The Scarlet Scroll | January 2020

The Scarlet ScrolL the student news source at mater dei high school

January 2020

in this issue 6: Calming Classes New yoga class kicks off its inaugural year, where students will learn various techniques

7: Tortoise Take-over

Learn about Alec Sixta and his passion for breeding tortoises

8-11: Musical Masters

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Teenagers explore their musical interests through their band Generator

3: Christmas Corner

Madrigal feast preparations and performances Explore Christmas celebrations around the world, told by international students

4-5: Festive Foods

Healthy and festive recipes for anytime of year

6-7: New Notices

New ACT rules and the effect on students is explained

8-11

Susan Le publishes book about her family and culture, in Vietnamese

16-17: Sign the Sheet Seniors planning to play spots at the collegiate level sign

14: Hockey Hero Ruby Mejia paves the way for girls in roller hockey

20: Legacies Live-on Students to follow in family footsteps by attending military academies

12-13: Venue Views

Disney + launches with new shows

16-17

New Five-point Amphitheater has unique features

14-15: Sports Spotlight

Mater Dei football featured in Gatorade commercial Henry Waterman hopeful for Olympics NCAA changes rules, possibly affecting college athletes

18-19: Super Students

Students working to balance commitments

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Mano-a-Mano club feature Haitham Bell’s passion for mountain biking

21: Plural Princess Tatiana Morocco creates family legacy by becoming a Homecoming princess

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Staff This month’s issue features a holiday recipes and stories (page 4-6) What is your favorite holiday activity?

EDITORIAL “driv ing at Ch around to ristm as lig look hts”

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Editor-in-chief Mia Hawkins Managing Editor Curran Nielsen Content Editors Valerie Kramer Ellie Crabbe Visual Content Editor Lexi Perez

bread ginger g in t a r Abueli “deco inking r d d n a e” houses hot chocolat ta’s

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Letter from our Editor

G

oing into this school year, we made the decision to shift from a traditional newspaper to a newsmagazine. Making this change in publication was an interesting experience and I am so proud of what my staff curated. Our publication is both student-produced and student-run, meaning every aspect of this magazine is something we created on our own. In this issue, we highlight the news, sports, culture, and campus life of the first semester.

We also feature students that had interesting stories to tell.

I’d like to thank all those that we interviewed and photographed as well as those that came to us with events to cover - we wouldn’t be able to do our job without your patience and cooperation. Thanks to our adviser, Mrs. Sueiras for her help and guidance throughout this process.

And most importantly, thank you to my staff and editors for your countless hours of dedication. This publication would be nothing without all of you! :)

REPORTERS Catherine Eastman Morgan Healy Emma Califato “baking with my mom” Oliver Cary Laila Gonzales Abbie Harris hrist ing C ith “mak sserts w Danielle Jones de nd mas ousins a ” ies at Vannessa Maldonado as mov my c parents hristm rinking hot C d “ n a gr nd d Jocelyn McGuinness home a ocoa” c Jenny Nguyen h t i ng w d bei Lauren Petroff ng an ily” i l Sincerely, e v fam “tra “ice s frien kating w ds an it d fam h ily”

my

ADVISER Alexa Sueiras

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“enjo yi holid ng the lig ay th hts a at Di emed sho nd sney land” ws

Mia Hawkins Editor-in-Chief

Mission statement

Find us online!

Our mission is to serve as an open forum that showcases the diverse backgrounds, interests, and talents of the Mater Dei student body. We plan to achieve this by providing credible, impactful and engaging content that provokes conversations and upholds the First Amendment.

Visit thescarletscroll.com and follow @mdstudentpublications on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Diverse student body celebrates Christmas The diverse students at Mater Dei give insight into their country’s traditions of celebrating Christmas.

Jenny Nguyen and Ellie Crabbe Staff reporter and Content editor Christmas takes on various forms in different countries, as each country has their own traditions reflecting the culture of the region. This diversity in celebration is reflected in how international students at Mater Dei commemorate the occasion. Hop on your sleigh, open your minds, and we’ll take you through Christmas traditions around the globe.

Poland Poland begins their Christmas season on Advent. Since Poland is rich in the Catholic religion, their traditional dinner consists of 12 dishes, symbolized for the 12 apostles, and brings good luck for the upcoming 12 months in the new year. These dishes are served without meat with the exception for fish, according to Trip Savvy website.

“We don’t start dinner until we see the first star in the sky. So usually kids wait just like what I used to do, look at the sky to the window and be like “O my gosh mom, I see a star!” Kornelia, a Junior Poland student, said.

China Since the majority of Chinese people are not Christians, Christmas is not a well-known public holiday in China. However, Christmas acts as a commercial event as well as a friendly meet-up occasion with family and friends, Apple Giving is a popular tradition during Christmas Eve. “We don’t have that much of celebrations compared to America.

But it’s a good time to go shopping, and would also give apples to friends, teachers, and families,” Lind Hee, a junior Chinese international student, said.

Vietnam Peru Christmas is the most important holiday in Peru as most of the population is Christian. Unlike other countries who celebrate a big Christmas feast on December 25th, Noche Buena or Christmas Eve is celebrated for Peruvians on Christmas. During Christmas Eve, they attend mass as an important part.

“We waited until 12 a.m. to eat dinner as a family and afterwards we saw the fireworks,” junior Josh Castillo, who is from Peru, said.

Spain Dia de la Inmaculada (Day of the Immaculate Conception) is the first sign of the arrival of Christmas in Spain on Dec. 8th.

According to Veebrant, the liveliness of Christmas in Spain come from Holy Innoncent’s Day, version of April Fools Day, where people would play pranks and jokes on each other.

“On Christmas, I would meet my family. So we have two different sides in my family. So what we would do is go to one of my family side for Christmas eve. And then for Christmas, I go to spend a day with the other side,” sophomore Javier Paredero Del Bosque Moreno, said.

Despite the dominant religion being Buddhism, Christmas is still a big holiday in Vietnam. According to whychristmas.com, during the week of Christmas, the center city is filled with luminous and colorful street lights from hotels or department stores. On Christmas, center city streets are crowded with families and people who take pictures and mesmerize the Christmas decorations.

“My country [celebrated the holiday by] decorated the neighborhood and the house and we usually go eat,” Khoa Tran, a junior Vietnamese student, who study abroad for 3 years, said.

Annual Madrigal Feast opens the Christmas season Morgan Healy Staff reporter In a boisterous room filled with many voices, senior and Chambers member Casey Fort, practices for his upcoming role as the King in Madrigal Feast. This annual Christmas-themed concert took place Dec. 6 through Dec. 8 at Chapman University in Orange.

The Madrigal Feast cast is made up of all choir levels and rehearsals are held everyday following Thanksgiving break until the day of the first show.

“My preparation for Mad Feast is pretty intense,” senior Casey Fort said. “(I) have so many songs to learn in about the same time as every other concert. This means every rehearsal needs to be efficient, and the responsibility comes onto me to practice at home and be ready when our full choir rehearsals come.”

The process of being chosen as king and queen is a mystery. There is no application

or a way to express the desire for this lead role. Normally, the king and queen are chosen due to their hard work and dedication to the choral program according to Director of Choral and Vocal Music, Jodi Reed.

In years prior the requirements to play the queen were at least 2 years of membership in the Chambers program and at least 3 to be king, according to senior and this years queen Kelli Chamberlain. She explains that the parts are filled based off of the good character and leadership of the student. “... student directors aren’t chosen for king and queen, but in this case Casey Fort was chosen as assistant director and I’m very glad he did.” Chamberlain said.

Chamberlain has attended Madrigal Feast ever since she was in fifth grade. Her main goal was to be apart of the highest choir, Chambers, and sing a solo during the dinner.

“When I sat in the dinner and I watched

the Chambers singers and I saw the king and queen there I wanted to do that because I have wanted to be a Chamber singer since fifth grade. I first saw them at St. Edwards festival and I said to myself that I was going to be in that choir and I’m so glad that I did.”

Chamberlain said.

“A lot of things are going on (and) a ton of emotions the week around Madrigal Feast, but we all bond together to comfort each other, keep everyone excited and positive and just make beautiful music to share with everyone,” Fort said.

Fort first heard about this concert when he was in fourth grade and was invited to go to watch his sister, Lexi Fort, class of 2015.

“What really stood out to me was the dinner portion, the play, solos, and of course the king and queen. I also absolutely loved the Jesters,” Fort said.

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short bread cookies 1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy and pale in color. Add egg, milk, and vanilla and beat until combined, then add flour mixture gradually until totally combined.

3. Shape into a disk and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 1 hour.

4. When ready to roll, preheat oven to 350Âş and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

5. Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out dough until 1/8� thick. Cut out shapes and transfer to the prepared baking sheets. Freeze 10 minutes (so your shapes hold while baking!)

6. Meanwhile, make frosting: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and beat until no lumps remain. Add cream, almond extract, salt and beat until combined.

7. Bake cookies until edges are lightly golden, 8 to 10 minutes.

8. Let cool, then frost and decorate as desired.

heal t hy for the holidays Ellie Crabbe Content Editor

Whether you are wearing the apron or are at the dining table, nothing compares to savoring holiday feast one looks forward to all year long. These festive and vegetarian-friendly meals are enough to pine over for months. Be warned, if you serve any of these tasty meals to your family members, they will be back asking for more every year.

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apple cider 1. In a large stockpot over medium heat, add apples, oranges, spices, and brown sugar. Cover with water by at least 2�. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, 2 hours.

2. Remove orange halves, then use a potato masher or wooden spoon to mash apples. Return to a simmer and let simmer uncovered for 1 hour more.

3. Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing on solids with a wooden spoon to squeeze all juices out. Discard solids.

4. Serve apple cider warm.

waldorf salad 1. Cut the lettuce and put in a large salad bowl.

2. Followed by desired amount of radicchio.

3. Wash and thinly slice a large apple.

4. Toss into the salad bowl, along with pumpkin seeds, and desired amount of gorgonzola.

5. Toss with olive oil, cinnamon, and a little maple syrup.

6. Great for gluten free and diabetics

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New yoga class teaches mindfulness, technique Valerie Kramer and Morgan Healy Content editor and staff reporter

WRIST WORK: Juniors Kaitlyn Holl, Julia Noya and Marco Uribe (left to right) work on yoga poses in Jacquelyn Hamilton, yoga instructor’s, Block 5 class on Aug.29. Students use yoga mats to complete the exercise and have blocks to use as well. “From the class, I am hoping to discover new poses to help strengthen my muscles and to gain more flexibility” junior Kaitlyn Holl said. |Photo by Abbie Harris

In a room filled with colorful yoga mats, students take their places – designated by a customized name tag and a personal journal – and begin to clear their heads to center themselves for the exercise they will be completing. After first stretching and journaling, they spend the next 75 minutes learning about yoga and executing various poses. This time offers the students a chance to escape the anxiety and chaos of the school day while allowing them the opportunity to quiet their minds and exercise.

The yoga class is a new elective this year for students of all grades and abilities.

Taught by Director of Dance Programs Kristina Marquez and certified instructor Jacquelyn Hamilton, the class is held during blocks five and eight in the Monarch Pavilion.

According to Marquez, administration took into account the student body’s opinions and felt that with the new mental health emphasis at school, this was the perfect time to institute a yoga class.

“What’s … unique to [the class] is that it’s just a ‘for credit’ class, so what that tells me about the students that sign up is that they really want to be there, which is awesome,” Marquez said.

In other words, students do not receive a numerical or letter grades; instead they receive a “pass” or “no pass” at the end of each semester.

There is a format to the class that is followed daily.

“Students come into the class, mindful of its quiet space … For the first five minutes, they are encouraged to stay in one of three yoga poses we have learned and close their eyes, empty their mind of the day’s activities, preparing for their daily yoga.” Hamilton said.

Then, they stretch, review, and go through some exercises. The class is finished with a savasana and optional exercise according to Hamilton. A savasana, which is junior Kaitlyn Holl’s favorite part of the class, is known as “the corpse pose” and consists of participants lying on the ground and relaxing their bodies and minds.

“At the end of every class we lay on the floor and our teacher turns off the lights, it’s super relaxing and a great way to end the school day,” said Holl, who also participates in yoga outside of school.

Holl said she chose to take the class because she thought it would be a fun opportunity to practice yoga in school with her friends.

Many athletes are also partaking in the class which, according to Marquez, can be beneficial as a form of cross-training. For example, senior Jeffrey Peterson, who is on the sailing team, finds that yoga provides beneficial abilities to help him in his sport. “… [I] saw that it would be a really cool thing to take, not only for just the fact to

be able to do yoga, but it could help with my athletic performance and being able to stretch out and being able to relax and build strength for competition later on,” Petersen said.

Being that the class is athletic in its nature, students who participate are required to dress in the proper athletic attire as is outlined in the course syllabus. There is also a fee for participating in yoga. If you are interested in this class, the fee consists of $150. It covers facilities, instructor costs, lockers, rental mats, and regular program costs according to Hamilton.

“What I’m excited for this year at least is that [in yoga, you’re] connected with the mind, body, spirit and how you approach one thing on your mat is how you approach a lot of different things in life, so if you’re really pushing and straining to get a certain pose, you might be approaching your academic life or your personal life,” Marquez said.

NAMASTE: Sophomore Joshua Hunter and junior Josiah Zamora practice traditional yoga poses in class. The class emphasizes mental wellness and inner peace. “...every time we finish practicing yoga, we end with eight minutes of dead silence, no movement, to reconnect with your breath and relax and take in everything,” senior Jeffrey Peterson said. “That’s my favorite part.” | Photo by Abbie Harris

New ACT rules allows for individual retakes, decreases stress on students Lexi Perez and Lauren Petroff Visual content editor and staff reporter The ACT announced on Oct. 8 that testing rules were in the process of being changed.

As of Sept. 2020, students will be allowed to retake individual sections as a way to improve their scores without having to sit through the entire exam again.

“We’re mission driven. This is about the students We’re excited to see how these new options will help students reach their maximum potential,” Mary Michael Pontzer, Vice President of ACT said in a statement.

The responses to the new rules have varied.

“I think it will positively affect my studying because after I take it for the first

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time, I can think back and study more based off of what I struggled with the first time,” junior Sheyla Romero said.

The stress and anxiety that come along with test taking standardized tests such as the ACT and SAT will decrease with these new rules.

“The new rules help to lower the stress level of students, like myself, taking these test that essentially determined our future,” junior Rachel Nguyen said. “I can go in with the mindset that I can try my best and if I am not happy with my outcome on a certain part I am able to retake it.”

Students are taking advantage of these

changes as a way to balance creating healthier studying habits and also being able to do well on the exam.

“On the one hand, this change could potentially lower the anxiety students feel in the college admissions testing process.

Students will feel less pressure on any given day they take the exam because they’ll know that they can retake individual sections in the future,” said Nick Standlea, president of Test Prep Gurus, a local test prep program among students. “On the other hand, every time a testing agency changes its exam, there are unintended consequences.”

Religion teacher carries on family tradition Ellie Crabbe and Oliver Cary Content editor and staff reporter

D

uring religion teacher Alec Sixta’s Monarch Television debut in early September, one could not forget how he nonchalantly mentioned his longtime hobby: tortoise breeding.

Starting with his dad who passed down the tradition, Sixta has been taking care of tortoises since his teenage years and has kept the hobby alive as a way to stay connected with his father and brother.

“We really hated tortoises because we would have to put them away at night,” said Sixta, after explaining that, during the day, the tortoises would disperse around the backyard. “That was the rule. You can’t go out, you can’t do anything until you put away the tortoises...”

Currently, Sixta has two male and two female red foot tortoises, six California desert tortoises (two of which were just recently born), with the collection still growing. His 10 tortoises range in size from a full iPad Pro to a half iPad Pro, he said.

Sixta’s dad first gained interest in tortoises when he was living by alone in Orange County and wanted a different pet in addi-

Its shell is made up of 60 bones all connected to each other.

(FactsDiet.com)

A group of tortoises is called a creep.

(MentalFloss.com)

The average age of a tortoise is 90-150 years.

(FactsDiet.com)

A tortoise is a turtle, but a turtle isn’t a tortoise (FactsDiet.com)

Tortoises can smell with their throats.

(MentalFloss.com)

tion to his dog. As his interest in them grew, he raised the question of breeding them, instead of just being a pet. The second his dad considered whether they should collect more, Sixta knew things had just gotten started. “...as I got older I realized, I actually do love [tortoises] and they have given me a lot of joy in the world,” Sixta said.

Sixta plans on keeping up this hobby for as long as he can, even after he moves from his parent’s house. “... the hope is that I’ll have enough money saved so that I can buy a home and ... I can have my own tortoises,” he said.

According to Sixta, the experience is more than your typical pet and owner relationship.

“They teach you how to be a really good disciple in the world or at least a steward of the Earth,” Sixta said.

“You’re caring for these things that don’t have a voice - you can cut the leg off a tortoise and it’s not going to scream.

But, it hurts [them], so you’re providing a [shelter] for these creatures of the Earth.”

Senior student publishes book about Vietnamese heritage Valerie Kramer and Curran Nielsen Content editor and managing editor

BOOKS FOR CHILDREN: A picture of Le with her book at an NRCL booth which is the competition that she wrote the book for at 15.| Courtesy of Susan Le

When senior Susan Le entered into a Vietnamese book writing competition when she was 15, she was given the opportunity to grow closer to her heritage while exploring one of her passions. Le’s instructor at her private Vietnamese Sunday school in Garden Grove, Trung Tâm Việt Ngữ Hồng Bàng, had recommended her to participate in the competition after she graduated as her class valedictorian. Her mother chose to have her enrolled in the school because Le was unable to read or write in Vietnamese.

“I could have a full out conversation with my grandparents. I knew poetry and phrases in Viet. However, I did not know Vietnamese history, how to write, or read…”Le said over email.

During the competition, Le wrote a book during the allotted hour given based on her

own Vietnamese family and culture, comThis competition was Le’s first time pletely in her native Vietnamese language. writing a children’s story but she has written The book describes Le’s family and their other genres such as essays on Vietnamese different traits and skills. heroes, murder mysteries, geography and “I describe the characteristics of my famculture. ily,” Le said. “The qualities of my dad, mom, “I only knew about the competition grandma, grandpa, what they help me with, through my Viet teacher who encouraged what their distinct features are: my mom us to compete in [it]...in class I did weekly loves to help people, my dad teaches me life dictation where the teacher reads a passage skills, my grandma cooks for me and teaches and we write down what he says and we me poetry, my grandpa teaches me how to did weekly essays where we responded to be organized.” a prompt and I was surprised that I usually Le explains that she chose to write about did pretty well.” her family because she knew her passion Le also said that writing has helped her and love for them to become closer to her “And I guess that writ- own culture because she would inspire her.

Upon placing second ing this really helped me draws inspiration from in the competition, her involvement in her to show that I love my Le was able to have Vietnamese heritage and her book published. community. culture...”

Although she partic“And I guess that ipated in the competition a few years ago, writing this really helped me to show that the children’s book was only published in I love my culture and that I have a deep February and it was sold this year at various understanding of it,” Le said. “I was able to Vietnamese tech fairs. talk about my knowledge of the Vietnamese Le’s passion for writing, especially chilculture (foods, poetry etc). But in the end, I dren’s books, has inspired her to pursue a also really am happy that I am able to projob as a pediatric nurse where she can help vide an education to the many children in children. need, as NRCAL sells the book to educational “...I plan to just do things to gear my path institutes to teach Vietnamese.” towards helping children and giving them Le explains that due to her passion for education by writing books I think that will writing she will most likely continue to comhelp them,” Le said. pose stories in the future.

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THE CROWD GOES WILD Generator performs covers of songs by bands Alexisonfire and My Chemical Romance at their performance at the Chain Reaction live music venue in Anaheim on March 9. | Photo courtesy Shannon Macaulay

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the new

GENERATION of rock

Student band Generator brings music to life with original songs and live performances.

Abbie Harris Staff reporter

T

he stage was lit by colorful spotlights at Chain Reaction, a live music venue in Anaheim, as senior Anthony Solano stood backstage, nervously picking at the strings of his guitar. Alongside him, senior Raesheille Sosas ran through bass notes in her mind, senior Grant L’Heureux tapped his foot to the beat of the loud music playing over the speakers, and junior Will Gibson twirled his drumstick between his fingers. Together, the four were the opening band at a concert for the local punk band Pushing Veronica, and they had rehearsed for weeks for this moment. As their time finally came, the members gripped their instruments, and stepped onstage, buzzing with adrenaline.

Last January, the four students first came together in their passion for rock and punk music to form an original band by the name of Generator. Consisting of guitarists L’Heureux and Solano, bassist Sosas, and drummer Gibson, the group performs at concerts and events, writes original

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IN THE BAND: The members of the band perform their final song of the night at Chain Reaction, live music venue in Anaheim on March 9. | Photo courtesy Shannon Macaulay

music, and puts their own take on popular songs.

Generator was formed from a group of like-minded guitar students who wanted to take their musical talents to the next level.

“We were tired of doing songs that people told us to do, and we wanted to do the songs that we wanted to do,” Gibson said.

The band has performed at venues across Orange County, from the annual Holy Family Catholic School Carnival to Let There Be Rock, a music school in Fountain Valley.

One show, however, stands out in the memories of all four band members: the night when they performed as the opening band for local punk group Pushing Veronica at Chain Reaction.

“It was one of our first performances,” Solano said. “At the end of it, we got a lot of compliments and a lot of people talked to us about what we had going on.”

Being able to express themselves creatively onstage is rewarding

and exciting, according to the band members. The band also incorporates comedy into their shows through comical on-stage banter and ad-libs during songs.

“Being on stage is one of my favorite places in the world to be, it’s a thrill… It’s so much fun to be louder than anyone else,” L’Heureux said.

Generator’s main audience consists of rock fans that frequent the music venues in which they perform, along with the occasional interested passerby at a carnival or festival.

“If we have a crowd of other like-minded people around our age, then it’s really fun because you see them go crazy, and have a blast,” Solano said. It’s really fun just seeing other people enjoy their time, and enjoy the moment.”

When it comes to the band’s preferred genre of music, the members seek to create original sounds.

MEET THE BAND Anthony Solano

Instrument: Guitar Favorite artists: John Mayer, Alexisonfire Memorable moment: “Playing at Chain Reaction with strangers headbanging and expressing their love after our performance was one of the most beautiful exhanges of energy,” Solano said.

Also involved in: guitar program, music club, key club

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Raesheille Sosas

Instrument: Bass Favorite artists: UMI, Allen Stone Memorable moment: “Being able to meet different small upcoming bands is always the highlight of the night every time we play at any venue. I am really looking forward to our future and growth as a band as we continue to brand ourselves and release more music in the near future,” Sosas said.

Also involved in: guitar program, film and digital photography

HEADBANGING: The crowd rocks out as Generator performs original music at Chain Reaction. |Photo courtesy Dani L’Heureux

“We try very hard not to think of genres or genre norms when we write our songs or select what we play. Just what sounds good,” Gibson said.

Generator started creating original songs this past summer after L’Heureux suggested they perform a song he wrote called “Great Things Come From Boredom.” The song inspired the band to collaborate on new projects, and they have since formed a process for writing originals. Because the band has yet to record their songs, they frequently edit and rework their songs in an effort to find the perfect sound.

“Generally we will have anything from a riff to a set of lyrics or even a chord progression,” Gibson said. “Then, we’ll add a beat and a structure to it… in the end we all come together and decide what sounds the best and there’s usually at least some writing as a band together.”

Grant L’Heureux

Instrument: Guitar Favorite artists: The Offspring and Rise Against Memorable moment: “When I was in 8th grade and really starting to get into guitar, I would play along to Offspring songs every day... That’s how I fell in love with my instrument... [Rise Against] sound is a huge influence on the way I play guitar and the way I write songs,” L’Heureux said.

Also involved in: guitar program, CSF, music club

According to the members, the challenges of managing their band are outweighed by the rewarding experiences of creating and performing music.

“Being in a band is actually really fun and to experience what it’s like behind the scenes, working on a song and originals, and putting things together is fun and interesting,” Sosas said.

The band is currently working to brand themselves with a website and merchandise. Other exciting plans for the future include recording and producing a podcast and an EP album. Fans can follow along with their projects and performances on Instagram @generator.bnd.

“We’re a whole bunch of misfits that think alike… we all just come together and we just play,” Solano said.

Will Gibson

Instrument: Drums Favorite artist: Foo Fighters Memorable moment: “We opened for [a band called] Pushing Veronica and absolutely killed it, and we became friends with them after,” Gibson said.

Also involved in: handbells, choir, theatre, academic decathlon

PHOTOS ON LEFT: The members of Generator, also members of the guitar program, perform at the Christmas lunchtime concert on December 11. | Photos by Abbie Harris

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Disney launches streaming service Abbie Harris Staff reporter Disney fans have much to be excited for in these upcoming days with next week’s launch of Disney+, a brand new streaming service featuring thousands of hours of Disney content.

Beginning tomorrow, Disney is opening their vault of movies and TV shows for the first time ever and offering never-before-seen access to Disney Channel originals, classic animated films, Pixar movies, and original content made exclusively for the service.

Not only will Disney content be available on the site, but Star Wars, Marvel, and National Geographic are releasing existing and new content for Disney+.

“Disney+ is a really fun and easy way to watch some Disney classics as well as some new original shows as well,” junior Joshua Weed said.

Today’s generation of high schoolers and teenagers will be excited to learn that Disney+ will be offering a library of Disney Channel movies and TV shows, nostalgic content that defined the generation’s childhoods.

“I’m really excited for Hannah Montana, Phineas and Ferb, Wizards of Waverly Place, Kim Possible, all the old shows,” junior Rachel Dennin said.

Adding in this library of content brings a generation of fans into the streaming service that might not have been convinced by the classic animated movies alone. In addition, reboots of Disney Channel originals such as High School Musical and Lizzie Maguire will bring old characters to a new generation, as well as reminding original fans of their childhoods.

“Disney appeals to a multitude of demographics, young and old,” said Allison Bergeron, who is the director of estate and alumni giving as well as the club moderator of the Disney Club. “I have a 10, five, and three year old… I want to introduce my kids to a whole other aspect of the Disney library that they haven’t seen. I look at things with fresh eyes as an adult and parent, and they look at it with just pure excitement.”

Rumors of a Disney-exclusive streaming service had been circulating the Disney community for years, and Disney+ was officially announced at the annual D23 Exposition on Aug. 23 with a trailer that compiled highlights from service’s content.

The service will be centered around Disney’s extensive library of content, spanning from their first animated feature in 1938, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, to movies released in theaters this year.

Approximately 7,000 episodes of TV and 500 films are expected to launch with the service on Nov. 12, according to a Twitter announcement from Disney. The company also released a three-hour YouTube video

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detailing all of the content available on the service. With this wide range, there is sure to be plenty of movies and shows that interest any demographic.

“If you love Disney, you’ll know it will have things you like,” Dennin said.

Fans should also be prepared for a flow of brand new Disney content made exclusively for the new site. Disney, Star Wars, National Geographic, and Marvel Studios have all created new TV series to come to Disney+.

Marvel’s list of new series is particularly eye-catching, bringing beloved characters back into the spotlight with their original actors. Characters getting their own brand new series include Loki (2021), the Scarlet Witch (2021), the Winter Soldier and Falcon (August 2020) as well as never-before-seen characters such as She-Hulk, Ms. Marvel,

and The Eternals.

Star Wars fans will also be able to stream the collection of all their films, including the three trilogies and two spin-offs, along with two new series based on familiar characters.

“The thing I’m most excited for is to be able to have all the Star Wars Movies in my hands,” senior Morgan Anderson said. “A new series I have been looking forward to is the newly announced Obi-Wan Kenobi series.”

The Kenobi series will begin filming in 2020. Another new Star Wars series, The Mandalorian will follow a bounty hunter after the events of Return of the Jedi, will be available starting next week when Disney+ launches.

Disney’s newest content is sure to attract a large amount of subscribers, however, many people are most drawn to the never-before-seen access to the library of classic films. Limited quantities of Disney films have been available on Netflix and Hulu, such as Pocahontas and Mulan, but many beloved childhood films have been kept in Disney’s vault, only available for purchase on DVD. Fans wanting to acquire a collection of films are forced to pay for each individual movie, which becomes quite expensive.

Offering their entire collection of films in a single place for only $7 per month offers convenience and affordability to Disney fans.

“It’s very hard [to watch Disney movies] unless you buy a DVD…” Dennin said. “With Disney+, to have access to everything for only $7 is pretty worth it.”

Disney’s emergence into the streaming service market has raised questions about how it will affect its competitors. While some new subscribers agree that they will keep their subscriptions to at least one other streaming service, the novelty of Disney+ may bring traffic away from Netflix, at least during the first few months of the service.

Not to mention, Disney also revealed they would be terminating their partnership with the streaming service Netflix at the end of 2019, and since that announcement Disney content has been disappearing from the site.

“I feel like [Disney+] will make my time on other streaming sites definitely less,” Dennin said. “There’s still going to be shows I want to watch on Netflix and Hulu, but I want to explore Disney+.”

Those interested in Disney+ can visit disneyplus.com and sign up for a monthly or annual subscription.

“I think it’s going to be exciting,” Bergeron said. “I know that they have a commitment to quality, and it will be a quality product.”

Music fans enjoy new Five-point Amphitheater venue at Irvine Great Park Abbie Harris and Laila Gonzales Staff reporters

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s day turns into night at the Irvine Great Park, the Five-point Amphitheater lights up with colored lights, smoke machines, and shiny instruments.

Talented and famous artists take the stage every night, singing and playing for up to 6,500 people.

Senior Anthony Solano has become a frequent visitor of the amphitheater, attending concerts for the bands Cage the Elephant, Beck, Sum 41, and other punk bands.

At many music venues, cheaper seats that are far from the stage are often difficult to see from. However, according to Solano, this is not the case at the Five-point Amphitheater.

“From my experience, from the bleachers you can still get a nice view from where you’re at, they have nice screens and everything,” Solano said.

The venue also has a helpful way of transportation by having a train station right next to it.

“It’s a perfect opportunity,” Solano said.

If concert goers are unable to drive, don’t want to deal with parking, or simply want a fun and easy method of transportation, the train is a great option.

The Five-point Amphitheater is unique from other music venues in the sense that it is completely outdoors, and

offers a setup of food trucks, cornhole, drink stands, and places photo ops.

“I think my favorite thing about the venue is… all the space you get before you even enter the venue. There’s lots of things going on,” Solano said.

English teacher Chelsea Cordeiro attended the venue when it first opened in 2017.

“I went two years ago and I saw Young the Giant, and I think they were the opening act,” Cordeiro said.

Cordeiro was impressed with the new venue, noting how spacious it was.

“It’s really nice to take advantage [of the fact] that it’s an outdoor theater that allows you to be outside and enjoy the weather we are so blessed to have,” Cordeiro said.

The venue’s Irvine location allows patrons to avoid Los Angeles traffic or driving to San Diego when attending a concert.

“If you want to see an artist that is playing there I very much recommend it due to its location,” Cordeiro said.

Junior Skyler Cisneros also took into account how beautiful and calm the venue was.

“The outdoor space wasn’t crowded and had a very relaxing atmosphere compared to most venues which are packed”, Cisneros said.

Check the website to see upcoming events.

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Female player skates up to the puck and accepts the challenge Emma Califato and Morgan Healy Staff reporters

SKATING STANCE: Mejia takes her place on the ice and gets ready to play as the face off in front of her begins. On Dec. 13, the monarchs faced off against Beckman high school. “I’m a defensive player [meaning] I don’t really have many opportunities to score goals,” Mejia said. “[My job is] holding back and providing safety for my team.” | Photo by Emma Califato

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ith the hockey season in full swing, sophomore Ruby Mejia, the only female player on the in-line roller hockey team learns what it means to be part of a team and works hard to reach her goals. Last year, Mejia, with two years of experience, came onto the team as the only freshman and made her love for hockey known when she started the Roller Hockey Club at school.

Mejia started playing hockey when her older brother Daniel Mejia, class of 2018, decided to join the hockey team.

“I wasn’t hesitant [to join the hockey team] because I just wanted to play…” Mejia said. “I knew that they would accept me: they are like my brothers so I was not worried about being the only girl on the team.”

One of Mejia’s coaches, Myra Castro, commented on what it means to be a female coach and how that has helped the hockey team in past years. Castro has been coach of the hockey team for 18 years at Mater Dei and she has experience coaching girls and boys volleyball as well.

“I think it has been really good to have a female moderator coach because I think it’s opened the doors to females playing on the team,” Castro said. “This is something I really love about our team, it’s truly mixed, the majority being boys but we have had four girls on the team last year, which was the most we have ever had.”

Mejia has inspired other girls to join the hockey team. Last year two senior girls, Amanda Campbell and Elisa Mejia, joined during the second semester.

“After a game, three senior girls came up to me with their parents and one of the

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parents said ‘wow, what you are doing is “So far, we have played two games and even really cool and it’s really inspiring’,” Mejia from the very first time they stepped out on said. “...later on they decided to join the the rink to the end, you could see improveteam and they told me it was because they ment. It’s amazing to see that and it gives me saw me playing. They thought it was really a lot of hope.” courageous.”

As the season Mejia does not progresses, Mejia want students to fear learns how to juggle hockey because of hockey with being in how it is portrayed the Bel Canto choir professionally as being group and involved a contact sport. in theatre class.

“One of the main Mejia explained how things that discourages hockey truly affects a whole bunch of peoher in all aspects of ple [from joining the her life. team] is the thought “Hockey is my of, ‘oh the guys will outlet, it doesn’t feel hit me or something like a sport to me, it like that’,” Mejia said. just feels like fun,” “We can’t have fights Mejia said. “When in hockey so if it gets I go out and skate, I to a point where there feel free to do what I can possibly be a fight, love to do.” the players starting Starting the new violent behavior will season off, Mejia SMILING WITH STYLE: Sophomore Ruby Mejia stands tall as she represents the only female player on the ice get kicked off the rink came up with some hockey team. “Everyone is getting to know each other and they will have potential goals for and we are more than happy to welcome new people on consequences. It is herself and the team the team,” Mejia said. “I’m going to tell you, I’m not the best hockey player out there, but it’s about having fun a very serious thing, that she will keep in and looking past the competitive things and focusing on so people don’t have mind as the season being a part of a team.” | Photo by Emma Califato to worry about that, continues. which brings a family “One of my major dynamic to the team.” goals is that we become a team you and Castro described the goals that she has have that feeling of a family like we did last for the team and what she ultimately wants year,” Mejia said. “I hope that everyone will her team to be able to accomplish. be accepting of each other, we play well this “I think the biggest goal for us is to have season, and that I score a couple of goals.” everybody improve because we have so many new players this year,” Castro said.

Football rivalry featured in Gatorade commercial Curran Nielsen and Laila Gonzales Managing editor and staff reporter Starring NFL defensive end J.J. Watt, Gatorade’s newest worldwide commercial premiered this summer depicting how athletes in basketball, wrestling, volleyball, baseball, soccer and other sports can find motivation in team rivalries. The biggest surprise though was the rivalry featured during the football segment of the commercial: Mater Dei versus long-time rivals the St. John Bosco Braves.

This commercial has amassed more than 31 million views on YouTube, not including how many times it has been seen on television. The Monarch football players shown in the commercial, however, were not actual players from the school; rather they were paid actors. “I think it was presented in a positive way and I think people were excited that there [was] the Mater Dei logo … it excited people across the nation because it was a national commercial,” Head Varsity Football Coach Bruce Rollinson said. “[It perks interest in] people that are affiliated with Mater Dei … it perk[s] interest with people in the local community…”

Junior and varsity football player Sean O’Hara sees that the commercial could possibly have a big impact on the amount of people hearing about the school.

“This will definitely make our school more well known because I’ve seen it on

regular TV and YouTube ads so that means Trinity League,” Rollinson said. “…any other that people all around the world have seen school could have been in it and they picked this,” O’Hara our school said. instead of Rollinson anybody said the else,” junior commercial and varsiis a good ty football way to player Chris enhance the Mazzuckis school and said. the team’s Rollinson “brand.” also said it “… it’s was importgoing to ant that Gatoenhance the rade chose to image, the particularly attractabilshowcase LONG TIME RIVALRY: Actors pose as Mater Dei and St. John Bosco football ity, [and] the Mater players during their rivalry display in the Gatorade commercial released over Mater Dei Dei and Bosco the sumer. | Screenshot from YouTube High School,” rivalry.

Rollinson said. “And whenever any of us, “You know we’ve always been considered whether it’s football, or any other sport or a national power but there’s so much more performing arts, has an opportunity to be media attention now on this because of soput on a national stage, you are going to cial media…,” Rollinson said. “We were very jump on it … because of the pride we have in honored that our school was chosen because [our] high school.” there’s certainly a lot of other national powAs a result of this attention, the team ers that are Gatorade sponsored too but they sees plenty of new opportunities on their chose Mater Dei and St. John Bosco rightfully horizon because of the commercial, espeso.” cially because “ it catches the eye of the

Para-athlete works toward 2020 Olympic Games Curran Nielsen Managing editor At the annual California track and field state meet, records are painted on the floor around the arena showcasing the hard work student athletes have put in to earn these records. One of these records, the 200-meter para-ambulatory, is currently held by senior Henry Waterman, who set this record his freshman year and broke it again on May 25 with a 25.23-second personal record.

Waterman’s story started when he was 2 years old and had to have his leg amputated due to a rare birth defect called fibular hemimelia, a condition that affects 1 in 40,000, which means a baby is born with part of or all of the fibular bone missing.

“It wasn’t much different for myself … I was used to it because [my amputation happened when I] was young, really young … so I was used to it at the time,” Waterman said.

“I finally realized when I was in elementary school when I was confused about why I was so different.”

But Waterman said his disability created a new strength and motivation to work harder. Waterman originally joined track his freshman year to keep in shape for football, which he played in the fall that year. Now at 17, Waterman solely focuses on track.

As one of the very few amputees in California high school track and field, Waterman typically races against those who do not

experience the same difficulties Waterman faces when running. But rather than being discouraged, Waterman said he uses this as a way to get himself to work harder.

“I know if I can’t win then I just need to try to be better than what I was before,” Waterman said.

Recognized for his hard work despite adversity, Waterman was asked to be a part of Shaquem Griffin’s “Motivation to Be the Greatest,” a NFL Network video depicting young amputees who are active in athletics.

Shaquem Griffin is a NFL linebacker the Seattle Seahawks who, at four years old, had his left hand amputated.

“It was weird to see myself on TV. I mean, I’m not really a TV guy so when I see myself on camera I don’t really like that but it was a pretty cool experience overall,” Waterman said.

As Waterman pursues another state title and eventually the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, he encourages other disabled athletes to not view themselves as inferior to their competition.

“Work your hardest and train harder than everyone else...have the mentality that you can do anything and then you end up doing better than you ever thought you could” Waterman said.

FOCUSED ON FORM: Senior Henry Waterman sprints down the 100 meter straightaway while filming the NFL network’s “Motivation to Be the Greatest.” “I’m just competitive as a person so I just like to do the best that I can and to get better than what I am,” Waterman said | Photo courtesy of Henry Waterman

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Student athletes commit to dream college Emma Califato Staff reporter

MAKING HER MARK: On Nov. 13, in the Meurelo Athletic Center, Senior Lauren Tarnoff finally signs the paper that changes her life. Tarnoff will be attending and playing volleyball at the University of Miami in Florida next year. “Finally finding where I’m going to be next year takes a big stress off my shoulders,” Tarnoff said. “I feel accomplished and really happy with myself.” | Photo by Emma Califato

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ray tables, set up with baseball hats from a variety of college names are propped up, ready to be worn with pride. The gym is packed with families and friends of anxious student athletes, who prepare themselves for this special moment. Coaches, feeling honored, give personal and emotional speeches about their players they have grown to love and who have been able to see flourish in their sports. Students feel families raise signs in the stands with their names on them cheer for them when their students’ coach introduces them.

On Nov. 13, 27 student athletes committed to continue their athletic careers during the collegiate level at the first National Signing Day of the school year. With three signing days each school year, National Signing Days gather coaches, teammates, family, and friends to celebrate student athletes’ hard work and dedication to their sports.

ZACH TORRES

“My favorite part [of signing] is making my dreams come true,” said senior Zach Torres, who committed to play lacrosse at

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ALL SMILES: Senior

Benedictine College in Atchison, Lauren Tarnoff poses for a picture with Kansas. “I’ve dreamed of signing her fellow monarch and playing lacrosse in college teammates. They sat since I started playing in third and awaited their opportunity to sign the grade.” papers that made their Torres plays on the varsity hard work official.

STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE: Senior Jolie lacrosse team as middie or in the “Making new friends, Gustave signs to Syracuse University in New being on the team, midfield. He says the best part of York. Gustave signed not only as a pitcher for and having that sort playing lacrosse is the brotherthe Syracuse softball team, but also as a sports of companionship at broadcasting journalism major. “[Signing] hood he has with his teammates. school is nice,” Tarnoff honestly felt like a weight had been lifted off said. | Photo by Emma “Lacrosse is a huge part of my of my shoulders,” Gustave said. “It was as Califato life because I love the game and though I was a five year old waking up on Christmas morning.” | Photo courtesy of Jolie being with my friends,” Torres Gustave said. “They are some of my best volleyball team friends and I wouldn’t trade them who has been for the world.” playing since fifth grade, Tarnoff says the Torres said he decided to Benedictine Colwhole signing process is long and can be lege because it is a calming and quiet place stressful, especially when students are not that is 20 miles from Kansas City. sure where they want to go. She also said “The deciding factor was the lacrosse that even though it is a stressful experience, coach, players, and program,” said Torres. “It the outcome is worth it. was how much of a family they are and how “Volleyball affects my life a lot because the players seemed to love being part of the I ...play volleyball every day and, when I’m school.” not playing volleyball I’m thinking about LAUREN TARNOFF volleyball,” Tarnoff said. “I am thinking of As a middle blocker on the varsity the next game or tournament I have.”

Tarnoff will be attending the University of Miami in Florida. She was deciding between a couple of different schools during the summer and went to their camps to meet the coaches and players on the team.

“I really connected with the Miami coaches the most, but the other schools I was considering were closer to home which would be good for me but the feeling wasn’t there,” Tarnoff said. “I wasn’t connecting with the coaches so Miami was it.”

According to Tarnoff, she tore her ACL last year and was not able to play during the volleyball season. She wasn’t sure if she was going to be able to come back to volleyball her senior year.

“I was really missing out and I was on the sidelines just watching the school team win the state championship,” Tarnoff said. “I was really bummed out so I decided I really wanted to continue and my senior year put a whole restart on my volleyball progress and journey. I can’t get enough of [volleyball] and I’m really excited to keep playing.”

JOLIE GUSTAVE

Since the age of four, Gustave has been playing softball and is currently on the varsity team as a pitcher. Gustave says that she loved every aspect of softball when she was younger, especially base running because it felt like a game of tag. She had a hard time at first finding a position that worked for her, but ended up falling in love with pitching.

“Softball is my life,” Gustave said. “It takes up all of my time, energy, and free time. Balancing softball and school has always been a challenge, but you figure out how to time manage your responsibilities.”

According to Gustave, committing and signing to a university is a long process. She made a list of the schools that interested her and were realistic for her to attend. Gustave then sent them emails with her schedule, GPA, and what team she plays for.

“If they have an interest in you, they will then come out and watch your games or invite you to camps to showcase your skills,” Gustave said. “If you’re lucky enough, they offer you a scholarship and you are considered a verbal commit until signing day where you make it official.”

Gustave will be attending Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York, next year.

It has been her dream school since she was 9 years old because she wants to major in sports broadcasting journalism and Syracuse has the program for it in the nation.

“Small little details also drew me to the school like it being located”No. 1” program in New York, being a higher academic school, and having all the seasons including a real winter,” Gustave said.

According to Gustave, her favorite part of the signing process was the anticipation of signing her letter and making her dream official. Her least favorite part she said was the anxiety she got from making sure she had everything submitted and up to Syracuse’s requirements, such as good grades and a strong SAT score.

“I decided to continue softball at the collegiate level because it’s my passion,” Gustave said. “I want to be able to play for as long as I can and compete with the top players in the country.”

NCAA changes image and likeness rules Curran Nielsen Managing editor The NCAA’s top governing board voted others to be inspired to possibly follow on Oct. 29 to allow student athletes comthe same path,” Nguyen said. peting at the collegiate level to receive fiThis new decision to allow athletes to nancial compensation for the use of their be paid is a drastic change in the NCAA, name, image and likeness. This means which has been adamant about the prothat collegiate athletes now have the hibition of payment to college athletes opportunity to be paid for the use of their in order to preserve the amateurism names and images in advertisements rules in place according to NCAA.org. such as team merchandise and features These rules have been in place since the in video games.

NCAA’s inception in 1906 and at its core In a statement made by the NCAA the was the idea that no sport was allowed unanimous decision any sort of paywas made in an effort ment to its athletes, to support college which would draw athletes and to ena fine line between sure fair recruiting professional and between schools, but collegiate athletes. the three athletic Prior to this divisions-D1, D2, D3change in rules, must create their own California was rules and create the already making its specifics following own laws for the NCAA guidelines. benefit of college “We must embrace athletes. Although change to provide never approved by the best possible the NCAA, Caliexperience for college fornia governor athletes,” chair of the Gavin Newsome NCAA Board of Govpassed the Fair Pay ernors and president to Play Act on Sep. of The Ohio State Uni30, which virtually versity, Michael Drake does the same thing said in the statement. as these new rules “Additional flexibility published by the in this area can and NCAA. must continue to Senior Sophia support college sports Leo, who is comas a part of higher edmitted to play at ucation. This modernthe Division 1 level ization for the future in women’s soccer is a natural extension at the University of of the numerous steps Wisconsin Green NCAA members have Bay, views the new taken in recent years rules as a way to to improve support help the financial for student-athletes, burden many including full cost of college students attendance and guarexperience. anteed scholarships.” Infographic by Curran Nielsen “Since these Student athletes at Mater Dei might athletes don’t have time to get “real” jobs find that these new rules could possibly there should be access to money or free impact their college experience as many of purchase, on campus,” Leo said. “I students at the school have committed or would be able to pay for gas, food, launplan to commit to compete at the colledry detergent, and save for my student giate level. In fact, 63 students in the class debt.” of 2018 committed at National Signing For athletes such as Nguyen and Leo, Day to continue their athletic career in while these new rules may change their college. collegiate career, they will not change Junior Faith Nguyen for example, is their mindset as they both have always committed to play Division 1 for Baylor’s had a strong passion for playing soccer at women’s soccer team. After hearing the the collegiate level. announcement for the new rules she saw “Overall, I want to work hard both on a new opportunity to get more out of her the field and academically to be the best college athletic experience. person I can be,” Nguyen said. “Regard“Being a student athlete takes a lot of less if that includes using my image, I hard work and dedication, and I believe still want to push myself to be a starter using an athlete’s likeness would allow and a leader on my team.”

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Well-rounded students balance multiple activities Oliver Cary, Danielle Jones, Jocelyn McGuinness Staff reporters

Casey Fort

Emilie Kalkus

David Nisson

From ASB, Campus Ministry, and theatre, Senior Casey Fort is involved with multiple aspects within the school community.

Starting off in choir, Fort has been a part of the choral program since his freshman year. In December, he was named King of the 2019 Madrigal Feast. Not just a singer, Fort is also the choir’s Communications Chair and his role is to publicize the choir as well as to promote the positive aspects of the whole program. He does this while also making sure that each individual in the choirs feels important and represented.

“During my freshman year, I decided I wanted to be one of the student directors during my senior year in order to make the program great and I accomplished this by becoming the Communications Chair,” Fort said.

Fort became interested in theatre when he was in 6th grade and started acting in different productions. He joined Mater Dei’s theatre program his sophomore year, with his first ever show as a deckhand for “The Drowsy Chaperone”.

“The Senior, “Musical Guys and Dolls” made me realize I would want to study Stage Management and Technical Theatre in college,” Fort said. “I absolutely love the ensemble of theatre and just express the art that we get to share with each other.”

Fort is also a Scarlet Ambassador in ASB. Scarlet Ambassador is part of the ASB program where current student go to middle school and talk to future students about their time at Mater Dei. They also give tours on campus and promote the school.

“Hearing directly from the students is the best representation of the entire school body,” Fort said. “I am a very outgoing and energetic person, so this commission was perfect for me as I get to talk to parents and students about how much I love Mater Dei.” Fort was also titled as the 2019 November Monarch of the Month, an award only presented to seniors.

“I get involved on campus because I came to Mater Dei for all the amazing activities and it’s a place that I can call home,” Fort said. “I thoroughly enjoy just being busy and doing all the things that I love.”

According to the United States Census, 57 percent of children between 6 and 17 years old participate in at least one extracurricular activity. But for junior Emilie Kalkus, balancing difficult classes, sports, and activities is done without too much stress. It seems impossible, but with effort and a seemingly endless supply of energy, it can be accomplished.

Kalkus finds it essential to have a balance between schoolwork and athletics, with her sport being soccer .

“Athletics provide a balance for schoolwork,” Kalkus said. “Sometimes, if you’re really stressed out about something, and you go and work with your team or group that you’re involved with, it relieves everything and gives you someone to talk to.”

On top of this, Kalkus takes classes that require much studying and work. These classes include Honors Pre-Calculus, AP U.S. History (APUSH), AP Literature (AP Lit), Religion, Weights, and Physics. Also, she has almost 400 service hours, which is over 17 days of service. Doing service is an excellent way to give back and become less stressed about things.

Currently, Kalkus is heavily involved in five different things and is involved, but not as much, to several others.

“I’m Scarlet Ambassador for ASB,” Kalkus said. “I’m on Girl’s Soccer, and Campus Ministry.

Also, I’m the president of the Behind the Wheel Club, Vice President of the Chinese Tutoring Club, and I’m involved in a few other clubs but I don’t have a leadership role.”

After high school, Kalkus looks to attend college. She knows a few that she might be interested in attending.

“My top picks are West Point and Annapolis,” Kalkus said. “I’m also looking at some Ivy League schools and Boston College.”

Overall, Kalkus is highly involved and keeps herself busy with the various activities that she partakes in. Furthermore, even with all of them on her plate, she still manages to find time to have fun and de-stress. To her, balance is crucial. Not just for her, but everyone.

Whether it’s sprinting down the track, playing across the field, singing at the top of his lungs during a performance, leading the student body or cheering at a rally, junior David Nisson is there. He is a part of Chambers Choir, varsity track, football, and an ASB class officer.

Nisson grew interested in these activities from the people involved in these groups.

“It’s really open at Mater Dei and I feel like I can share anything, and I have some of my best friends in all of those teams and groups.”

Nisson said.

“I really like the community that everyone shares with each other.

It’s open at MD and I feel like I can share anything and I have some of my best friends in all of those teams/groups.”

Nisson balances his activities by being organized, staying on top of things and figuring out specific priorities at given times.

“I kinda just figure it out...certain things get priority at certain times...Like if I have a meet and a rehearsal, I’ll go to the meet. If I have a performance and practice, I’ll go to the performance,” Nisson said.

Nisson’s goals include breaking the current 100-meter record of 10.36 on the track and being re-elected as ASB secretary for his senior year.

“I want to break the [track] record because [I want] to leave my legacy at Mater Dei as one of the fastest and hardest working sprinters, and I want to be ASB secretary because I feel like I can help the school with my leadership and ideas,” Nisson said.

After high school, Nisson plans to keep up track and choir in college because he dreams of competing in the Olympics, as well as continuing his passion for singing.

“I really just have a love for all of it. I love singing, I love track and field and football, and I love ASB. Helping out in my community...it’s really just a central drive to help others and help myself and doing what I love.”

KICK TO GOAL: Junior Emilie Kalkus dribbles with the ball at her soccer game. She has been on the Mater Dei girls soccer team since freshman year. “Sometimes, if you’re really stressed out about something, and you go and work with your team or group that you’re involved with, it relieves everything and gives you someone to talk to,” Kalkus said. | Photo courtesy of Emiliie Kalkus

SPRINT & DASH: Junior David Nisson sprints down during the varsity boys 4x100-meter relay at the Servite and Rosary track meet last year. He has been part of the relay team since his freshman year. “I want to break the [track] record because I want to leave my legacy at Mater Dei as one of the fastest and hardest-working sprinters,” Nisson said. | Photo courtesy of Amy Viers

photos from left to right SINGING KING: Senior Casey Fort at Madrigal Feast posing towards the audience after he finished his performance.

Fort has been part of the choir since his freshman year and was named King of Madrigal Feast for the 2019 performance.“I absolutely love singing and it is amazing to be a part of a program that has such a family connection,” Fort said. | Photo courtesy of Tiffany Le

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Students volunteer at local Down Syndrome Association Jocelyn McGuinness and Danielle Jones Staff reporters

Mountain biker aims to compete pro Danielle Jones Staff reporter

LAUGH & CHEERS: Club member Priscila Mejia laughs with a little kid at a volunteer event at DSAOC in OC. The club volunteers every second Saturday of the month to work on the kids’ motor and tactile skills by doing arts and crafts. “Working with kids with Down Syndrome...It’s been such a great experience.” |Photo courtesy of Kassia Resendiz, club treasurer

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ittle kids all eager stand in line to get senior Kassia Resendiz to perfectly paint their faces. Smiles went from ear to ear as they patiently waited. One by one, each of them received the face painting they yearned for.

Waiting for minutes felt like waiting for years, and their excitement could not be concealed easily.

“The Mano Mano Club is about helping the underserved with Down Syndrome in the community, primarily the Hispanic community and [to] help them grow into the most productive person that they can be,” Religion teacher Ms. Upham said.

Every second Saturday of the month at the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County in Costa Mesa, students work with kids from ages 4 to 12, to work on motor and tactile skills, working on arts and crafts. The program runs from 8am to 1pm, with three sessions of different levels of children. Special education teachers also come and work one-on-one with kids on specific skills. The parents can learn how to work with their children with Down Syndrome also.

“I think the reason [the founders] started this club was that they needed more help at the center,” Club historian senior Kassia Resendiz said. “They didn’t have a program where students can go while the parents are taking classes...having a space to take classes and being able to help the kids and being a daycare for them [to] have fun was a big factor.”

Resendiz started participating in the club her freshman year because she wanted to work with kids. Her job is to upload pictures and movies to promote the club.

“It’s a lot of fun. It’s probably the best club I have ever been in. Not probably, it is the best club I have ever been in. For me, I’ve always wanted to be a teacher and it was so cool to be there and be like wow I’m working with kids...It’s been such a great experience,” Resendiz said.

Senior Ana Sofia Botero, club historian, grew interested in the club from the founder of the club, Monica Mejia. She became a club member her freshman year, and later became an officer her sophomore year.

“Getting to teach them and learning more about them specifically and what they need help with. Just love learning all about them.”

Botero said.

The types of events the club participates in include: the Easter Egg Hunt and a food fundraiser called Kernes. The money collected at Kernes is used to buy Christmas presents and have a potluck Christmas party. At the end of the year, there’s a graduation for the kids in the program. At an event called Buddy Walk, kids with Down Syndrome around Orange County meet up at the Angels Stadium and have a fundraiser. “[Our goal is] to expand as much as we can because we always want the help of others. No matter how small, even if you can contribute 30 minutes every time, or even at the meetings,” Botero said.

Surrounded by green in the woods, Bell eyes the dirt track is in front of him. The race is about to start. Adrenaline builds. All there is to do is go.

To someone who doesn’t know much about it, mountain biking might seem frightening or impossible, but to junior Haitham Bell it’s where he thrives. It all started when a few friends needed some help making a mountain biking club, so he decided to sign up—and now he’s competing. “...for riding, it’s kinda like an escape for me to get out of the stress of school…” Bell said.

Bell trains six days a week; two are spent in the gym and the other four on a bike.

According to Bell, a major challenge in mountain biking is not knowing what will happen.

“I like to think mountain biking abides

by Murphy’s Law: ‘whatever can go wrong, will go wrong’,” Bell said. “For example, my last race in NorthStar CA, I was on my third stage of the race and got a flat rear tire. I ended up breaking my wheel in half, this put [me] from 6th place to dead last [at] 26th. It’s just an unpredictable sport, crashing or equipment failure is inevitable when you leave it all out between the tape.”

Working at Two Wheels One Planet, a bike shop located in Costa Mesa, has helped Bell gain additional experience in bikes.

“It made it easy for me to learn how to work on my bike when I was in a race and I don’t have a mechanic to fix something for me,” Bell said.

A season lasts from January to late August and a race takes place about every two weeks throughout those months. For the last two seasons, Bell has been a privateer, or an individual competitor. This year he will join a team that is specialized in weather terrains. Bell’s goal is to be competing professionally next year.

“It’s hard to choose just one memorable moment because everyday on the bike is better than the last,” Bell said.

DOWN THE ROAD: Junior Haitham Bell rides down rocky terrain. These are one in the many new season photos for Bell’s team in the upcoming year. “One of the main challenges at a race is putting together seven perfect runs from top to bottom.” Bell said.|Photo courtesy of Bobby Li

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Students planning on attending military academies Catherine Eastman Staff reporter

During this semester, many, if not all, seniors are preparing themselves for the next four years of their lives. While most seniors work on their college applications, other students are stepping out of the norm by planning to attend military academies. These students in particular hope to attend Naval Academies.

Each of these students have grown up with family members who were apart of the military. Senior Jeffrey Petersen, for example, said that he would be a fourth generation of the Petersen family going into the military.

For some people it’s all they’ve known and they have been raised to one day serve in the military.

“I don’t really know what I would do if I didn’t do military. I just feel like I would be lost without it,” senior Dean Neeley said.

Not only do these young adults want to follow in the footsteps of those family members who have served, deep down want to show their appreciation for all they’ve been given.

“I think it would be such an amazing opportunity to give back to the country that has given so much to me,” Petersen said.

Senior Yanni Vu looks up to his brother who serves in the Navy and wants to join him in the hopes that he can give back to his parents and serve others. He said the application itself is much lengthier and more rigorous than any common university application.

“The process for [these] schools is significantly longer than any other application,” Petersen said. “[For] the Naval Academy, I have to interview with...a congressman and I have to be medically examined for hearing, eyesight, and physical.”

Students applying for military academies have been preparing for some time.

“I just always try my best in all my classes and make sure I’m doing all my work, getting everything in on time and keeping my grades up, then I go to the gym everyday to keep the physical aspect up,” Vu said.

The next four years at The United States Naval Academy are expected to be extremely challenging academically, physically and mentally.

“If I attend the Naval Academy, [it] will be rigorous

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summer training blocks, intense leadership classes, physical demands, physical assessments, waking up at five in the morning to workout, and a lot of screaming and yelling,” Petersen said.

Attending a school like this requires much dedication and determination.

“You have to balance everything out…[your] military lifestyle and your college life,” Vu said.

Neeley, having grown up “a military brat,” had the opportunity to volunteer for the 911 Heroes Run at San Diego State University on Sept. 8 for the Travis Manion Foundation which was a fundraiser for wives who had lost their husbands serving in the military.

“It’s very tough for them but they all kind of branch together and have each other’s backs [which] [was] really cool to see,” Neeley said.

Inspired by those who serve and the bond they have with one another, these young men feel further inclined to join the military.

“I think what made me decide was interacting with some of the people who have been involved in the military before and seeing how much they really cared about their country,” Petersen said.

It wasn’t until hearing about the experiences of a loved one serving that Vu really started to get interested.

“My grandparents had been in the military...so I just always had that in my mind but I didn’t really decide it until my brother joined and then it just sparked my interest,” Vu said.

These three young men hope to travel abroad while serving for their country.

“My dad was stationed in Japan for seven years,” Neeley said. “I really liked it out there but...if I go to the Merchant Marine Academy, [I will be] traveling to 15 countries.”

On Nov. 13, Petersen committed to attend the United States Naval Academy by participating in National Signing Day. “I feel pretty happy and pretty proud to be able to get into such a fantastic university/institution ...I’m really proud to be apart of it,” Petersen said.

Student continues family legacy when she is named Homecoming princess Vannessa Maldonado Staff reporter

Photo courtesy of Trinity Han

Sister of Tatiana Marocco, Tiara Marocco, had won Homecoming princess 10 years ago when she attended Mater Dei High School.

This year, Tiara Marocco turned this into a tradition as she has recaptured this moment by being walked down the same field her sister did for this year’s Homecoming court.

“It was really surprising and it was really exciting because I knew I got to be apart of something really special and unique and not everybody gets to be a part of it” said Tatiana.

During her time at Mater Dei, Tiara was on cheer and ASB all four years. Tatiana does her best to engage in numerous activities such as playing beach volleyball, managing JV volleyball, and taking part in the ASL club.

“I think I’ve made like a voice for myself, I’ve been involved in so many activities, I know so many teachers and I think I am a very open person...[and] I’m very honored that I get to carry her legacy.” Said Tatiana.

In holding the title of Homecoming court Tatiana would like to remind students that contrary to beliefs, being apart of Homecoming court isn’t “a very posh thing”.

“I haven’t changed a bit. I still think I’m... weird, I’m still crazy, [and]... I am the most rambunctious person ever,” Tatiana said.

“It’s a popularity contest to an extent, ...it’s just about knowing people and being a kind person to everybody and just being yourself”.

When Tiara had first heard the news of Tatiana’s nomination, she was ecstatic.

“Tati sent our family group chat a photo saying that she made court and I think I actually screamed. I also got a little emotional knowing we would get to see her all dressed up [along] with our dad for the game,” Tiara said.

In the excitement of the moment, Tiara remembers feeling extremely joyous at the thought of her sister being nominated and possibly winning and continuing a tradition that she had begun. After having heard Tatiana’s name called, Tiara felt a sense of nostalgia pass over her as she recalled her own win. Tiara described the feeling as “rewarding”.

“I remember being in her shoes and how I felt when they called my name out in front of the whole school,” Tiara said. “ ...I was so happy that she also got to experience such a special moment.”

Although Tiara loved everything that came with being Homecoming princess and the effect it had on her family, she would like to remind people of the deeper meaning and of what is truly important.

“If there is any “legacy” of mine that I left for Tatiana and my other siblings, I would hope that it is to find the fun in everything and genuinely be nice to everyone,” Tiara said. “...because [in] 10 years, people won’t...care about who was popular or who was homecoming queen. But, they’ll always remember how you made them feel.”

Being alongside her Father was very memorable for Tiara.

“My favorite part was getting to be on the field with my dad. I really love the tradition that [Mater Dei] has with the whole Homecoming experience and I think that is a moment I will always remember.”

Besides Tiara, Tatiana has three younger siblings, and she shares that both her younger sisters have a pretty good chance of continuing this tradition, describing them both as outgoing and cute.

Apart from her dad’s excitement of being able to reenact the same moment from 10 years ago with another one of his daughters, Tatiana’s mother was the most affected.

“She was just so excited and, she was so proud of us,” Tatiana shares. “My sister’s name is Tiara, [It’s] like my parents knew the day she was born she was like a princess I guess. So, I think [both my sister and I winning 10 years apart] really affected [my family] in a positive way and it really brought us closer“.

Sister of Tatiana Marocco, had won homecoming princess 10 years ago when she attended Mater Dei High School. “It was really exciting because I knew I got to be apart of something really special and unique and not everybody gets to be apart of it...and it kind of filled that hope I had knowing my sister was on the court [too]” Tatiana Marocco said. | Photo courtesy of Tatiana Marocco

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