thescarletscroll.com
March 2019
SPORTS
Cheer team makes history and wins their first ever CIF SS Championship Melanie Villasin Staff reporter
In their inaugural season as part of the CIF Southern Section, the Monarch cheerleading squad placed first in the 1AA division led by Coach Katie Bowers on Jan. 10. According to the team, steadfast preparation and consistent goal-setting leading up the event contributed to their success. “Our goal will always be to have a clean hit, not worry about what everyone else is doing, and stay focused on ourselves,” Bowers said. “This year’s motto has been ‘just hit,’ embedding into my athletes that anything less than your best will not be tolerated. Never settle for mediocrity, continue to want to be better than you were the day before. Improving with every competition has been our leading goal this season.” At the CIF championship, the team had the opportunity to perform the routine the cheer squad has been perfecting all season. “…[it is] just like any other high school contest we compete in throughout the season,” junior Maya Alves said. At the division championship, cheer teams from all over California are grouped by category and skill level, similar to other sports. CIF holds a full day competition where all schools compete the same day. Judges analyze each team’s routine for difficulty, precision, tumbling and stunting skill while assessing how well the team executes those skills. After the judges assemble the scores, the team with the highest overall score wins. “The team has put in so many months of hard work and our ultimate goal is to hit our routine and hopefully bring home a win,” said senior Audrey Gubernick, one of the team’s co-captains. “… Success requires motivation, drive, and a commitment to literally not let your teammates down; their safety is in our hands. [Also,] because our scores depend on how difficult our routine is, we have to push ourselves to learn new and hard things.”
WE’RE NUMBER 1: The varsity team poses with their CIF plaque on Jan. 10 at Colony High School in Ontario, Calif.
Courtesy @md.cheer
NEWS
Newly elected ASB officers offer new ideas for next school year
FEATURES
Steves fund supports students
Valerie Kramer Staff reporter
On Feb. 1, the student body elected four students to lead the Associated Student Body as officers for the 2019-2020 school year. As ASB officers, these four leaders - Dakota (Kody) Rymer, Allison (Ally) Barry, Abigail (Abbie) Frank and Samuel (Sam) Neglia. “The ASB student leaders organize and coordinate more than 150 activities and events each year,” according to the Mater Dei website. DAKOTA (KODY) RYMER - PRESIDENT ASB President Kody Rymer has been her class treasurer since her freshman year and is excited to begin her new position. She is also on the Mater Dei Swim Team, participates in National Charity League, and as of the 2018-2019 school year founded and is president of her Sit With Us club. “I’m so excited to help [better] the school enKody Rymer vironment,” Rymer said. “I’m really excited to make sure every student feels welcomed, especially the freshmen.” Rather than simply starting fresh with the upcoming school year, Rymer hopes to continue the work she started in her three years on ASB. “I ... helped with serving the other positions and learning how to be a leader overall so that helped me [prepare to] become President,” Rymer said. Rymer said she also has many unique ideas that she hopes to bring to our school in the upcoming school year. “Some of my goals next year will be to implement and improve not only senior events but all school events as well,” Rymer said.
IN THIS ISSUE @mdscarletscroll
TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES PAGE 2
ALLYSON (ALLY) BARRY - VICE PRESIDENT ASB Vice President Ally Barry is the current junior class Vice President and is also involved in choir, soccer and Campus Ministry. ”I really enjoy being involved in campus,” Barry said. “So as much as I can do, I love to do”. Barry said she will continue using her leadership skills and experience as a class officer to lead the student body. Ally Barry ”I love the opportunity that I’m gonna be able to have to be a leader to all the students on campus and to also represent the students as best as I can,” Barry said. Barry said her goal for the upcoming school year is to represent the student body as best as she can and to create a connection between administration and students. ”[I] just want to be the hand for them,” Barry said. “I want them to be able to work through me.” ABIGAIL (ABBIE) FRANK - TREASURER ASB Treasurer Abbie Frank is currently a rally commissioner and has been involved in ASB since her freshmen year. She also participates in song and choir. “...I just want to help out as much as I can and I love being involved,” Frank said. Frank said she will use her experiences as rally Abbie Frank commissioner to help her gain insight into ideas for dances, rallies, and other on campus events run by ASB. ASB OFFICERS CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
PARKING STRUCTURE PAGE 3
ASL SILENT WEEKEND PAGE 4
OLIVIA MATAS PAGE 5
Alex Audette Opinion editor Rod Gonzalez Staff reporter Anyone that is part of the Mater Dei community will likely know Helen Steves, the Director of Campus Ministry, who oversees the school’s religious activities including Masses, retreats, outreaches and collections. However, Steves’ scope of charity is not confined to the school’s campus. With an enthusiastic personality, generous attitude and the support of various benefactors, Steves also manages the Helen Steves Honorary Fund, which supports students financially to help them achieve their goals. Being a student means textbooks and academic resources, along with participating in student activities like dances and field trips; however, for some, these are costly and expensive. As a result, Steves, along with the Strottman and the Schmidt families, created an endowment dedicated to helping students afford these various opportunities and resources. Before getting in contact with the Strottmans and the Schmidts, however, Steves began her fund about eight years ago by simply cold calling potential donors and by saving her own money to help students – instead of donating money at her parish, for example, she would set aside her extra income to provide for the MD community. “I would pick up the phone and ask people that I knew who supported my ministry and were able to support us financially, and I would tell them various stories about young people,” Steves said. HELEN STEVES CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
WRESTLING RECAP PAGE 6
PHILZ COFFEE PAGE 7
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NEWS March 2019 | THE SCARLET SCROLL
Performing artists display their skill at the annual showcase
Upcoming international travel opportunities offer new ‘breathtaking’ learning experiences Ellie Crabbe Staff reporter To be eligible for this trip, one must be enrolled in choir, Miller said. ”It was breathtaking,” said alumni Kennedy Roberts, class of 2018, and a former Bel Canto choir member. Dates: TBD Price: TBD; estimated $3,000+ Contact: Amanda Bistolfo, abistolfo@materdei.org
Kristen Castillo Editor-in-Chief
HANDS FOR HEARTS: The Winterguard team dances their routine “The Change of Hearts” at the performing arts showcase on Feb. 21. “Performing in my last showcase as a senior honestly felt so amazing but also sad at the same time,” senior Isabella Orozco said. “It was such a rush from hearing the crowd cheer so loud for us and sad because it was the last time I would ever perform for the school again with my team.”
Hayley Skonieczny | CROWN Yearbook SUNNY SPAIN: Senior Hayley Skonieczny, alumnae (class of 2018) Maxx Clemente and Julia Dilsisian, and senior Danika McKee pose infront of the Abbey of Montserrat during a choir tour of Spain over spring break last year. Some other sites that the students were able to visit were the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona and the small medieval town Ainsa. Students also had the opportunity to stay in a old monastery for two days in Boltana.
Between this summer and next summer, students of all grades will have the opportunity to travel abroad to six countries all over the globe. These programs are designed for curious students to take their interests and skills outside of the classroom while discovering new places abroad. Get a job this summer and start saving because adventure awaits. Dates and prices are subject to change. AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND, SUMMER 2019 Each summer, the Science Department leads a trip over a couple weeks that is educational and inspiring for those who partake. In the past, the department has traveled to places such as Costa Rica, Belize, and the Galapagos. During summer 2019, students will immerse themselves in cultural exploration over a 15-day period in Australia and New Zealand. Some of the activities include a twilight walking tour through the Waipoua Forest, a traditional hangi dinner, and a visit to the museum of Sydney. ”The trip will be a great way to meet friends, explore the world, see animals and plants in their native environments and experience a new culture,” Gomez said. “Group travel is a way to do all of this in a more affordable way ... and with students’ school friends.” Dates: July 8-22, 2019 Price: Email Kali Gomez for more details Contact: Kali Gomez, kgomez@materdei.org
DYNAMIC DANCERS: Senior Daniella Jones and freshman Kelton Gregor perform their routine to a cover of “What a Wonderful World.” The dance team placed third at the Arlington High School Dance Competition on Jan. 19 with the same piece.
RISE UP: Choir director Justin Miller conducts the Bel Canto Advanced Women’s Choir in their song “Rise Up” by Jake Runstad at the Performing Arts Showcase on Feb. 21. “Honestly it was an amazing experience,” senior Kaylee Bernal said. “I love singing especially with the group of girls I’ve come to know as family,”
LONDON, SPRING 2020 Students that are a part of the Model United Nations (MUN) academic team or one of the MUN classes will be eligible to experience one week in London, England, for the London International Conference. Besides preparing for the MUN conference, students will become familiar with British culture by touring Westminster Abbey, The Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham palace, and Stonehenge. Students do not need MUN experience to join the class or club, so all are welcome to participate in the trip. “This trip is going to be a great time for our wonderful MUN kids to expand outside of their comfort zones and see London,” Kitsinis said. “You don’t need to be a expert delegate to feel like you can go; everyone is welcome to join MUN.” Dates: Feb 17-24, 2020 Price: To be decided (TBD); estimated $2,000+ Contact: Charisse Kitsinis, ckitsinis@materdei.org ITALY, SPRING 2020 The choral program visits Italy every four years for their students to perform in the Vatican along with multiple other places of worship. In the past, these students have traveled all over the cities and countryside of Italy experiencing things such as the Trevi Fountain, rich Italian cuisine, and the Roman Colosseum. “When we will be traveling to Rome, will visit the Vatican, and will likely get an opportunity to give a private recital in the Sistine Chapel. This is not an opportunity that other schools get...” Director of Choral Music Justin Miller said. “These productions may look incredible, but each singer at some point in their lives had no experience in singing. So join choir - you’ll learn something about music, you’ll learn something about yourself, and you’ll have a great time while doing it.”
CHINA, SPRING 2020 The World Languages Department will be hosting a second trip to China for those who missed the opportunity last year. Students will be traveling to Beijing and Shanghai over 11 days. The trip will begin with a visit to classic Beijing landmarks such as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall, as well as experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. On day 10, students will travel to Shanghai via high speed train. “The main purpose is to get fully immersed in Chinese. Students will have the one-of-a-kind opportunity to attend school in the mornings,” Marsh said. “Classes will be taught by credentialed teachers in renowned language schools to give our students an authentic language immersion opportunity, where students will learn the target language dependent on their level of competency. In the afternoons, students will then apply their knowledge in experiential activities, such as going to a local market, buying fresh ingredients, and then cooking dinner and eating it too.” Dates: April 8-19, 2020 Price: $3,732 Contact: Zeyda Marsh, zmarsh@materdei.org SPAIN, SUMMER 2020 Next summer, Marsh will also be directing a trip to Spain for the students of the Spanish program to immerse themselves and challenge their Spanish skills. However, all are welcome to travel to Spain and experience its culture and history. Students will spend eight days in Madrid, touring famous attractions such as the royal palace, the Reina Sofia museum, and the San Miguel Market. Two days will be spent in Barcelona on foot and bike to experience places like Barceloneta beach and authentic Spanish food at the Boqueria food market. ”Through traveling, our students are becoming more socially, politically, and economically aware of our own country and the country they will visit for 12 days.” Marsh said. “Being aware of our world and it’s differences and or similarities prepares us to embrace, understand, and cooperate mutually.” Dates: July 18, 29, 2020 Price: $4,929 Contact: Zeyda Marsh, zmarsh@materdei.org
Hayley Skonieczny | CROWN Yearbook EQUATORIAL ADVENTURE: (From front to back) Seniors Marisa Walker, Alexis Hathaway, Amy Berbiglia, Hannah Waldron, Alexis Lenzkes, Bella Gourde, Alexis Dewid, Hayley Skonieczny , and Adam Sabbath pose on the Equatorial line on a 2017 science trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. On this trip, students were able to do many exciting activities such as snorkeling, hiking, shopping, and observing the natural wildlife.
NEWS 3
March 2019 | THE SCARLET SCROLL
Students can choose electives for next school year on Aeries portal until Friday Yahaira Rodriguez Managing Editor
As the school year comes to an end, students are now encouraged to choose an elective from the course catalogue. As a graduation requirement, students nine electives one of which has to be a performing or visual arts class. Here is an inside scoop of some of the classes in each department:
Academic
Film and Media
pEFORMING aRTS
VISUAL aRTS
FEATURED CLASS: Robotics and Engineering
FEATURED CLASS: Intro to Pub. Design
FEATURED CLASS: Jazz Band
FEATURED CLASS: Art
DETAILS: The Robotics class provides students with hands-on practice with designing, programming and building robots.
DETAILS: Introduction to Publication Design teaches students how to tell stories through writing, photography, broadcast, design and social media.
DETAILS: Jazz Band is an instrumental group that performs tunes varying from Miles Davis to Tito Puente. The Jazz Band represents MD in numerous local festivals and concerts. No previous jazz experience is required, but students must participate in Marching Band/Pep Band.
DETAILS: Art introduces student to the basic artistic elements such as shapes, lines, and form. There are many classes of art depending on the experience of the student.
POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS: Engineering, computer programing, computer technician “I really enjoy messing with the tools in robotics and just generally learn how things work. The freedom with what we can create in robotics is also very liberating.” - senior Christina Nguyen OTHER OPTIONS: AP Seminar, AP Research, Intro to Coding, Zoology, Communications, Creative Writing, Intro to App Development
POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS: Journalist, director, producer, editor, content creator, social media manager, marketing “I would encourage others to join because it’s so much more than a class, it’s a family. You learn so many things you wouldn’t learn in any other class...” - sophomore Laila Gonzales OTHER OPTIONS: Intro to Media, Acting for Television, Filmmaking, Film as Literature, Reality Media Production, Scriptwriting, Advanced Event Management and Stage Craft, Advanced Studio and Media Production, Sports Broadcasting, Newspaper, Yearbook
POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS: Performer, instructor, music engineer, event manager, event host, stage technician “The instructors have always been there to support the band and band members. If it wasn’t for them I think my passion would’ve fallen off somewhere else. - senior Julian Nava OTHER OPTIONS: Theatre Arts, Dance, Essentials of Music, instrumental groups, Choir, Handbells
POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS: Visual artist, graphic design, advertising “I have continued to do art because I enjoy the new people around me that I meet and I love how welcoming the community is in the class. I think that both my teachers and friends were the main reason why I continued on.” - sophomore Breanna Nguyen OTHER OPTIONS: Design, Digital Photo, Ceramics, Contemporary Media, Animation
ASL III students perform for students in Taft Elementary’s deaf and hard-of-hearing program Mia Hawkins Sports Editor
“... [When] they’re making the decisions, they’re more invested American Sign Language III students performed Disney’s Beauty select the film they wanted to recreate, chose the scenes they wantand the Beast on March 1 for students at Taft Elementary School. Taft ed to perform, cast each role, and planned the costuming and other in it and they’re going to be taking the time to actually make everything, learn their lines and to prepare for their performance,” ASL is a local Santa Ana elementary school that has a deaf and hard of props. Last year, the students performed scenes from Shrek. teacher Jennifer Battaglia said. hearing (DHH) program, which allows students Students were asked to choose a role that to be educated together with peers who have a would challenge their skills and go after what similar mode of communication and allows all they wanted. Chamberlain, for example, who families access to school representatives that played the character of Belle, is involved with speak sign language. both theatre and ASL. Junior Brett Nelson, who Since Taft’s DHH program has students that played the character of Beast, saw this class projrange in their hearing loss, part of working on ect as a good opportunity to try something new. the production included making the show all “My goal is to perform to the best of my abiliinclusive and everyone in the audience could ties and for the kids watching to enjoy it,” Nelson understand the story. As a result, the MD ASL said. students were assigned either a vocal or signing But most importantly, the production benefits role. the deaf students of Taft. With no Disney movies “I just love being onstage and knowing that available in their language, the ASL students are we are going to perform for little kids ... and able bring the children a special experience. just create this happiness inside them because “The little kids have so much fun seeing this they’re seeing a Disney movie in their own lanmovie come to life and to be able to understand guage,” junior Kelly Chamberlain said. Courtesy Jennifer Battaglia it as opposed to being completely lost with trying ASL III students prepared the production to understand the action while trying to read the based on the classic Disney feature film for two BE OUR GUEST: Juniors Kelly Chamberlain and Brett Nelson, in character as Belle and the Beast, have both worked the past couple months perfecting their characters as they hope to perform to the best of their ability for the Taft students. “My goal for the children to learn is that months. Now in its second year, the performance in the words of I. King Jordan, ‘A deaf person can do anything a hearing person can do except hear’ and it’s a message to the deaf children captions, they finally get to understand it… [and] everyone’s excited,” Battaglia said. project is mostly student-run: the ASL students that they can literally do anything,” Chamberlain said.
New parking structure will be finished soon, will alter many aspects of campus Valerie Kramer Staff reporter At the south corner of campus, towering blocks of metal and concrete stretch toward the sky and multiply by the day as large construction trucks move in and out of the site. That is the scene that many students and parents notice when driving in and out of the school. However, soon enough, this space will home to a brand new three-level project parking structure that will available to all students, faculty, staff and visitors. According to the City of Santa Ana’s website, the proposed parking structure will provide 990 parking spaces. The project, which started last September, is anticipated to be competed some time between September and October, Assistant Principal of Student Services Lee Gaeta said. The idea for the project arose due to an increase in demand for parking, Gaeta said. For example, the school is planning to build a new performing arts center, which could seat up to 1,000 visitors. In addition, the school hosts many large events, including, the annual Nike Extravaganza, which often results in limited parking. The organization of student and teacher parking will also be altered once the structure is complete. For example, the Edinger Lot will no longer be used for student and teacher parking. “Faculty and staff will park in the north portion of the Monarch
Way lot,” Worrell said. “Students will park on the south end and in the parking structure.” According to administration, safety will also be better improved for students, teachers and visitors and their vehicles with the addition of the structure. Gaeta also said that the new structure will result in a “closed campus situation that we can obviously enclose our kids … because of the safety structures we’ve put in place, but also to enclose their cars for safety as well as protection.” “A dedicated security guard will be assigned to patrol the parking structure during all hours,” said Director of Security Dan Worrell in an email. The addition of the new structure will also affect the way morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up occurs. According to city documents, drop-off and pick-up will use a new one-way circulation system, similar to existing operations, with cars entering from the north on Edinger Avenue and continuing south to exit onto the new Monarch Way extension at St. Andrew Place. In addition, the document states that “students parking in the main surface parking lot would have access from Edinger Avenue during the morning arrival only.” PARKING STRUCTURE CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
Courtesy Erica Adams COMING SOON: The completed parking structure will be three stories high and will be surrounded by two roads that will facilitate entering and exiting. A large ramp will also be off to the side of the structure allowing for cars to park on the multiple levels.
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News March 2019 | THE SCARLET SCROLL
ASL students spend a weekend in silence, learn about the deaf community while in Big Bear Melanie Villasin Staff reporter
After arriving at Big Bear Lake and settling into their cabins, a large chatty group of teenagers lets out one loud scream in unison and then, quiet - Silent Weekend has begun. Students in the American Sign Language (ASL) course traveled to Big Bear during the weekend of Feb. 16 to attend the annual Silent Weekend, during which more than 50 students and other attendees from around Orange County choose not to speak for two days and can only communicate through ASL. According to Mater Dei’s ASL teacher Jennifer Battaglia, one of the event’s founders, this was the sixth year that her students attended the trip. Battaglia first started this tradition when she was a teacher at Rosary High School for two years. Although the event’s Big Bear location does not have any particular meaning, Battaglia and two of her friends who are also ASL teachers who started the event “wanted a location that wasn’t too far away and would have many activities for our students to do,” Battaglia said. “A couple years ago we found out that Big Bear High School also has an ASL program so we’ve been able to meet up with some of those students for all of the students to meet and use their ASL skills,” Battaglia said. Throughout the weekend, the students and chaperones are split into teams in order to engage in various games and “icebreakers.” As they play, each group earns points. The overall points are tracked each time a team wins a competition and the team with the most points gained from the different games wins the spirit award. The teacher of that group then gets to display the award in his or her classroom until the next year’s Silent Weekend. Battaglia said that attending the trip has a lifelong influence on her students. The trip allows students to create new friendships with people from other schools, but it also serves a greater purpose: to educate students about what deaf people experience on an everyday basis. For example, Battaglia said that, during one of the trips, a
student ordered two scoops of ice cream, but the server made a mistake of only giving one. When the student attempted to notify the server of her mistake, the worker “then yelled at her that she wasn’t done and ripped the bowl from her hand,” Battaglia said. “The woman turned her back to the student and says ‘dumb deaf girl,’ thinking that the student really was deaf. The student left the store crying.” “[Students who attend] get to briefly experience what it is like to be deaf in a world that is made for hearing people,” Battaglia said. Senior Juliet Vo said she comes back every year because there is no other event or place where she has experienced such a tolerant environment. “No one is judgmental of skill level; everyone is there to learn and grow,” Vo said. “It’s always a really open, accepting group where I feel welcomed.” According to senior Angeline Phu, every time she attends Silent Weekend, she is reminded of the sense of “intersectional connection” in the ASL community. ”Silent Weekend is comparable to any retreat or trip with friends - it’s to disconnect from the everyday woes of school and life to gain reprieve with like-minded people,” said Phu, who has attended the trip all four years. “The web of love and respect is something I look fondly on and look forward to whenever I am anticipating Silent Weekend.” Phu said she doesn’t “feel any differently about deaf people after going on this trip” because “they are just people.” ”There are no need for barriers between ‘us’ and ‘them’ - I cannot look at deaf people and label them as ‘other’ and announce ‘what I learned about them’ because they are just people,” Phu said. “...they just happen to not be able to hear ... deaf is their identity, but it is not their identifying quality.” But because many do not know how to interact with the deaf community, Battaglia said her main goal with the many
News briefs
Mater Dei theatre performs Shakespeare in the Grotto
The theatre program performed the Shakespeare play “Love’s Labour’s Lost” for the annual Shakespeare in the Grotto from Feb. 14 to Feb. 17. Due to weather circumstances, this year the play was hosted in the Monarch Pavilion.
Service dogs visit campus
After school on Feb. 28, students were greeted by trained therapy dogs Khali and Wally in the Grotto on their way out of school. The dogs, courtesy of the Orange County Service Dogs program, were brought on campus as a trial to see how they could help the students with anxiety relief and support.
La Primavera is kicked off with a band performance
Wind, percussion,and string ensemble work with guitar, marching band, and jazz band to showcase their talents in one big show. This is the fourth year of instrumental music hosting this event and will be held at Chapman University on this Thursday at 7 p.m. Jazz band will be performing at La Primavera for their first time ever. Tickets are now on sale for only $5 and can be found on the MD website.
Track and Field break records at Laguna Trophy Invitational
Track and Field has had an exciting season so far, with a large amount of students meeting and creating personal records during March. Most recently, last Saturday, track and field competed at the Asics Laguna Beach Trophy Invitational where more than 10 athletes set a new personal record and boys’ 4x1 relay won overall.
Seniors get dolled up
This year’s senior musical is Guys and Dolls, a Broadway musical that made its debut in the 1950s. In comparison to previous years, this may be the biggest senior production yet with approximately 220 students who auditioned according to junior Paige Solano, who is the assistant music director and assistant stage manager for the show. Opening night will take place at Santa Ana High School on April 4 at 7 p.m. The show on April 5 at 7 p.m. counts as a den event and is worth 15 points.
activities and projects she offers her students are in order for them to understand and sympathize with deaf people and their experiences. Battaglia, however, said she does not want her students to feel sorry for or pity the deaf community. “I want my students to use the frustrations and anger they felt to encourage and empower them to be a deaf ally and help make the world a little bit of a better place,” Battaglia said. “Even if it’s just giving a hearing person correct information or standing up for a deaf person being discriminated.”
Courtesy Juliet Vo SMILING IN THE SNOW: Senior Juliet Vo, Juniors Skye Foucrier and Sydney Bragalone enjoy their time in big bear doing activities such as tubing on the weekend of Feb. 17.
ASB OFFICERS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Valerie Kramer Staff reporter “As rally commissioner… you meet so many people and you get to hear everybody’s opinions on what they want for rallies and then you can incorporate that into dances and more things,” Frank said. Frank said she has goals that she intends to accomplish in her senior year through her new leadership position on campus. “I want to be able to incorporate everybody at the school and make sure everybody has a chance to be heard,” Frank said. SAM (SAMUEL) NEGLIA - SECRETARY ASB Secretary Sam Neglia has been the class secretary for the past two years. He is also a varsity track athlete and a member of CSF, Renaissance, Campus Ministry, and NHS, along with his leadership position. “I like supporting all the students here because I hope they have as good as an experience here as I do, and I just want to make it as good as possible for them,” Neglia said. Sam Neglia Neglia said he plans to carry the knowledge that he has gained throughout his ASB career thus far into the upcoming school year. “I have been taking notes through all the meetings and I want to use that for upcoming meetings [in the] new year…” Neglia said. His decision to run again stemmed from his desire to be a leader on campus and help others through this position. “I have been secretary for the past two years and I… wanted to continue doing it because I love serving,” Neglia said. “...for this upcoming year I want to really work with the students more and hear their voice not just the ASB, because it’s mostly about them not us.”
Features 5 March 2019 | THE SCARLET SCROLL
Senior student begins competing in pageants to raise money for local charities Yahaira Rodriguez Managing Editor
There’s five minutes until it’s time to walk According to Matas, CMN gives 20 percent to the runway. The fluorescent light-filled room charitable care, 8 percent to custom needs, overflows with audience members in suits 15 percent to education, 18 percent to and dresses waiting to see a showcase of equipment, 25 percent to research, and 15 beauty and talent. Embellished with makeup percent to special services. All the proceeds and jewelry, the contestants wait anxiously go to children that deal with cancer, diabetes, for their turn on stage. Among the group of surgeries and trauma. In addition, some women is senior Olivia Matas. of the profits are forwarded to premature With the start of 2019, Matas, a transfer newborn infants in intensive care unit (NICU). student from Houston, Texas, began On her Miss America biography, Matas wrote competing in a series of pageants to raise that she wishes to “[touch the] lives of sick money for charity through the Miss America and injured children.” organization. Matas was a contestant in Matas is also raising money for Elderly the Miss Central California competition in Advocacy, a nonprofit organization helping Sacramento during the weekend of Feb. 9 elders that have dealt with some sort of in which she earned fourth place out of 40 abuse. Matas said both the CMN and Elderly women. She will continue to compete in the Advocacy are “very near to my heart.” Miss Los Angeles County competition at Los “My great grandma was a part of the 60 Angeles tomorrow, and the Miss Hollywood percent of seniors who are abused in nursing competition later this spring. If Matas Courtesy Nathan Matas homes every year,” Matas said. “When living continues to place in these pageants, she STUNNING SURPRISE: Adorned in her evening gown in Texas, I was able to volunteer at a nursing will be able to continue to compete in Miss attire, Matas is surprised with fourth place in the Miss home for two years until Hurricane Harvey Central California competition. California. hit, [which displaced] many of the senior In order to qualify for the pageants, Matas and the other models citizens who were living there, giving them no new options for a must be able to demonstrate some sort of talent or skill in order home. Seniors have always held a close place in my heart and you to qualify for competition. In her audition, Matas sang “Tin Man” can learn so much from them.” by Miranda Lambert. Matas’ work with charity and pageants have already gained Miss America also requires all pageant contestants to raise attention around school. After Matas made a presentation about a minimum of $300 for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) in her charity goals to the school’s Bel Canto choir, the choir shared order to compete, but contestants can also choose to raise funds their support for her by posting on Instagram promoting her for an additional organization as well. pageants. Also, senior Britney Nguyen, another member of Bel Locally, CMN helps kids who are being cared for by the Children’s Canto, donated $150 to her charity. Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) to pay for their medical needs. OLIVIA MATAS CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
Student directors prepare for this year’s Special Games, ‘You’re an Allstar’ Cecilia Lopez Photo Editor
Two-hundred fifty athletes, 500 student volunteers, five directors – let the games begin. Special Games, which was held on Mar. 17, is an outreach event held every year in which about 250 athletes of all ages with special needs gather for a day full of games, dancing and various other activities along with the companionship of their buddies, which are Mater Dei students. Opposed to other events held on campus, this event is almost entirely student-led. According to the event coordinator and
Christian Service Director Stephanie Hopkins, about 500 Mater Dei students volunteer to assist before, during and after the event under the guidance of five student directors. The five directors that led the event this year were seniors Maisie McPherson, Luke O’Hara, Elena Van Eenenaam, Jude Zavala and junior Alizea Hinz. Although the directors have all had different experiences from Special Games, they all share the same desire and passion for the event. SPECIAL GAMES CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
HELEN STEVES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Alex Audette Opinion Editor Rodrigo Gonzalez Staff reporter However, the constant hours on the phone asking for money on keeping on.” Although Steves has constantly expressed her passion for this soon began to dwindle. Once, Steves got in contact with Ken and Barbara Strottman and Joe and Deb Schmidt. The five later found fund, she did not want it to be in her name. “I wanted it to be the Campus Ministry and I had challenges themselves sitting down with the vice president of admissions at with that and still have challenges with the time, Jonathan Tufo. it,” Steves said. “Mr. and Mrs. Ken and Tufo was inspired by the work Steves Barbara Strottman and Mr. and Mrs. Joe was doing for students, Steves said. and Deb Schmidt sat down with me and Therefore, he, along with the Strottmans reminded me, and this was so humbling and the Schmidts, had the idea of creating for me, that people would give because of an honorary fund in order to help my name.” students with financial needs. Since its beginning, the Helen Steves “On my birthday about seven or Honorary Fund has allowed many eight years ago, I went to dinner with students the opportunity to travel with Strottmans and the Schmidts, and at the the school across the country and abroad. end of the meal they handed me this Senior Betty Pham is one of those who check for $50,000 and told me about the have been assisted by the honorary fund beginnings of the honorary fund,” Steves and said how impactful it has been on her said. “I cried because my heart tends to high school journey. flow out of my eyes.” “If it weren’t for the fund, and more The fund grew very slowly in the Courtesy Eva Kaplan beginning. To promote the fund, a dinner A DAY OF SERVICE: Helen Steves poses with religion teacher Steve importantly Ms. Steves, I would not was hosted on St. Patrick’s Day in 2010 Viau and senior Amy Peterson while attending Notre Dame Vision. have had the wonderful memories and June 16, more than 40 seniors served a poor community in experiences such as Notre Dame Vision,” to inform potential donors of the fund’s On West Side Chicago. Pham said. mission and who it would benefit. This Steves also provides opportunities for students to earn money dinner has now become an annual tradition and has grown with toward their trips. She gave senior Amy Peterson the opportunity the fund. “What has happened over the years is that the event turned to earn $100 toward her Notre Dame Vision trip by assisting at the into a spiritual evening. I think the environment that you walk 2018 Mother-Son Luncheon. “Through the kindness and generosity of Ms. Steves, I was into is a warm environment,” Steves said. “Where it is right now, there is a very significant endowment with it. With an endowment given opportunities, like volunteering at the mother-son luncheon, creates interest, so that when I’m not here anymore, it will keep to help fund my Notre Dame vision trip,” Peterson said.
MEET THE 2018-2019 STAFF of the scarlet scroll Editor-in-Chief Kristen Castillo
Managing Editor Yahaira Rodriguez
News Editor
Curran Nielsen
Sports Editor Mia Hawkins
Culture Editor Mekala Valentin
Opinion Editor Alex Audette
Photo Editor Cecilia Lopez
Assistant Photo Editor Lexi Perez
Marketing Manager Pauline Nguyen
Staff Reporters
Ellie Crabbe Rodrigo Gonzalez Valerie Kramer Christian Ramirez Melanie Villasin
Adviser
Alexa Sueiras
CONNECT WITH US EMAIL: mdscarletscroll@materdei.org INSTAGRAM: @mdscarletscroll FACEBOOK: @mdscarletscroll WEBSITE: thescarletscroll.com
OUR MISSION STATEMENT The Scarlet Scroll is the student newspaper of Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, CA. 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 encouraging content that provokes conversations and upholds the First Amendment.
6 SPORTS March 2019 | THE SCARLET SCROLL
With the end of Colorguard, Winterguard prepares for upcoming performances Mekala Valentin Culture Editor With the end of the football season, comes the end of Colorguard and the beginning of Winterguard. While Colorguard usually performs outside with live music from the marching band, Winterguard is done indoors with recorded music. Winterguard is a way of telling a story through props and movements. Some of the most common equipment are flags, flagpoles, rifles, and sabers. A saber is a type of long sword. All of these items are the items being thrown into the air during the performance. In the fall, Colorguard competed in the California State Band Championship and finished first in the Colorguard division 2A with their Alice in Wonderland-inspired show, “The Change of Hearts.” Now, the Winterguard team is preparing to compete in solo competitions. “We like to keep in mind how great it felt to do such an amazing job during fall season and how we want to excel again in Winterguard,” said Winterguard captain senior Isabella Orozco. This year’s Winterguard shows will be performed to the song “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence, with the Winterguard performers portraying a narrative of “rag dolls” coming to “life.” According to Orozco, the music is chosen by their coach, Chadd Hartman and the choreography is taught by both Hartman and assistant coach Amanda Cruz. “[Our coach] does consult with the team to know our opinions,” Orozco said. “I like the music and so does the rest of the team.” Many of the members are looking forward to this show because it reminds them of the show the team performed two years ago. “We are excited because it is a dark show which reminds the upperclassmen of ‘The Raven,’” Orozco said. “‘The Raven’ was a show performed in 2017 that was inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s ‘The Raven.’ We placed second for that…” Performing in Colorguard and Winterguard is not just a hobby for many of its members. “Colorguard to me is not just a place where you can toss of throw things in the air, but a place to connect with the thing you love the most and the people surrounding it,” sophomore Hailey Rivas said.
Courtesy Isabella Orozco STORYTELLING AND PREPARATION: Winterguard captain senior Isabella Orozco and teammate senior Alexis Correa receive second place during the San Clemente High School competition this year after their Tim Burton-inspired performance.
Varsity swimmer Su trains for Olympics, commits to UCLA Cecilia Lopez Photo Editor Melanie Villasin Staff reporter In preparation for next summer’s trials, senior Stephanie Su has been training to qualify for the 400-, 800-, or 1500-meter freestyle for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her journey as a competitive swimmer began at the age of 10. “At first, my parents put me in swimming to make sure that I’m water safe and just learn the basics of it,” Su said. “I did that for a while then the instructor said, ‘You know what? You should join a Courtesy Stephanie Su swim team.’ And then it just all went from SWIMMING TO SUCCESS: “The there.” Mater Dei community has Over her last three years in high supported me through this process by giving me oppor- school, Su said she has felt the support tunities to train and workout,” of her girls’ varsity swim team coach Kelly Su said. Dullard. “Stephanie has done a great job staying consistent in her training and race planning which has helped define her current success as a swimmer,” Dullard said. “Stephanie’s calm demeanor helps her competitiveness. She has a grasp on her energy levels which allows her to compete at the highest level and the proper time, especially during major competitions. Being primarily a distance
swimmer, maintaining calm, cool, and collected is extremely important in both training and competition.” Outside of the pool, Su, who just committed to the University of California Los Angeles, hopes to pursue a career in sports medicine or any concentration within the medical field. She discovered her passion for these subjects as a result of her swim career, in addition to her interest in her current science course, honors Anatomy and Physiology. “Stephanie is a great student. She is in my Honors Anatomy & Physiology class and does fantastic,” Su’s teacher Kali Gomez said. “She is hard-working, inquisitive, and very respectful … Stephanie is very determined, and although she is quiet, she is always able to add input into a discussion. She has goals that she sets for herself and works hard to achieve them.” In order to meet one of her major goals of qualifying for the Olympics, Su said she has to be one of the fastest two swimmers in her individual event this summer during the Olympic trials meet. While she already has the qualifying time to make the National Swim Team, she is training hard to swim even faster to make the Olympic team. “I’m really happy that swimming has taken me this far,” Su said. “I wouldn’t have imagined that I would get to compete at these big meets and swim in college when I started swimming.”
Teamwork assists wrestling in finishing season strong Mia Hawkins Sports Editor
Kristen Castillo | Editor-in-Chief
Kristen Castillo | Editor-in-Chief
WRESTLING TEAM JOINS TOGETHER TO SUPPORT SENIORS: The wrestling team anxiously watches their teammates compete against Estancia High School on Jan. 23. The team cheers on their senior classmates to celebrate the programs senior night.
VARSITY DEBUT TAKEDOWN: Sophomore Troy Carrey takes down opponent from Estancia High School in his varsity debut.
Many think that wrestling is an individual sport, but the Monarch wrestlers think differently. In fact, during his four years on the school’s wrestling team, senior Kenny Cervantes has learned that hard work pays off especially when it is being accomplished as a team. He said he has discovered what it means for individuals to come together and work as one to strive common goal. “My teammates [are my favorite part about wrestling] because they’re all my best friends,” Cervantes said. “There were times where we all thought about quitting and stuff like that, or I thought about quitting at least and thought ‘why am I doing this’ these guys kind of brought me back to it and helped me realize why I love wrestling.” While school is in session, some of the team eats together, they train in collaboration and improve side by side. “I have learned that you’re only as good as your teammates training besides you,” junior Benji Tjan said. Besides training together, the team bonds most while traveling for tournaments, Tjan said. Traveling means they have to spend more time together and even go out for a celebratory dinner after they compete. “It’s a demanding sport but it’s worth it and I don’t regret ever
walking into the wrestling room and joining when I was an eighth grader because it’s taught me so much and it gave me great friendships and it was an amazing part of my high school experience,” Cervantes said. In recent years, the wrestling team - which is made up of three levels, frosh/soph, junior varsity and varsity - has made a name for itself throughout California as a CIF contender. Led by Coach Luis Renteria who took over the program seven years ago, the varsity team has succeeded in placing in every tournament they’ve participated in, according to the team’s website. ”The main focus of our team is to build and develop a strong positive mindset and work ethic through commitment, determination, and perseverance, so that, when faced with adversity in life, we are prepared to handle whatever the Lord puts in front of us,” Renteria said. The accomplishments achieved by the wrestling team this year vary per individual. Whether it’s placing fifth in the El Dorado tournament or being able to recognize the progress made throughout time on the team, the team is proud of what they have accomplished and is looking forward to their future. ”[Wrestling] ... taught me that I control my own destiny and I can go as far as I see fit,” Cervantes said.
Upcoming SPORT events
BOYS VOLLEYBALL VS. SAINT JOHN BOSCO MARCH 22
BASEBALL VS. CORONA MARCH 26
SOFTBALL VS. JSERRA MARCH 29
Culture 7 March 2018 | THE SCARLET SCROLL
New Philz Coffee location opens near campus in Costa Mesa
Cecilia Lopez Photo Editor Ellie Crabbe Staff reporter
Cecilia Lopez | Photo Editor READY FOR CAFFEINE: Philz Coffee cups sit stacked at their new Costa Mesa counter where customers order their drinks. All of the drinks on the menu come in either a regular or a large size, and their coffee beans are also sold in shop so that customers can enjoy Philz Coffee at home. “My favorite coffee is Jacob’s Wonder Bar (darker roast), and a really popular one the Tesora (medium roast),” social studies teacher Kaitlyn Reuter said.
Originally founded in San Francisco during 2003, Philz Coffee is a full service coffee bar that specializes in coffee, herbal teas and pastries. The chain has been expanding its scope of influence in Southern California and many new locations have been popping up in the local community. Over winter break, a new Philz opened across from South Coast Plaza on 3420 Bristol Streetin Costa Mesa; the new location is the third in Orange County, joining the two recently-opened storefronts in Huntington Beach and Fullerton. Known for their rich and uniquely diverse flavors, Philz offers more than 20 coffee blends consisting of dark, medium and lighter roasts. With the option of a full service bar customers are given a unique one-on-one experience in which they may see their coffee being made fresh. “We specialize in one cup at a time from three to seven different origins to make blends … We grind your beans and brew that fresh cup right there in front of you, we have a full service bar and will prepare the drink exactly as you desire, ” staff manager Will Silva said. “We ask you to try a sip before you leave just to
make sure you love it; if not, we are more than happy to brew you something else.” Many students like going to Philz for a quick drink of coffee after school, as the Costa Mesa location is 3 miles away. “My experience with Philz has been great every time,” sophomore Jacqueline Kerr said. “The baristas are always friendly and you can customize your orders. My experience with Philz has been great every time. The atmosphere is laid-back and the lines tend to go by pretty fast.” Founder Phil Jaber created Philz with the intention of producing a “great cup of coffee” that was fitting to everyone’s taste and low in acidity, according to the Philz Coffee website. As a result, Jaber dedicated 25 years of his life traveling the world to find inspiration and achieve this goal of his. After experimenting, Phil opened his coffee shop and made sure to not only create a quality product, but to also serve the community through kindness. “From its very first day, Philz was about quality, care and warmth and connection. What sets Philz apart from other coffee chains begins with the way we treat people,” Silva said. “We believe that if we put our customers first and genuinely take care of our team putting love in the product and caring for the service, we can’t go wrong.” In addition to their full-service bar and quality care, many people remain impressed by the fact that Philz only specializes in drip coffee and nothing else, which means they don’t serve espresso drinks. Social studies instructor Kaitlyn Reuter first tried Philz Coffee in 2015, when she was in the San Francisco Bay Area visiting a friend. Initially, Reuter was confused on how a coffee shop that just specializes in coffee could do so well, but after trying the coffee, she said that it was unlike anything she had ever tried before. She returned home with a bag of coffee, and even still today purchases their beans. “The coffee itself I think is an experience; it’s something that I get excited about every single morning,” Reuter said. “I brew their beans at home and the texture [and] flavor just sets the tone for the rest of the day.” Silva said that he believes Philz will make an impact in the community by welcoming everyone and sharing a pleasant environment in where people can catch up, drink tea, enjoy some food, have fun, relax and study. “Making new friends, neighbors and hiring people from Orange County can impact the quality of life and so on…” Silva said. “Philz is not only coffee. It’s a cup of love.”
SoCal offers simple, fun activities during spring break
Kristen Castillo Editor-in-Chief
This year, spring break will be held from March 25-31 instead of its usual period of time during the first week of the liturgical season of Easter. Since the break is no longer during the Easter holiday, some may find it difficult to find exciting things to do during the time off. Here is a list of different ways you can spend your spring break. Take a day trip to LA Santa Ana is located 35 minutes from Los Angeles making it easily accessible for anyone to make a quick trip to the entertainment capital of the world. In fact, many big name Hollywood films and television shows have been shot on location in LA and you may find it interesting to explore the real life locations of your favorite pictures like Clueless, La La Land and A Star is Born. Addresses to specific locations are published on the Internet and easy to access. There are also many museums, art installations and attractions in Los Angeles that are open for public to visit. Some of the most popular are Los Angeles County Museum of the Arts (LACMA), Exposition Park, and the Last Bookstore. Additionally, you may be inclined to try one of the many dining experiences that LA is infamous for such as vegan food or other healthy options. No matter what you do in the city, keep an open mind. You don’t need a strict itinerary to have a good time in a busy place like Los Angeles. Donate your old clothes or go thrifting What better way to spend spring break than with some spring cleaning. Emptying your closet of clothing items that you don’t wear anymore is an efficient way to get some chores done around the house. After you find a decent amount of clothes, you can
donate them to one of the many donation stores throughout Orange County. One of the most popular being the Salvation Army. This organization accepts gently used clothes to sell in their stores. The proceeds of their sales go towards funding the organization’s adult rehabilitation centers. If your closet seems to be lacking style, consider shopping at a thrift store. Thrift stores have become increasingly popular because of its positive benefits towards the growing textile waste issue in the United States. Purchasing clothing items at thrift stores is a small but effective option to contributing to this movement and is also an affordable way to find interesting pieces to add to your wardrobe. Select thrift stores, like the Salvation Army, donate their sales towards important causes in the area. Visit a historical landmark Southern California is rich in history and many of them are just a drive away. Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of the 21 missions established by Saint Junipero Serra. The mission has a museum exhibit with artifacts from when the mission was in active. There is an admission fee of $10 that goes toward the preservation of the mission. The Richard Nixon Presidential library in Yorba Linda houses a variety of multimedia galleries with 300 original artifacts. The museum begins with an introduction to Nixon’s presidency and continues chronicling his Presidency including the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. The library is open seven days a week and admission for students is $10. Both of these landmarks are no more than 45 minutes away from Santa Ana and offer interesting historical insights of Orange County.
Instagram-worthy spots can be found anywhere Mekala Valentin Culture Editor
With our generation’s desire to constantly up our social media game, knowing where the ideal place to take a photo is crucial. From beachy landscapes and to colorful graffiti walls, southern California is full of trendy, Instagram-worthy backdrops. “One of my all-time favorite places that I took a photo at for my Instagram was the LACMA museum [in Los Angeles],” sophomore Mia Guadarrama said. “They have these trendy outside lamps and giant pieces of art. Unlike a regular museum, there are life size items so it makes it easier to get different angles for the specific photo I want.” Whether it is a garden or a pink-colored wall, many nearby cities are also home to unique photogenic places. Some well-known ones are the Anaheim Packing House in Anaheim, Pacific City in Huntington Beach, and Irvine Spectrum Center in Irvine. “Instagram isn’t really my go-to app, but when I do go to cool places like the Spectrum or Newport boardwalk, I like to put the pictures on my story,” sophomore George Castillo said. The thing that makes a place “picture perfect” depends on what you are looking for. It may be a room that looks like it is upside-down, a giant bowl of dumplings you can sit in, or interactive walls or museum exhibits. It is up to your imagination. “I personally love taking photos in front of murals,” junior Izabella Roeser said. “Some have butterfly wings on them, while others have words or sayings. My favorite is the giant pink wall in LA.” IT’S LIT: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is one of the more popular museums in the LA area. Their infamous street light lamps are known to make a frequent appearance on Instagrams. “The LACMA’s art is really aesthetically pleasing and great for the gram,” junior Izabella Roeser said.
GOING UP: The Irvine Spectrum is known for its seasonal Christmas tree and ice rink and year round roller coaster. “The roller coaster is a great place to take a cute picture for anyone’s Instagram really,” sophomore Kaitlyn Alday said. “When you get to the top you can see the skyline of the city, which makes a beautiful background.” ART IN HIDDEN CORNERS: Some picture-perfect places aren’t the obvious choices. For example, 4th Street Market in Santa Ana features colorful walls in their outdoor patio where you can enjoy the marketplaces’ food ranging from lobster sandwiches all the way to pizza. “After school, I love going to this place because I can grab a bite, take a photo, and then be on my way,” Roeser said.
8 CONTINUED March 2019 | THE SCARLET SCROLL SPECIAL GAMES CONTINUED
PARKING STRUCTURE CONTINUED
Cecilia Lopez Photo Editor “I was interested in becoming a Special Games Director because … I absolutely love being able to help others,” said Hinz, who is in her third year of volunteering. “I felt like being a director would both allow me to help individuals and in turn our community.” Hopkins believes that in order to be a Special Games director, one must have experience working with people with disabilities, possess significant organizational skills, a positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile to make Special Games “the best ever.” In order to do this, the coordinators and directors met bi-weekly in the mornings before convening with the leaders. “Although I meet weekly with the leaders at upper lunch, I [have] a core group who assists in planning and implementing the leader meetings and overseeing the entire event,” Hopkins said. “Every year I am so impressed by this core group as they take ownership for every facet of the Special Games … from recruiting volunteers and athletes to setup and cleanup of the event.” Hinz said she enjoys Special Games because of the opportunity she is given that enables her to make an impact on lives of the athlete’s by creating lifelong experiences and memories with them. Interested in playing a key role in the overall mechanics of the event, Van Eenenaam also decided to be a director in this year’s Special Games after being a volunteer in the past. “It means a lot to me to be a director. I have been involved in ASB for four years now, so I have always been exposed to the impact of leadership,” Van Eenenaam said. “However, Special Games
leaves a different kind of impact on the community. The athletes that come every year continue to return because of how the students make them feel: accepted and cared for.” Van Eenenaam hopes that, as a director, she was able to help make the day run as smoothly as possible and aid in whatever necessary to make sure that the needs of the athletes and volunteers are all met. In addition, this year she said she was looking forward to seeing things from a unique perspective. “Every year, I enjoy spending time with the athletes, getting to know them, as well as seeing how students interact not only with each other, but also the athletes…” Van Eenenaam said. “I think that as a director, I will gain a whole new appreciation for Special Games.” Hinz said that the best part about participating in Special Games is “being able to see our buddies’ faces light up with excitement as the volunteers cheer them on and build them up to show that they’re allstars.” In fact, this year’s Special Games theme was “You’re an Allstar.” “This event reminds you of all the good and happiness in the world…” Hinz said. “Many times in life we’re dragged down by the negative, so it’s very refreshing to come to Special Games and be reminded of all the good, and happiness in the world. I absolutely love this event, and it has been such a blast being able to plan the best day ever for all of our buddies … I do truly believe that our buddies are a blessing and a reminder to all of us of God’s light in the world.”
Valerie Kramer Staff reporter The addition of the new structure will also affect the way morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up occurs. According to city documents, drop-off and pick-up will use a new oneway circulation system, similar to existing operations, with cars entering from the north on Edinger Avenue and continuing south to exit onto the new Monarch Way extension at St. Andrew Place. In addition, the document states that “students parking in the main surface parking lot would have access from Edinger Avenue during the morning arrival only.” Freshman Nikolai Kobzeff, who is anticipating getting his permit in February, is looking forward to utilizing the new parking structure once it is completed. Kobzeff said that it will be nice to no longer have to park in the Edinger lot and that getting out of campus will be simpler. “It’s going to be easier to get out of the school,” Kobzeff said. However, other students are concerned about the possible negative effects of the parking structure. “It is going to cause more traffic for the people getting in the Main Lot and it’s going to take a long time to get out of there...” junior Danielle Matteson said. For example, even though as the document describing the structure said that the route for parent and student driving would be similar to what it is now, there will be more spots and as a result students, faculty and staff will park in a singular area. Nonetheless, the parking structure will alter the very fabric of campus and alleviate any parking shortages and potential safety concerns. “Having an on-campus structure, I believe will make things a lot smoother, easier and pleasant when arriving or departing campus,” Worrell said. “It will also enhance the overall safety and security of the campus.”
OLIVIA MATAS CONTINUED Yahaira Rodriguez Managing Editor
Pauline Nguyen | Marketing Manager BEAT THE HEAT: Student volunteers brace themselves for soaked sponge to the face, one of the many stations available for athletes to participate in during Special Games on March 16.
MEET THE MONARCHS OF THE MONTH
Every month throughout the year, one senior boy and girl is nominated by the faculty and staff for their academic and personal successes.
Check out their full profiles online at thescarletscroll.com
Natalie Berty
“Monarch character means leading in service, with integrity, and just being a good person”
Taylor Morales
“I attribute my success to my family, coaches, and teammates”
Nicolas Lopez
Rodrigo Gonzalez
December
January
“Mater Dei [is] a super unique experience where you can really make the most of it and have so many opportunities”
“I work my best to become a role model for everyone else”
“I have a younger sister who is always in-and-out of hospitals due to a medical condition,” Nguyen said. “Having heard Olivia’s goals in helping hospitalized children, I knew that I wanted to help her somehow.” Because of the contributions from the school community, including those from her fellow choir members, Matas has nearly doubled her charity goal from $300 to $550. Her brother, junior Nathan Matas is also part of his sister’s support system. “Seeing Olivia compete makes me feel proud and happy knowing that she is sharing her God-given gifts to the public and gets to do what she loves doing whether its helping the community, raising awareness about current world issues, or singing her heart out. Getting to see her smile after winning or losing makes me proud to be her brother,” he said. Matas said she feels “motivated” and thankful for the response she has received from family and friends. “So far everyone has be super excited and definitely kept me motivated for the pageants,” Matas said. Matas will continue to compete within the course of the next month, along with raising funds for both CMN and Elderly Advocacy. “Monarch character means being open and welcoming to all members of the community”
Gianna Danese
Gwyneth Stolo
Rui (Nero) Wang
February
“Monarch character means to always carry on what one has promised to while being well aware of the trials and tribulations laid before oneself.”
“Monarch character is having pride, tradition and being a community united with one another.’
“Monarch character means leading in service and leading with integrity and just being a good person”
Anthony Barajas
MARCH