volumes of the CROWN yearbook, you’ll find many pages of SSL faculty in black and white traditional box habits. Today, they favor floral skirts and sweaters. While their attire may have changed, the sisters’ dedication to education, pastoral ministries, and social outreach has not wavered. Former Faculty members Sr. Nuala Ryan and Sr. Judith Dieterle ’67, class salutatorian, accepted the honor on behalf of their order. Robert “Bob” Webber ‘59 Born in Boston, MA, Robert “Bob” Webber spent his youth there until relocating to Santa Ana in the 1950s. He spent two years at St. Anne School, Santa Ana before becoming part of the original classes that formed many of Mater Dei’s long-standing traditions. Bob was active in student government all four years and served as ASB President in 1959. He was a four-year member of the varsity baseball team and first-string defensive player on the football team. Bob was part of Mater Dei’s first Football Team that clenched the CIF Championship in 1956 under the leadership of the late-great Coach Dick Coury. Professionally, Bob dedicated over 40 years as the corporate vice president of a large environmental chemical and biological testing laboratory in Orange, CA. During his work in the environmental field, he received international recognition for his achievement in the State of California’s wastewater industry. For over 60 years, Bob has remained incredibly dedicated to his high school alma mater. He is a founding member of the Mater Dei Lettermen’s Club which has raised over $250,000 for need-based financial aid for student athletes since the club’s founding in the early 2000s. Bob is a go-to member of the Class of 1959 and has worked hard to keep his classmates connected through class reunions and get-togethers for over six decades. Always grateful for the foundation Mater Dei High School provided him, Bob has consistently supported various initiatives including financial aid, the arts, athletics, the all-school auction, campus ministry, and capital projects. A founding member of Josef’s Legacy Guild, Bob’s testamentary gift to Mater Dei will continue to benefit the school into perpetuity. Bob and his long-time companion, Margie, are avid photographers and consistent attendees at many MD games and events. Over the years, they have become regulars at MD Surf Team contests and have taken stunning action shots of our athletes in the waves – sometimes as early as 5 a.m. Bob is the proud father of Stephen and Brandi, both of whom live in Northern CA. Patrick “Pat” and Martha “Marti” Murphy Pat and Marti Murphy have been a part of the Mater Dei family since 1990. During his 30-year tenure at MD, Pat wore many hats including administrator, teacher, coach, mentor, innovator, visionary, and friend. Committed to Mater Dei’s long-term sustainability, he was instrumental in the growth of so many campus programs and oversaw the large-scale redevelopment of Mater Dei’s campus and establishment of the school’s endowment. Over the years, Pat was a constant at nearly every Mater Dei game, performance, concert, award ceremony, competition, rally, and Mass. He strongly believed and supported the talents of so many generations of Monarchs and had Marti’s full support even when it meant being away from home. Before his time at Mater Dei, Pat held numerous teaching, administrative, and coaching positions at the high school and collegiate levels. He now serves as the President of Business Operations, Strategy & Development with NHL’s Arizona Coyotes where he oversees the team’s business, finance, corporate, ticketing, sales and marketing departments. Marti was a founding faculty member of Junior Monarch, a summer leadership and enrichment program for rising 6th graders from our Santa Ana Catholic feeder schools. She recently retired from 30 years at Harbor Day School where she taught 3rd and 5th grade. Married since 1988, Pat and Marti met while teaching at the University of San Diego High School but had to date surreptitiously. The Murphys have been long-time, quiet benefactors of Mater Dei High School and focus their giving on financial aid. Pat and Marti are the proud parents of Svetlana and Liana and grandparents of Jake, Jackson, and Harrison.
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Honor Glory Love
Special Games Drive Thru Thrills Attendees By: Danielle Jones ’21 and Ellie Tavanian ’22 – MD Scarlet Scroll
On Saturday, March 27, Mater Dei hosted its Annual Special Games, an outreach event that typically has 250 special needs athletes who enjoy a day of games, dancing, and activities in the outdoor athletic complex. After being canceled in 2020, this year’s event was re-imagined into a drive thru parade to maintain safety for everyone involved. Attendees enjoyed lunch from TK Burger, greetings from Frozen and Marvel characters, the Santa Ana Police and Fire Departments’ comfort dogs, dancers from the Tupua Polynesian company, a DJ, and a commemorative Special Games t-shirt. In describing the event’s design, Christian Service Director and Special Games Coordinator, Mrs. Stephanie Hopkins, shared that the main intention was to use the campus space to welcome and celebrate people while keep them at a safe distance. Hopkins likened Special Games to Disneyland’s “It’s A Small World” ride where participants and their families experienced the various attractions from the safety of their own vehicles. “We modeled after what we saw at other [drive thru] events…so we decided to make it very visual and auditory depending on what is sensitive for you,” she said. Unfortunately, this year’s Special Games was not a large student volunteer opportunity. The student buddy program was too risky and not in compliance with social distancing guidelines. Despite that, the limited number of students that were able to come help were led by student directors and seniors Isabelle Tran and Thien-Nhi Tran. “All we had to do was show up with a smile on our faces to welcome everyone,” Isabelle Tran said. Campus Ministry commissioners and football players worked to check-in cars, take photos of families, and hand out T-shirts. Members of the cheer team were also there to bring out school spirit and energy. “Most of the people who come in always have such genuine smiles, and it’s refreshing to interact with people who are so unabashedly themselves,” Nhi Tran said. Hopkins shared that she was worried if the event would go as planned and feared of low attendance. However, the exact opposite happened. The excitement and joy on the faces of families was clearly evident. “What made this year special was how Mater Dei really went out of their way to create an event for the community. I just love how fast and efficiently we adapted to everything,” Isabelle Tran said. “And also, I love to see everyone come. Everyone’s spirit was high and they were so excited. It just made me so happy.” While the wish is for Special Games to return to its normal format, the future is still unknown. Mrs. Hopkins shared what she learned from this year’s event and plans to adapt accordingly for next year. Whatever the format, the most important goal was accomplished – spreading joy to our special needs community. “Everybody [was] so desperate to do something and to do something good and to make people smile,” Hopkins said. “That’s basically what we’re trying to do: [make] people smile and have a nice lunch to go.”
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Record Year in Student Service
While the pandemic presented challenges for our students in attaining their required service hours. This year was a record breaker in the history of the MD Christian Service Program.
Partnership for Wellness After observing recent challenges due to COVID and rising risk factors in teens (see sidebar), Mater Dei prioritized a new partnership with CHOC Children’s Mental Health program at the start of the 202021 school year. We welcomed Ana d’Abreu, Ph.D., who works closely with the MD Counseling Department to provide support and training in student mental health using evidence-based best practices. With the goal of building a culture of wellness throughout the community, “we focused on addressing the mental health needs of students, supporting teacher wellbeing while also assessing the mental health needs of the community for future programming,” said d’Abreu. Year one of this partnership has been largely student-centered, but parents and teachers also had opportunities to expand their mental health knowledge. Through a number of Wellness Workshops on a variety of topics including stress management, growth mindset, and the importance of sleep. Consultation services, wellness resources, and techniques for in-class exercises provided by the CHOC team helped our dedicated faculty and staff navigate this difficult year and bolster the resiliency of our students.
From grocery shopping for neighbors affected by COVID to helping care for the elderly in the community, to on campus donation drives, our students found ways to help people in need no matter the situation.
Beyond proactive education for our community, the CHOC team also offers confidential treatment options for students with parent permission and is available to help with any mental health crises that could arise on campus. As we enter the 2021-22 school year, we are excited for Dr. d’Abreu to return. In discussing year two, she share that plans include implementing a social-emotional curriculum unique to Mater Dei. The final version of this project will be implemented in year three of the program during the 2022-23 school year. “This program will help students understand and manage their emotions, set and achieve goals, and form strong relations,” said d’Abreu. Mrs. Geri Campeau ’87, AP of Academic Services and lifetime parent of two Monarchs, shared her excitement for the new program. “We [are focusing] on the mental health of our students while blazing a trail of social and emotional education in Orange County,” she said.
The Campus Ministry team adapted the exisiting program to validate the service and efforts of our students especially with our campus outreach programs. The response was the most we have EVER had. Our classrooms, especially the World Languages Department, found ways to help the students give back. - Mrs. Stephanie Hopkins
Mrs. Marybeth Nguyen ‘12 meeting a student.
Mrs. Vanessa Pena-Gautier working with a student.
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Current Students
2021 Valedictorians and Salutatorians Mater Dei’s has a unique tradition in naming the class valedictorian and salutatorian. Seniors with a 4.0 cumulative GPA are invited to submit a speech for review to a special selection committee comprised of various campus administrators. Selections are revealed as the final award at Senior Awards Night. Due to current gathering guidelines, the Classes of 2020 and 2021 have made Mater Dei history with not only having multiple ceremonies on campus, but also multiple class speakers.
From left: Kailia Utley, Isabelle Tran, Tiffany Le, and Owen Logan.
TIFFANY LE - VALEDICTORIAN 9 A.M. CEREMONY Speech theme: How photos tell our class story First reaction to big news: “Say what?!” Staying strong: Parents, best friends, confirmation program, and inner motivation to make the yearbook special kept me strong. What I learned about myself in COVID: “I realized I’m not an introvert and I got to explore being more creative while trying to be adaptable.”
College and Life Plans: Chapman University Fowler School of Engineering Majoring in Data Science/ Analytics
Why I chose MD: The generous financial support I was granted.
Influential Person: Mrs. Sueiras, Crown Yearbook Advisor - “She encouraged me and really made yearbook room a home and a safe place for me.”
Elementary School: St. Barbara, Santa Ana
Service Hours: 1061
Parish: St. Columban, Garden Grove
Favorite Part of MD: “The opportunities you have here no matter where you come from.”
OWEN LOGAN - SALUTATORIAN 9 A.M. CEREMONY Speech theme: Storytelling with inspiration from great movies
College and Life Plans: Boston University - Majoring in Film
First reaction to big news: Humbled
Influential Person: Mr. Andy Roberts, Film and Media Arts Teacher - “He so much more than a film teacher and teaches life lessons and character building moments.
Staying strong: Keeping an open mind. “As much as we were restricted, we had a lot of new opportunities inside and outside of school.” What I learned about myself in COVID: “Being at school builds your character - the interactions and relationships.”
Favorite Part of MD: “The idea that you can be a scholar, an artist, and athlete at the same time. There are so many walks of life here - you get a more rounded world view.
Why I chose MD: I can’t point to one thing, but Monarch pride permeates everything and the opportunities offered here just doesn’t happen at other schools. Service Hours: 400 Elementary School: Mariner’s Christian, Newport Beach Parish: Mariner’s Church, Newport Beach
ISABELLE TRAN - VALEDICTORIAN 4:30 P.M. CEREMONY Speech theme: Comparing the life stages of a bird to our development in high school
College and Life Plans: CSULB Nursing – pursue Masters and Nurse Practitioner
First reaction to big news: Speechless
Influential Person: My mom and the Campus Ministry Team. “My mom saw my full worth, my capabilities. She pushed me to come the best version of myself.”
What I learned about myself in COVID: I realized my growth and I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone, which I’m really proud of. Staying strong: Being creative and finding ways to help people even during this difficult time.
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Favorite Part of MD: Students are given so many opportunities to develop a relationship with God and the example that Jesus set to serve others.
Why I chose MD: School isn’t just school at Mater Dei. We focus on community and go out into the world and do things. Service Hours: 1000 Elementary School: Blessed Sacrament School, Westminster Parish: St. Polycarp, Stanton
Speech theme: The small moments shape you into the person you are. First reaction to big news: Relieved [because I was so nervous], but grateful. Staying strong: As ASB President, I had make the most out of a year where we didn’t know what we were going to get. We were granted a new confidence to try different things. What I learned about myself in COVID: Even the smallest things can make an impact on someone’s life.
KAILIA UTLEY - SALUTATORIAN 9 A.M. CEREMONY College plans: Vanderbilt University, Mater Dei is a bridge to what is next. Swim Scholarship; Pre-Med but hoping to explore classical studies as Why I chose MD: The shared well. motivation of the student community. Influential Person: Ms. Costa, Associate Activities Director. “I learned so much from her in the care, effort, and support she gave the ASB team.” Favorite Part of MD: The same core values you find in so many people really builds this community. Everyone wants to do something more and looks within themselves to see that
Service Hours: 268 Elementary School: St. Bonaventure, Huntington Beach Parish: St. Anne, Seal Beach
Congratulations to the following Monarchs who have signed a National Letter of Intent to continue their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level. These student- athletes join an elite group of young men and women blessed to participate in college athletics. Their hard work, dedication, countless hours of preparation and the support of their family has paid off in the opportunity to continue playing the sport they love. Best of luck next year! Baseball Sebastian Guzman – Washington University in St. Louis Scott Morales – CSU San Bernardino Brenden Morris – Colorado Mesa University Chase Nichols – CSU San Bernardino Drew Porter – CSU Northridge William Rice – Newman University Skye Selinsky – Columbia University Alonzo Tredwell – UCLA AJ Valle – Columbia University Basketball (Boys) Wilhelm Breidenbach Dorsz – University of Nebraska Nick Davidson – University of Nevada Harrison Hornery – University of Southern California
Golf (Boys) Ryder Henares – Loyola Marymount University Golf (Girls) Lauren Calvillo – Trinity College Lacrosse (Boys) Tyler Curry – Grove City College Lacrosse (Girls) Lauren Friedman – Amherst College Skyler Nielsen – Columbia University Soccer (Boys) Connor Place – UC San Diego
Basketball (Girls) Maeaali’i Amosa – Pepperdine University Brooke Demetre – Stanford University Alyssa Durazo-Frescas – University Nevada, Las Vegas
Soccer (Girls) Ceanna Doria – Southern Methodist University Abigail Hampton – Southern Methodist University Megan Hogate – University of Texas Faith Nguyen – UCLA
Cheer Angelique Vasquez – Morehead State University
Softball Gabriella Heftved – Hamilton College Natalie Marshall – University of Kansas Morgan McConnell – University of North Dakota
Cross Country Tait Vigeland – University of Portland Football Terrence Caldwell – Cornell University Jaylin Davies – University of Oregon Raesjon Davis – University of Southern California Cristian Dixon – University of Michigan Ross Maseuli – San Diego State University George Miki-Han – Colorado State University Tyler Narayan – United States Naval Academy Kyron Ware-Hudson – University of Southern California Marceese Yetts – Air Force Academy
Track & Field Samantha Sloan – Chapman University Volleyball (Beach) Colby Bennett – University of Southern California Rachel Blair – Concordia University Volleyball (Boys) Nick Hoffmeyer – Concordia University Josh Rosenblum – CSU Long Beach Volleyball (Girls) Cadence Gronski – Santa Clara University Zaria Henderson – UC San Diego Isabella Lesage – Northwestern University Lauryn Sweeney – Fordham University Water Polo (Boys) Clay Kaneko – Pepperdine University Grant Loth – UCLA Waterpolo (Girls) Casey Coppock – UC Santa Barbara Janna Tauscher – UC Berkeley
Song Kaitlyn Bujakowski – Rutgers University Swimming & Diving (Girls) Lizzie Mackowiak – University of Arizona Kailia Utley – Vanderbilt University Tennis (Girls) Grace McSkimming – Sacramento State University
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C L A S S O F 2 0 2 1 - YO U R J O Ghaleb M Abul-Fielat *** Jocelyn Melina Aceves *** † Brittyn Aleah Adams ** † Samantha Faith Adornetto *** ‡ Noah Carlos Aguilar *** ‡ Kaitlyn Renee Alday * ‡ Mina Aldayyat Laura Sofia Alfaro *** † ‡ Natalia M Almazan * Leilani Alvarado *** ‡ Kaitlyn Maude Ambriz Holl * †‡ Margaret Elizabeth Ambrose *** † ‡ Meaali’i R Amosa ** Mary Grace Anderson * Neave Eileen Anderson *** Kenzo D Andry * Nolan Aaron Anguiano ** Riley Celine Angulo Evan C Antonius *** Savannah Grace Arriola ** Kelsey Belle Arvidson ** McKay Ashlyn Arvidson *** † ‡ Reagan Elizabeth Arvidson *** Matthew Everett Ashmore * Jocelyn Reanne Ayala *** † ‡ Aiden Gaby Azar *** ‡ Liliana Barceló * Alexxa Barker *** † Russell J Barone ** † ‡ Isabella Faith Battersby ** † ‡ Ashton Nicolai Beckham *** † ‡ Maureen Lena Beld *** † ‡ Haitham Ryln Bell *** ‡ Grant Owen Belsby ** Colby McCall Bennett *** † ‡ Thomas James Bethel ** Rachel A Blair * Connor Stephen Bogart ** Danielle Rae Bonada * Ryan Christopher Bordner *** † ‡ Paige Elizabeth Bradney * Orion H Brady ** Joshua T Bredehoft * † Austin James Bressler * Shu’ayb Brinkley Allison Elizabeth Brown * Hudson Trevor Lazenby Brown Taylor Jordan Bruder *** † Avery Frances Bruening *** Imani Alexane Ngangnang Brutlag *** † Isabelle Anya Buchanan *** † ‡ Makena Gabrielle Bugarin *** ‡ Emily Thuy-Linh Bui * Teresa Bui *** † ‡ Kaitlyn Nicole Bujakowski *** Arianna Paige Cabada *** † ‡ Cameron Cabrera *** † Pengze Cai ** Alina C Caico Alexander V Calabrese *** ‡ Terrance Lamont Caldwell II *** Emma Elise Califato ** † ‡ Lauren Alexis Calvillo *** † ‡ Vangie Camarena-Romo Thomas I Campbell *** † ‡ Nicholas Cao *** ‡ Declan Edward Carcelero *** † Ryan Christopher Carlyle *** † ‡ Sonya Charlette Carnal * Macean Carr *** † ‡ Troy Patrick Cary *** † ‡ Emily R Casas *** John Owen Casey *** Naomi Madeline Castellanos ** † ‡ Adam Nicholas Castillo George Castillo ** Josh P Castillo *** † ‡ Alexa Rachel Castro *** ‡ Louis David Cerda *** ‡ Andrew Raymond Cervantes *** ‡ Talar Mary Chadarevian *** † ‡ Jingtong Chai ** Courtney Marie Chargualaf ** Reese Alana Chavez *** ‡ Minghao Chen ** Yamin Chen ** Kanhna Chhay ** ‡
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Ava Pari Christansen *** † ‡ Marcela I Cid-Rosas *** † ‡ Isaac Jacob Cisneros * Skyler G Cisneros *** † ‡ John Lawrence Clark ** Ethan Cohen *** † ‡ Evan E Cole *** Madison Lynn Condon *** † ‡ Eliza Renee Contreras ** † ‡ Katie Nicole Cook ** † ‡ Casey Alejandra Coppock ** Eva Isoletta Cornell ** Destiny Marie Cortez * Celine Elyse Covarrubias-Macias *** † ‡ Mackenzie Claire Cowles *** Ellie Morgan Crabbe *** Nathaniel Leo Cruz Tyler Curry *** Rory Anne Dahl ** ‡ Andrew S Dallape *** Minh Dao *** Nicholas Todd Davidson *** Jaylin Isaiah Davies * Raesjon P Davis Katherine Kruna Day ** † ‡ Olivia Grace de Heras ** ‡ Diesel Jayk De Luz * Reese Faye DeAngelo *** † ‡ Joseph Thomas Delaney ** † ‡ Brooke Ky Demetre *** Peyton Luke Demetre ** Rachel Burke Dennin *** † ‡ Izabella Marie D’Eramo *** ‡ Cristian Dixon * Jacob Do * Linh Ngoc Phuong Do *** † ‡ Timothy Logan Doering ** † Liliana Yvette Dominguez *** Alan D Dong *** † ‡ Brian Dat Dong Yujie Dong *** ‡ Ceanna Ranae Doria ** Wilhelm Breidenbach ** Samantha Christine Dreyer ** ‡ Rohan T Duong *** Ethan Davis Duron Connor Adam Edwards ** Jenna Nicole Egan * Kathryn Alise Egan ** Geneva Renee Eisel * Henry Porter Engelman *** ‡ Lexy Janid Enriquez Natalie Julianna Erhard *** Megan Prentice Ettinger * Jaden Alexander Eun ** ‡ Emily Evans *** † ‡ Santino Cristiani Alexander Faccio ** † ‡ Spencer Nolan Fanticola ** † ‡ Kenneth Nicolas Camerino Fernandez *** ‡ Cameron T Fetter ** ‡ Daniel Frederick Fillet *** Daniel Michael Flathom Estefan Omar Flores *** ‡ ‡ Faith Carmen Flores *** † ‡ Genesis Esperanza Flores Rodriguez *** ‡ Victoria Franco Brandon R Frank ** † Alyssa Durazo-Frescas ** Lauren Alexandra Friedman *** † Emmett Daniel Gallivan ** ‡ Dominic A Galuppo * Tiarah Carissa Galvan Kade Ganey * Adonis Garcia ** † ‡ Gisele Garcia *** ‡ Sarah Fleur Garcia * † David S Gergeis * Evan Kai Gibson *** † ‡ Paulina Gibson ** William Clark Gibson * Corey Ayden Gilbert Declan T Glenane Henry Quyen Gomez-Nguyen * Laila Villalobos Aidan Gonzalez Desiree Analise Gonzalez * Samantha Abigail Gonzalez ** † ‡
Ethan Jonathan Graber ** Jennie Caroline Greco * Sophia Isabella Green * Cadence Rose Gronski *** Mia E Guadarrama *** ‡ Sebastian Aaron Guzman *** † Abigail Victoria Hampton *** † ‡ Faithanna S Hancock
Catherine Anne Iveson *** † ‡ John Avedis Jalakian ** Jack Robbins Jernigan * Shengzhuo Jin *** Alyssa Mae Johnson *** Ayana Salei Johnson *** Champion Johnson * Danielle Madison Jones *** † ‡
Cole B Kristiansen ** † ‡ Lily Katherine Kunde *** ‡ Raymond Claude Langford ** Madison Elizabeth Laskey *** † ‡ Lam Hung Le * Nhi Hanh Le *** ‡ Tiffany Tien Le *** † ‡ Tyler T Le *** † ‡
Tanner Joseph Harrington ** ‡ Chase Patrick Harvey *** † ‡ Chengzhi He * Yuxuan He * Gabriella Karen Heftved *** ‡ Ryder Peyton Henares ** Zaria Simone Henderson * Fiona Hernandez *** Jessica Lauren Hicks ** ‡ Juliette Claudine Hill *** † ‡ Antonio Hinojosa ** ‡ Braden Joseph Hinz *** † ‡ Arielle E Hobbs *** † Nicholas Charles Hoffmeyer Megan Elizabeth Hogate *** Harrison Wayne Callaghan Hornery *** JD Houston ** Cloe Nadine Hughes *** † ‡ Owen Graham Hutton *** Joy Huynh ** † Natalie Priscilla Ibarra *** † ‡
Spencer E Jones * Alexis Daniel Jordan *** † ‡ Miles Christopher Jourdain-Lamp ** Olivia Maria Kalczynski *** † ‡ Emilie Katherine Kalkus *** † ‡ Clay B Kaneko ** Andrew Kang ** † Ethan F Kaplan ** Caroline Elizabeth Kawabe *** † ‡ Robert C Keilch Robert Fitzgerald Keller * Michael Shawn Kelly *** † Lauren Jessie Kensel *** ‡ Jacqueline Elaine Kerr *** † ‡ Dylan Kierulff ** ‡ Maxwell A Kleha Harley S Knode * Vance Scott Knode * Jacqueline Adeline Knox *** † ‡ Isabella Maria Kolesar Mia L Kolesar
Vincent Viet Le * Sebastian L Ledesma ** Bryce Curtis Lehner *** ‡ Cameron K Leofa Isabella M LeSage *** † ‡ Jiahao J H Li Owen Patrick Logan *** † ‡ Dario Lopez II * † Emily Nicole Lopez *** † ‡ Isaiah Jonathan Lopez * Grant Nicholas Donald Loth * Sofia Lujan * Phuong Luong *** ‡ Emily C Lynch *** † ‡ Shannon Jeanette Macaulay * Elizabeth Marie Mackowiak *** † ‡ Collin Mageean Jameson Mahlum ** Vannessa Maldonado ** † ‡ Noah Alvarez Mangosing *** † Suyeko Larue Manson ** ‡
OURNEY HAS JUST BEGUN Shelby Mayela Mariscal *** † ‡ Natalie Athena Marshall *** ‡ Charlotte Lucia Marsoun *** ‡ Lauren Taylor Martin *** † ‡ Jade Alexandre Martinez Ross Puni Ulugalu-Maseuli Ana Marie Magdalena Masino *** Kylie Mary Matthews *** ‡
Nicholas James Miranda ** Andrew John Mitchell *** † ‡ John Mitchell * Jessica Ayline Molina ** ‡ Melanie Rose Montegani ** † ‡ Zachary Centeno Montgomery * Ashlee Jordan Morales *** † ‡ Scott Ryan Morales
Lillian Nguyen *** Lynn T Nguyen * Mai Q Nguyen *** ‡ Megan Minh Chau Nguyen *** † ‡ Megan T Nguyen Nhi Phuong Nguyen *** Nhu Quynh Nguyen ** † Rachel Thuy Nhi Nguyen *** † ‡
Kornelia Ewa Matuszak ** Edmond Alexander Mawad Christopher M Mazzuckis * Morgan Renee McConnell * Jocelyn Anh-Claire McGuinness *** † ‡ Cambria Lyn McKee *** † ‡ Luke Quincy McKenna *** † ‡ Claire Marie McKimmey * † Makenzie Skyler McKnight * Bartholomew W McNulty ** Grace A McSkimming ** Brandon Phan McWilliams *** Brooklyn M Medwig ** † ‡ Jordan Richelle Medwig * Giovanni Mejia Emily Mendez Stephanie B Mendoza Claire Perry Menzia *** Marie Eleanor Meyerhofer ** † ‡ George Adam Miki-Han * Riley John Miller *
Alexander Fredrick Morehead * Isabella Sophia Morin *** † ‡ Brenden M Morris * Cecilia Giovanna Motherway *** † ‡ Christopher Michael Mott ** Alena Teresa Mulvihill * Chris Andrei DePerio Munar ** † Jake Kenji Nagamoto ** ‡ Tyler James Narayan ** Richard Manuel Nava ** Ashley Bao Vy Nguyen *** † ‡ Breanna Thanh Nguyen ** ‡ Catherine Nguyen * Derrek Nguyen *** ‡ Diana Nguyen *** ‡ Faith Nguyen *** † Jason Nguyen *** † ‡ Kaitlyn H T Nguyen ** Kelly K Nguyen Kha Son Nguyen ** Kristy Thanh Nguyen ** ‡
Ryan Nguyen *** † ‡ Sabrina Phuong Quynh Nguyen *** † ‡ Sarah Nguyen ** Martin Andre Nibungco ** † Chase Thomas Nichols ** Stanley Fitzgerald Nicholson Jr ** Curran Ann Nielsen *** † ‡ Skyler Rose Nielsen *** ‡ David Mathias Nisson *** † Cora Anne Nordheim *** † Julia Marie Noya * Yosely Ocampo ** Raquel Aiesha Ochoa Clare Jane O’Connell ** † ‡ Erin Jean O’Connell ** † ‡ Lily Kathryn O’Day * Kate Elizabeth O’Hara ** ‡ Sean Timothy O’Hara *** Zachary Troy Osborne * Sophia Noelle Osmena *** Gianni Marie Palazzolo *** † ‡
Kristen Joelle Pang *** † ‡ Annabelle Zoe Park Gianna Corinne Pedicini *** † ‡ Andrew Sebastien Pereda *** † Lexi Anissa Perez ** † Victoria Perez ** Kathleen Pham *** † ‡ Kenny Duy Linh Pham Khanh T Pham *** Whitney Thy Pham ** Estevan James Phillipy * Bright Piens ** Bryanna Yzabella Pier ** Connor S Place ** Mackenzie Lauren Agnes Podraza ** Piper Earline Poliquin ** Lilyanna Marina Ponce ** † ‡ Jessica Porras *** Drew James Porter * Allison Victoria Potter *** † ‡ Cody Dylan Quach *** ‡ Nicholas V Quattrocchi *** † ‡ Paola M Quezada Tiara M Quidachay ** Samantha Quiroz ** † Darin James Rahm ** Christian Brandon Ramirez * Michelle K Raymondi * Scott David Rector Alexander M Reed *** † ‡ Tallulah Stella-Louise Rehder ** ‡ Samantha M Reinberger ** Nino Kailani Remigio * Juan Renteria * Aiden Thomas Resendiz Griffin Rhoads *** ‡ William Edward Rice Lily Ann Risk *** † ‡ Haley Nubia Rivas * † Christian Mario Rivera * Emily G Rivera *** Emma Christina Rivera *** † ‡ Monique Lily Rivera ** ‡ Brynn M Robinson *** † ‡ Berenice Rodriguez *** † ‡ Fatima Rodriguez * Paige Lauren Roman * Jaline Romero Sheyla Romero Kevin Joseph Rood Ethan Zand Rose *** Mia Leigh Roselli ** Joshua Edward Rosenblum ** Joseph Christopher Rosol ** ‡ Brooklyn Raine Roy *** Jaselle V Ruggiero *** Ema Viktorija Rugienius *** † ‡ Alexandra Celeste Ruiz ** ‡ Johnathon D Ruiz * Silvia Aileen Ruiz Joshua Fatutoa Sagiao Meg Jillian Salanga *** † ‡ Peter James Sangmeister Madison Marie Santley ** † ‡ Marie Sun-jae Santos *** ‡ Evan Joseph Schaubeck ** Regan Scherff * Makenna Marie Schneer *** ‡ Sadie Ann Schobel *** ‡ Ian Gregory Schoenbaum *** † ‡ Sofia Cristine Schoenhoefer *** † Matthew Ritchie Scully *** † ‡ Lanie Johana Segura *** † ‡ Skye Tiger Selinsky *** Samantha Rose Shapiro ** † ‡ Lauren Mary Shepherd *** † ‡ Emma Grayce Shillington ** Sara Nguyen Silvala *** ‡ Samantha M Sloan ** Dylan Davis Smith *** ‡ Lauren Natalia Smith *** † ‡ Abigail Marie Snider *** † ‡ Colin Patrick Spruce *** † ‡ Kaitlyn Rose Staats *** † ‡ Kenzie L Stanton ** ‡ Kevin Thomas Sullivan * Lauryn Margaret Sweeney *** † ‡
Maylee Tan *** Janna Alisa Tauscher ** Sophia Marie Tebbs *** ‡ Elena McLean Telesco *** † ‡ Allison Thai ** ‡ Keoni A Thomas * Dominic Cruz Toledo ** Calantha Tong ** Lorenzo Fortades Tordera *** † ‡ Antoinette Elizabeth Toto * Duc Peter Tran *** † ‡ Hunter Q Tran *** Isabelle Thien-Ai Tran *** † ‡ Khoa A Tran *** Ngan Hong Tran *** † Thien-Nhi Hannah Tran *** † William H Tran *** † ‡ Alonzo Slote Tredwell III ** Evan Reyes ** Trisha Trinh *** † Dung Le Phuong Truong *** † ‡ My Nguyen Hoang Truong *** Nick J Tucci * Taelan Trae Ulicny *** Marc Perry Velasquez Ungriano *** † ‡ Marco Augustus Uribe * Kailia Grace Utley *** † ‡ Katherine Vaca *** † ‡ Nicole J Valenti *** † ‡ Mekala Anais Valentin ** † ‡ A J Valle *** Anthony An Lac Van Matthew Murphy Van De Velde *** Zac van den Heuvel * Angelique Rose Vasquez ** † ‡ Michael Francis Vaughan *** † ‡ Madeline Pearl Velardi * Christopher Velazquez ** Tait Alyssa Vigeland *** ‡ Anne D Vu *** † ‡ Bryan Quoc Tuan Vu *** † ‡ Derrick Duy Vu *** † ‡ Dominick Vu * Justin H N Vu ** Karen Truc Quyen Vu *** † ‡ Daniel Robert Wacker Fiona Rose Waldron * Alyssa Marie Walters ** † ‡ Ziqiuyi Wang * Kyron Demetrius Ware-Hudson * Madison Ann Marie Warnock ** ‡ Kyle Waterman *** † Kendelynn Amber Watkins *** † ‡ Joshua Robert Pino Weed *** † ‡ Owen Patrick Wessel ** Hannah Nicole Wheeler *** ‡ Justin Daniel Whittaker ** † ‡ Katherine R Wieland *** † ‡ Aleesa Raylin Williams ** Kathryn Elizabeth Williams *** † ‡ Emme Vienne Wilson *** † ‡ Caitlin Marie Windross *** ‡ Fan Wu ** Kate Gayle Wynn *** Penelope M Yanez *** Marceese N Yetts ** Zongxuan Yu ** Michael Zalameda *** † ‡ Josiah Doxshimon Zamora *** Yixuan Zhao *** Mi Zhou ** Yonghan Zhou ** Brisa Gabriella Zitko ** † ‡ Emma J Zuniga *** † ‡
†National Honor Society ‡C.S.F. Sealbearer ***Summa Cum Laude **Magna Cum Laude *Cum Laude
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Monarchs Back in Action After nearly 12 months of practice and competing only against teammates, the Monarchs were finally able to begin CIF competition in January. This year’s CIF seasons were condensed from three into two. Six athletic teams competed in the shortened winter season beginning in January 2021: Football, Girls Volleyball, Boys and Girls Cross Country and Boys and Girls Water Polo. Because of a shorter season which began later than hoped, these teams did not have the opportunity to compete in CIF playoffs. The remaining 17 Monarch teams began competition in the spring season. As of press time, many of these teams are still in CIF playoffs which will wrap up nearly one month after graduation! While it has been a wild year, we were so grateful to see our student-athletes back at play. Congratulations to all — and thank you to our coaches, athletic trainers, faculty, parents, and entire MD family for the love and support you gave our students. We can’t wait to have fans back at all of the games!
Girls Basketball Back to Back CIF Champions!
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Trinity League Championships Football Boys Golf Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Boys Lacrosse Girls Lacrosse Girls Soccer Softball Girls Tennis Girls Volleyball Boys Volleyball
MD’s Esports Blazes Its Own Championship Tradition Esports (electronic sports) is a form of competition using video games organized in individual or multiplayer format. Mater Dei’s esports program began in the 2017-18 school year with 10 players and one game on a few MAC computers in the library. Today, the team boasts 75 registrants and 50 rostered players across six games who are charting a new course of achievements for MD They have six coaches (five are MD alumni). In May, the MD esports program was nationally recognized as a Top 10 California team by Stay Plugged IN (a large collegiate esports recruitment network). The team also clenched several national and local titles. The Fortnite team took 1st, 3rd and 6th in the high school esports league’s national invitational (which had over 1,000 registered players) and placed 8th in the state in the Smash Brothers Ultimate and Rocket League. The team also faced St. John Bosco’s Fortnite teams two semesters in a row in the finals for the Fortnite cup. Awards aside, the esports program has given students another avenue of involvement in campus life while receiving mentorship from a full-time coordinator and six team coaches (five who are MD alumni). “The program has given our students who usually don’t engage a platform to build community as Monarchs. It is exciting that they are able to do something together that did not [previously] exist,” said Chris Baarstadt, Director of Innovative Education Programs and Esports Program Coordinator. Due to safety challenges presented by the pandemic, the program had limited access to facilities. With the blessing of the MD Administration, Josef’s apartment space above Campus Ministry was re-imagined into a dedicated esports lab. Always the biggest Monarch fan, Josef’s spirit now watches over this generation of students in a way that he would have never imagined. The esports lab needs to be expanded to sustain the rapid growth of the program. Plans include the addition of 20+ machines, gaming furniture, a film review station and more.
“Our students know and understand Josef’s legacy. We are humbled and thankful for this opportunity. The lab affirms and validates our team’s commitment to themselves and to the success of the program which is the tradition of Mater Dei. It is our field, our court, our pool – a permanent home.” - Mr. Chris Baarstadt
For more information and how you can support the MD esports program, please contact Kathleen Kelly ‘94 at kkelly@ materdei.org.
WE ARE
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MD Sailing Captures New Titles! The team captured new titles at the ISSA Mallory Doublehanded National Championship in Ohio on June 6. Morgan Pinckney ‘23 and Kennedy Leehealey ‘22 won the division A competition. Reade Decker ‘23, Sophia Mulvania ‘22, and Max Kleha’21 (alternates Chase Decker ‘24 and Vera Allen ‘23) took sixth place in division B. Their combined scores rank Mater Dei second in the nation and at the forefront of other California teams. The team also had success back in May at the SoCal Gold Championships which qualified them for races that led up to their competition in Ohio. We are so proud of our Monarchs! Congratulations to Coach Aubrey Mayer and the 2020-2021 Sailing Team!
Innovation and Creativity Fuel Performing Arts During 20-21 School Year No singing for two years? No plays? No audiences?
Through the power of innovation and creativity with support from the administration, the MD Performing Arts Department employed new formats and found opportunities to sustain the arts even during these COVID times. “We knew weren’t going to create like normal. The traditional format went out the window. It was about process this year. Without an audience, our students missed that instant gratification, but they learned an immense amount and embraced every format,” said Scott Melvin, Executive Director of Performing Arts. Choral concerts came to life as thematic videos filmed both on and off campus, the theatre students performed zoom plays and readings, the dance program told powerful stories through their recorded performances, and the instrumental music program was able to expand its audience through streamed concerts.
“When you just document an event, it comes off flat. It is supposed to be a 3-dimensional experience. The steady cams and the drones give you the opportunity to do just that. We showcased our students in broader ways and so much more effectively by bringing the venue TO our audiences. [The camera shoots of performances this year] are an homage to Southern CA, the beach, our campus, the City of Santa Ana.”
- Scott Melvin
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Instrumental students make use of the outdoor practice space. Special masks ensured safety while playing instruments.
Members of the choir evoked emotion into their performances by filming at the local beaches.
Guided by the dedicated faculty and staff of the Performing Arts Department, students made performing venues and practice spaces across campus from the Grotto to hallways to the Bristol tents to the three-level parking structure which became the choral program’s unofficial home and recording studio for the year. “Only a third of it is used daily. We had power, a little shed for storage. We had everything we needed. Any sung recording you hear from this year took place there – amidst car horns, whistles on the field, the boys hitting the sleds, lacrosse games…it was remarkable,” said Melvin. During the Month of May, the department hosted a “month of arts” as a testament to the grit and resilience our students and faculty had demonstrated through the year. The MD Community had the opportunity to enjoy multiple plays, showcases, concerts, and filmed competitions.
Behind the scenes filming of the Senior Musical The Little Mermaid.
A full production - without the audience.
Filming with the Dance Team.
The Choir made light of traditional Christmas wassails and Madrigal Feast - in April.
As the department looks to the coming school year and lifting restrictions, they are excited about a return to normalcy. However, the lessons learned during the last school year will carry forward including the value of content creation and cinematic elements. Most importantly, however, is the long-term impact of an arts education. “Building empathy and character is number one. As an artist, your full effort goes to providing a narrative and perspective. And that makes people think and challenges them,” said Melvin.
The Guitar Program’s World Tour in the Grotto.
Mr. Helwig making use of outdoor space with our choir.
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Faculty-Staff
Spotlight: Mrs. Jodi Reed - Director of Choral and Vocal Music In just three short years, Mrs. Jodi Reed has made an incredible impact on the Mater Dei Performing Arts Department. As Director of Choral and Vocal Music, she oversees 11 groups comprised of over 250 students in six ensemble choirs, handbells, and four small groups. Reed holds a Master’s in Choral Conducting from Cal State East Bay, a Bachelor’s from San Jose State in Piano Performance and Pedagogy and is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts from Claremont Graduate University.
A native of Southern California, Mrs. Reed graduated from Fountain Valley High School and only recently returned to Orange County after living in the Bay Area where she served as the Choral Director at Monte Vista High School in Danville, CA. While music education is her life’s passion outside of family, it is surprising to know that Mrs. Reed has been in the classroom for less than 10 years. Prior to teaching, she maintained a competitive piano studio for over 25 years while balancing life at home with her husband and six children. “I always wanted to go back and get my master’s in music,” she shared. “On a whim, I went the choral route and it changed everything about my life. Becoming a high school teacher, just kind of fell into my lap. I didn’t know I wanted to do it. But, I quickly realized it was how I wanted to spend every day for the next several decades. I love it.” In her first year at Monte Vista, Mrs. Reed brought her students on a tour of Southern CA and participated in an exchange with the Mater Dei choirs and Mr. Scott Melvin. “Our groups mixed in a way that we had not seen. It was like a warm hug for us all. It left such a wonderful impression on me,” she shared about the experience. Little did Mrs. Reed know that only a few years later, Mater Dei would come calling. As she was entering her sixth year at Monte Vista, she saw the job for Mater Dei on social media. “Scott Melvin called me immediately and
we talked for hours over the next several weeks. I prayed about it and thought, OK, ‘God, YOU need to tell my husband that I’m blowing up our lives’ [with a move like this]. Two hours later, my husband called me and said, I think we should do this.” Although leaving her job and life in Northern CA behind was difficult and emotional, it has offered abundant blessings that she did not anticipate including the gift of more time with her children (three who are Monarchs) and being close to her grandchildren. While Mrs. Reed sees her experience at MD as a gift, she has been a huge gift to this community especially as we navigated the global pandemic. While other schools, including Monte Vista, have been forced to pause their arts program for over a year, Mater Dei’s performing arts has survived and thrived. When sharing about how she helped lead her choral students through these challenging times, she shared, “Of course, it hasn’t been the same and [they] are aching for it to be the same. We had to be able to survive in creative ways by envisioning every space in the school – even the parking structure. What was impossible became possible.” In addition to innovation and support from the MD Administration, Mrs. Reed credits the program’s resiliency to the choral student leadership team. “They were the exact kids that we needed – enthusiastic, positive, and overall good vibes despite everything. They made all of the difference.” As things continue to normalize with the pandemic, Mrs. Reed and her choral students hope to return to their home in the choir room and enjoy singing at school Masses when school resumes in the fall. Beyond that, there are big travel plans, invitations to prestigious concerts, and a new Honors Acapella Class. The entire Mater Dei community is excited to see what Mrs. Reed and her talented students will do next. Moreover, we are grateful that she answered the call to become a part of this special family.
Faculty & Staff Take Pause Every now and again, we all need a chance to reflect, refresh and recharge. The hardworking faculty and staff at Mater Dei are no exception — especially this school year. Thanks to the detailed planning of the Campus Ministry team, our community had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful Day of Recollection. This event is a long-standing tradition that was celebrated right before the stay at home order was executed on March 13, 2020. While our students enjoyed a much-deserved day off and the start of their Easter Break, the faculty and staff took a moment to come together in prayer and reflection. In a socially distanced small-group format, they rotated through campus and experienced the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, meditation,
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Scripture reflection, and the Stations of the Cross. The hustle and bustle of the spring semester is often the most stressful time of year, but this day was a welcome break and a wonderful way to prepare for the glory of Easter. The day concluded with a beautiful Mass for the entire faculty and staff in the Meruelo Athletic Center celebrated by Fr. Steve Sallot ‘72. “After having spent almost a year apart, the chance to gather as a community with my colleagues and take a moment to pray was priceless. This is a much-needed break in our year to realize what an amazing place we are part of and the impact we have on our students in their journey in faith,” said Mrs. Jennifer Hornbuckle ‘02, Director of Admissions Marketing.
Faculty-Staff members were able to spend
Inaugural Spirit of Josef Award On Friday, April 16, Mr. Kent Helwig, a 15-year member of the Performing Arts Department, received the inaugural Spirit of Josef Award in commemoration of our 3rd Annual Josef Day which celebrates the life and legacy Mater Dei’s caretaker, benefactor, and friend, Josef D’Heygers. Helwig is widely regarded as a calm force behind the scenes serving as accompanist, vocal coach, and mentor to students, colleagues, and numerous MD alumni. The Spirit of Josef Award recognizes a current Mater Dei employee who exhibits Josef’s best traits either through quiet random acts of kindness, as a model of faith, a good listener, passion for Mater Dei, care for our planet and beloved school campus, or small quiet displays of compassion that often go unseen. Helwig was nominated by colleagues, students, and parents to receive this honor. Due to gathering restrictions, the award presentation took place in the library during a surprise recording under the guise of a group interview with Helwig’s performing arts colleagues. Shortly into filming, Scott Melvin, Executive Director of the Performing Arts, Fr. Steve and Ms. Clare surprising Helwig. revealed the true purpose of the meeting. President Fr. Steve Sallot ’72 and Principal Frances Clare were on hand to present Mr. Helwig with his much-deserved award.
“You got me! I’m not even in my body right now; and I always tell my students to stay in their body. But, I understand the weight of this award and what it means. Nobody [at Mater Dei] is ‘just a…’ just a security guard, just a teacher, or just a coach. Everyone is playing a part. This is a true community, a family, it really is. Thank you so much.” - Kent Helwig Always dedicated to supporting his students, Helwig jetted back to rehearsals shortly after the presentation. Mrs. Jodi Reed, Director of Choral and Vocal Music, shared, “Kent thinks about the things not everyone thinks about. He thinks about the individual.” Scott Melvin concurred and added, “If you go to any concert, any Madrigal Feast, you know that Kent is always going to get the biggest applause. The kids lose their minds for him.”
Mr. Helwig with his Spirit of Josef Award.
d time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Congratulations, Mr. Helwig, for being named the inaugural recipient of the Spirit of Josef Award. We are certain that our friend is smiling down on us from heaven and enjoying the beautiful music you help our performing artists create.
The Grotto provides a beautiful setting to journey the Stations of the Cross.
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Class Notes
Dave Kiley ’71 has made waves in the wheelchair community including winning 9 Paralympic Gold Medals and starting one of the most recognized 3x3 wheelchair basketball tournaments in the world – DK3’s Soul of the Game. Dave uses his platform to create social change.
1950s
Ron Ries ’58 is enjoying retirement after a satisfying career as an engineer traveling the world solving system problems in electronics manufacturing in economically evolving countries such as China, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand with the occasional visit to the EU/ UK. He and his wife enjoy frequent travels to National Parks in Utah as well as her birding adventures. He wishes the best to his fellow Monarchs! Peter Tonti ’58 recently opened Tonti Family Wines on the grounds of the Geyserville Inn, one of Sonoma County’s best kept secrets. Surrounded by 600 acres of vineyards, a more beautiful setting would be hard to find. Check with Peter for special Monarch rates at the Inn and complimentary tasting if you’re thinking of coming to wine country.
1960s Joan Majewski Daniel ’60 taught art for 22 years in LAUSD and has been married for 41 years. She met her husband in a sculpture class at CSULA. Joan is enjoying retirement in the Central CA Coast and spends her time gardening, fostering Monarch Butterflies, and creating a safe and positive environment for birds and bees. Art is still a passion. She looks forward to traveling to the east coast soon. Charles Lohrstorfer ’68 is grateful for his years at MD which were rich and rewarding. His foundation at MD led to a successful career in health care administration. He will always remember and cherish his Monarch memories and the impact this school had on his life.
1970s
Tony Salvaggio ’71 has been a cast member at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim for nearly 50 years. He serves as the designer and decorator for Main Street. Tony recently appeared in a six minute Disney+ episode of One Day at Disney, Meet the People Who Make the Magic Across the Globe. Mike Crowley ’77 just completed his second walk across America. The first walk was in 2019 from California to Delaware. This second walk was from Upper Peninsula Michigan to Key West, Florida. Both walks were prayer missions for the Lord. To watch videos of the walks or to submit a private prayer request, go to www. iLikeMike.com.
1980s Rosalinda (Rosa) Jimenez ‘81 is celebrating her 33rd year with FedEx. She often runs across alumni in her day to day work with customers. In 2017, she received the Prestigious 5-Star award from FedEx in recognition of her outstanding contributions to her peers and the company. Outside work, she enjoys traveling the world and staying in touch with classmates.
Linda Lopez ’70 In 2017, upon retirement from the County of Orange, as a Public Health Nurse, prepared for a pilgrimage, walking the legendary Camino Frances from Leon to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. From Santiago the journey continued all the way to Finisterre- Muxia, known as the End of the World.
Bill Little ’87 is loving life with his three grandchildren. His daughter, Cassidy, graduated in June 2020 with a degree in Family and Human Development and son, Ryne, graduated in December 2020 with a degree in Technical Communication, both from Arizona State.
Timmerie Henry ’71 is enjoying retirement after 43 years of serving as the Athletic Director of Cornelia Connelly High School.
Amy Keller ’89, PsyD MFT is enjoying her career as a Doctor of Psychology in Psychoanalysis and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
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2000s
Alex Thomas ‘10 earned her Doctorate from the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine. Before UCLA, she attended CSUF where she played basketball. Alex recently joined UCLA Hospital’s Family Medicine Program.
Fr. Mark-Mary Ames CFR ‘03, recently wrote Habits for Holiness: Small Steps for Making Big Spiritual Progress, which takes 800 years of Franciscan spiritual wisdom and extracts ”small steps” that can lead anyone—especially laypeople—to great holiness. Whitney Pavlik LeVecke ’02 retired in 2017 from her career in professional beach volleyball. She works in Advancement at Mater Dei High School. Whitney and her husband, Neil, were recently married in Sun Valley, Idaho surrounded by many members of the Mater Dei family. Mike Flynn ‘08 opened his first restaurant, O SEA, in the historic Plaza in Old Towne Orange on June 1. The fine-casual restaurant serves high-quality, responsibly sourced seafood complemented by the seasonality and diversity of CA cooking in a 111 year old building. Mike is 10+ year veteran of the restaurant business. O SEA is open 7 days per week. Visit eatosea.com for more information.
Lexie Torres ’16 recently finished her first year serving as a FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) Missionary at the University of Oregon. Lexie graduated from Gonzaga University in 2020 with an AB in Public Relations and a minor in Religious Studies. Go Zags! Lexie is thrilled to serve as a FOCUS Missionary for another year at the University of Oregon. You can learn more about Lexie’s mission and support her at focus.org/ missionaries/lexie-torres.
SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE www.materdei.org/classnote or e-mail kkelly@materdei.org
In Memoriam Judy Avalos ‘59 Lillian Bartosik, Former Faculty Kathryn Benhote ‘66 Elizabeth A. Bergevin ‘66 Colt J. Brennan ‘02 Richard Catozza ‘68 Dick Coury, Former Faculty Ken Couture ‘74 Peter DiLallo ‘58, Lifetime Parent Dorothy Dougher, Grandparent Charles Fitzpatrick ‘68 Florentino Flores ‘55 Michael D. Garcia ‘01 Nicholas Godinez ‘78 Ruby Gonzales ‘63 Christine Green ‘92 Jessica Hernandez ‘06 Patrick Hernandez ‘70 Richard Hernandez ‘70 Joseph Britt Janusz ‘66
Jonathan M. Jarema ‘02 Jay Kelly, Lifetime Parent Linda L. Kershaw ‘75 Matthew E. Kincheloe ‘10 Marye Kutch, Former Faculty Darlene M. LaCombe ‘59 Lisa Ann Lenahan ‘74 Brian Lopker ‘82 William Lyon, Grandparent Augie J. Maggio ‘95 Diane Mardesich ‘76 William K. Matthews, Former Faculty Noel Mattinson ‘71 Fiona P. Mayes ‘85 Michael McGinley ‘84 James McNiff ‘73 Judith A. Mercado ‘57 Ernesto Navarro ‘96 Joseph J. Obbema ‘66 Richard C. Oberreuter, Former Faculty
Bill Paino ‘60 Martin Parsons ‘85 Michael Ann Powers ‘66 Brenda Rodriguez, Lifetime Parent Jerry L. Rowan ‘57 Martin Scalzo ‘61 Charles Schilling ‘71 Seth Smith ‘09 Stephen Soper ‘70 Charla Toedt ‘72 Edward Torrence ‘71 Markell A. Treanor ‘04 Al J. Varisco ‘80 Joseph J. Wagner ‘61 Tana Walsh ‘60 Debbie Webster ‘71 James N. Wingert ‘55 Beverly A. Wojtkowski ‘70 Kathy Young Duren ‘69
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CLASS REUNIONS: Reconnect & Get involved! Reunions planning is underway for classes ending in 0, 1, 5 and 6. www.materdei.org/reunions
