Fall 2007 - Mater Dei High School

Scarlet
&G r a y
A quarterly magazine for students, parents, alumni, and friends of Mater Dei High School
Monarchs Making a Difference
Operation Smile
Page 3
Environmental Education
Page 4
Charity Hockey
Page
Tournament
6
Family Mass Outreach
Page 7
Four Pearls Cancer Foundation
Page 11
Mater Dei High School Magazine • Vol. XIV, No. 1 • Fall 2007
• www.materdei.org •
Principal’s Letter
Mater Dei High School
1202 West Edinger Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92707-2191
(714) 754-7711
www.materdei.org
Administration 2007-08
Most Rev. Tod D. Brown, D.D.
Bishop of Orange
Reverend Gerald M. Horan, O.S.M.
Frances Clare
Superintendent of Catholic Schools
Dear Parents, Students, Alumni and Friends,
Patrick Murphy
President
Frances Clare
Principal
Greg Dhuyvetter ‘77
Assistant Principal,
Academic Services, Admissions & Technology
Kevin Hickman
Assistant Principal,
Student Services
Charisse Kitsinis
Assistant Principal,
Faculty Services & Personnel
Dave Taylor
Vice President of Business Services
Jonathan Tufo ‘91
Vice President of Advancement
Office of Advancement & Alumni
Pamela Coe
Director of Grants & Media Relations
Melinda Craft
Advancement Administrative Assistant
Kathleen Kelly ‘94
Director of Publications
Joseph Medlin ‘98
Director of Alumni Advancement
Kellie Pendergest
Director of Admissions Marketing &
Special Events
Scarlet&Gray Magazine
Fall 2007
Vol. XIV, No. 1
Mater Dei High School in the Diocese
of Orange, mindful of its mission to be
witness to the love of Christ for all,
believes every person, as a child of
God, regardless of race, condition, or
age, has equal dignity and an inalienable right to an education. Therefore,
no qualified student will be denied
admission to this school on the basis of
sex, race, color, or national origin.
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Scarlet
Welcome to the 2007 - 2008 school year at
Mater Dei. Our school theme is "Today
Builds Tomorrow" and in all areas of life at
MDHS, students continue to build today for
their many tomorrows. To facilitate students'
success, we are blessed to have an excellent,
dedicated, caring faculty and staff who continue the tradition of outstanding instruction
in the classrooms, in the offices, in our athletic programs and in the many areas of the
fine arts, ASB and Campus Ministry activities.
This September we welcomed over 600
freshmen into the ranks of the MD community, and we began the school year with an
enrollment of over 2,300 students and 200
on the waiting list. Our student body is led by
ASB President, HAYLEY PAIGE PAPPAS, and her
outstanding team, Vice-President, JUAN
GUADARRAMA, Secretary, COURTNEY
COLLEARY, and Treasurer, BRITTANY CONWAY.
Under their leadership, the planning for the
Homecoming Activities during the week of
October 15, was very successful with the
grotto transformed into a festive MDHS 2007
theme and a fun-filled time was enjoyed by all
the students at the Homecoming Carnival
and Faculty/Staff Showcase performance.
Equally significant and enjoyable was the
Homecoming football game against Santa
Margarita Catholic High School.
After the week of Homecoming Activities,
we hosted our 23nd Annual College Night
with over 150 colleges and universities in
attendance. On a daily basis throughout this
semester, we have representatives from a
number of colleges and universities available
on campus to meet with students and discuss the college/university admission
process. Throughout the semester, our senior level students are busy and a "little
stressed" as they complete college applications and essays and continue to excel in the
classrooms, on the playing fields, the courts,
the swimming pools, the concert halls and
the art and dance studios.
Our sports teams continue to excel on the
playing fields, courts and in the swimming
pools. As I write this letter, the Trinity League
&Gray Magazine • Fall 2007
games are under way and the cross country,
football, golf, volleyball, tennis, and water
polo teams are representing our school with
outstanding enthusiasm, spirit, sportsmanship and success.
One of the exciting physical additions to
MD this year, is the new Little Theater where
drama students now have the opportunity to
study, rehearse and perform many different
types of theater. Rehearsal is well under way
for the Fall play production, The Pajama
Game to be held at the Huntington Beach
Library Theater, Nov. 28, 29 and Dec. 1.
In Campus Ministry our students continue
to reach out to the less fortunate in the local
community and other areas of our country
and world. During this year's Family Mass,
Sister Augusta Mukarurugomoka spoke
movingly of life in the country of Rwanda
during the devastating genocide. Yet another activity in which students are involved this
year is Operation Smile, the organization
assist children and adults suffering from cleft
lip, cleft palates and other facial deformities.
On the local level, students are involved in
reaching out to the less fortunate through
their work in the weekly Lion Share outreach
program. In addition to the work which students complete through this program, many
also spread the gospel message of service to
others in a myriad of ways such as summer
work with Camp Recreation in the Diocese of
Orange, volunteerism in different hospitals
and tutoring in our local Junior Monarch
feeder schools, to name just a few of the
many programs in which our outstanding
young men and women are engaged.
In all areas of school life, equipping students for the present and the future is the
number one focus and tradition of this great
high school, and no effort or resource is
spared in achieving that goal. It is thanks to
the commitment and dedication of our bishop, Most Reverend Tod D. Brown, parents,
alumni and generous benefactors that we
are able to provide all students attending
Mater Dei with the finest Catholic education
available.
As we continue through the school year, we
are constantly reminded of and thankful for
the goodness of our God and the many
blessings bestowed upon all members of the
MDHS community.
Sincerely in Mater Dei,
Frances Clare
Principal
Operation Smile
Operation Smile
is a nonprofit
organization that
travels around
the world offering free reconstructive surgery
to children and
MD Operation Smile Club adults suffering
founder, senior Kendra Eaton from cleft lip,
cleft palates and other facial deformities.
The organization travels to over 43 mission sites in 25 developing countries each
year with around two missions being held
each month.
In 2005 KENDRA EATON, a sophomore at
the time, decided she wanted to help this
cause. She took all the steps necessary
through the Activities Office and got an
Operation Smile Club started at Mater
Dei.
A club that began slowly in the spring of
2005 has evolved into a fundraising
machine of over 150 Mater Dei students.
Thus far, the chapter has brought in over
$23,000 through events held on campus
as well as a dinner held last spring called
"Cinco de Smile." The next major
fundraiser for the group is a fashion show
set for spring of 2008.
The fashion show will be a collaborative
effort between Mater Dei and students
from four other local schools. The
schools involved are JSerra, Capistrano
Valley, St. Margaret, and Tarbut V'Torah.
The relationship with the other Orange
County schools began last summer at the
25th Anniversary International Student
Leadership Conference held in Ireland.
Eaton was present at the conference
along with fellow Monarchs, senior and
club vice president BROOKE THEODORA
and junior and club secretary MADELEINE
SEIDNER as well as students from all over
Orange County, the United States and
seven other partner countries. The group
decided they could do more to benefit
Operation Smile if they worked together.
One Monarch on a Mission
Last summer, senior Kendra Eaton was costs is invested into Operation Smile's
Upon her return, Eaton was given the
fortunate enough to go to Vietnam on sustainability programs, empowering David Schick Award. The Operation
her first Operation Smile Mission. The partner countries to treat more children Smile website has this to say about
two-week trip was an
on their own and Eaton, "Kendra consistently receives
overpowering experimaking each invest- stellar feedback from all those that she
ence for all of the
ment go even far- works with, she goes above and beyond
volunteers. Nothing
ther. The complete when working on any kind of project,
could have prepared
Operation
Smile and is a role model for her peers. Kendra
them for a mission
model is an invest- is what Operation Smile Student
like this. "I watched
ment of $750 per Programs is all about. While on her miscountless videos, lischild. In as little as sion, Kendra was a wonderful role
tened to numerous
45 minutes, one model. She obviously cared for the chillectures, and read
cleft lip surgery can dren and their parents and was always
Senior Kendra Eaton on her mission with
handbooks. I was
change a child's life aware of who needed help. Her smile
Operation Smile in Vietnam
told how it would be
forever.
was infectious."
and what to expect, but the mission was
The dedicated people of Operation
Eaton was recently asked to be on the
nothing like I imagined," said Eaton.
Smile not only administer the recon- Executive Leadership Council for the
The mission took place in the rural structive surgery and comfort families, organization. The council oversees the
town of Bao Loc, located five hours but they also educate the children and Mission Training Programs and the
northeast of the capital of Vietnam, Ho adults through presentations at local International
Student
Leadership
Chi Mihn City. Eaton accompanied a orphanages and schools during the mis- Conference and helps inspire the local
team of 46 doctors, nurses, and volun- sion trips.
The topics
Operation Smile high
teers from the United States, Italy, and include dental and personal
school clubs.
Russia and ten Vietnamese doctors and hygiene, oral re-hydration
More members of the
seven student translators from Hanoi, therapy and nutrition.
Mater Dei Operation Smile
Vietnam. The translators were always
As a student volunteer
Club are taking the steps
there but most of the time friendly hand Eaton's main responsibility
towards their own mission
gestures and smiles were all the group was providing entertainment
trip. This January, senior
needed to communicate with the for the patients and families
and club vice president
patients and their families. Holding a as they waited. She com- (l to r) Junior Madeleine Seidner BROOKE THEODORA and
child's hand was a simple way of letting forted the patients before Senior Brooke Theodora junior and club secretary
them know that everything would be and after operations giving of MD’s Opperation Smile MADELEINE SEIDNER will be
alright.
out toys, crayons, stickers, and blowing participating in a Mission Training
At the hospital they screened 231 bubbles. Eaton was surprised when the Workshop in Virginia Beach to prepare
patients, but were only able to offer 143 locals were so entertained by everything for a mission next summer. After
surgeries due to a shortage of financial she brought. "Whether we were color- researching Operation Smile's mission
resources. For $240 Operation Smile ing, doing magic tricks or simply just sit- and talking to Eaton, Theodora and
can change a child's life by giving the gift ting together, there was never a dull Seidner are eager to do what they can to
help those effected by Operation Smile.
of surgery. Revenue in excess of surgical moment," said Eaton.
Scarlet
&Gray Magazine • Fall 2007
3
Simpkins Helping the Environment
Senior
TAYLOR
SIMPKINS
has
wanted to be a
marine biologist
for almost as long
as
she
can
remember, and
she is also quite
an artist. When
Senior Taylor Simpkins
she found out
about a growing problem occurring in
the ocean, she set out to find the cause
and a solution.
The problem is tiny resin pellets that
Simpkins calls "mermaid tears", that
end up in the ocean through storm
drains and gutter run-off. Simpkins has
found the direct source and cause of
this local pollution to be injection molding facilities. The resin pellets are melted and poured into molds to create a
finished product. When resin pellets are
unintentionally left on the grounds of
injection molding facilities they get
washed down storm drains making their
way to our beaches. But they don't stop
there. They can travel all the way across
the Pacific Ocean. They are often mistaken for krill by young albatross that
ingest them, believe they are full and
eventually die from starvation. They are
also consumed by fish which can possibly pollute our own food supply.
It is rather harmless for one plant to
sweep away a few resin pellets, but the
problem grows when you have many
plants in close proximity to one another and they are all sweeping these pellets into the gutter.
Once the problem and the cause were
discovered, Simpkins goal was simple;
educate the workers in the plastic injection molding industry. Since these
resin pellets never decompose, sharing
this information with the plants is very
important.
Her solution combined her love of art
with a cause that is very close to her
heart. Simpkins has created a poster
to be distributed to as many manufacturing plants as possible. The printing
will be done by MG Lithographics and
Volcom has agreed to help with the
distribution costs. She is educating
other Mater Dei students about this
problem, so they can also become
advocates and help diminish this
form of pollution.
Senior Taylor Simpkins created this poster to distribute
to the plastic injection molding industry to alert them to
the dangers of preproduction plastic pollution
2008 RING OF HONOR Nomination Information
The Mission
The Mater Dei High School Ring of Honor debuted in May 2001 at the 50th Anniversary Golden Gala. The
Ring of Honor aims to bring the entire Mater Dei community together to celebrate our school, give thanks,
and recognize people who have made Mater Dei such a great place to learn and develop. It is the dedication
and commitment of each and every member of our extended Monarch family that creates the traditional appeal
of Mater Dei High School.
Criteria
The Ring of Honor seeks to recognize individuals who have achieved local, state, national, or international
recognition through their church, school, community, or professional life. The honoree must display commendable character and dedication to the values and mission of Mater Dei High School. Inductees are not
required to be Mater Dei alumni. All members of the Mater Dei community will have nomination privileges.
Final selections will be made by the Mater Dei administrative board.
The 2008 Ring of Honor inductee(s) will be saluted at our Founders Circle Dinner. Nominations must be
received by Friday, January 11, 2008. You may print a nomination form from the web site,
www.materdei.org/ringofhonor or contact the Office of Advancement at (714) 850-9534.
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Scarlet
&Gray Magazine • Fall 2007
The Exclusive Side of Washington D.C.
Contributed by senior Anne Russell, editor-in-chief of the MDHS Scarlet Scroll
While most students and teachers were Deputy National Security Advisor for tions. They also got to see the inside of
celebrating their first weekend of sum- Combating Terrorism.
the Cabinet Room, the Roosevelt Room,
mer, Mrs. Laurie Rollinson and former
In his current role, Zarate is responsible high level office buildings, and the outAP English IV teacher, MRS. CINDY EAGAN for developing and overseeing the effec- side of the new Press Room which used
‘69, flew to Washington D.C. for a week- tive implementation of the U.S. govern- to be an indoor swimming pool.
long, ultra exclusive tour of our capitol. ment's counterterrorism strategy.
Mrs. Rollinson and Mrs. Eagan also
The duo met up with
Zarate's wife Cindy went downtown to the private
Mater Dei High School
Millsap Zarate attended Metropolitan Club which has been in
graduates JUAN ZARATE
Wellesley College in existence since the Civil War. They
'89 and his wife CINDY
Massachusetts before enjoyed a a private tour of the building
MILLSAP ZARATE '90.
going onto law school. of Congress. Later they went on an
After graduating from
She now works as an exclusive V.I.P. tour of the Bureau of
Mater Dei, Zarate went
attorney
for
the Printing and Engraving and saw every
onto graduate from
Smithsonian.
aspect of the moneymaking process.
Harvard and Harvard
After Mrs. Rollinson The tour included a small group of peoLaw School. He also
and Mrs. Eagan were ple from the Federal Reserve, the World
spent time in Spain
settled at their hotel, Bank, and the Bank for International
where he studied as a
Settlement.
Mrs. Laurie Rollinson (far right) with the J.W. Marriott on
Rotary
International MD graduates Cindy Millsap Zarate ‘90 Pennsylvania Avenue,
Mrs. Rollinson noted that her tour of
Fellow
at
the and Juan Zarate ‘89 and their daugther they met up for dinner Arlington National Cemetery was "one of
in front of the White House
Universidad
de
with the
the most moving places
Salamanca. Zarate began his career as Zarate family.
Juan
we went to on the trip."
a law clerk to Chief Judge Judith Keep in Zarate then took Mrs.
She was touched, seeing
the Southern District of California. He Rollinson and Mrs. Eagan
the millions of lives that
then went to the Department of Justice's and literally walked right
have served America,
Terrorism and Violent Crime Section through the White House
along with the history
where he worked as a prosecutor. He gates. They were treated
behind it all.
later served as the Assistant Secretary of to one of the most excluMrs. Rollinson stated
the Treasury for Terrorist Financing and sive tours of the West
that it was amazing to be
Financial Crimes. According to Zarate's Wing possible. During the
able to stand in the office
White House biography, he also "led the tour, Mrs. Rollinson and
of the "most powerful
U.S. government's global efforts to hunt Mrs. Eagan saw not only
man in the world." The
Saddam Hussein's assets, resulting in the Oval Office but also
history and experience of
the return of over $3 billion of Iraqi the newly renovated
Washington D.C. is truly
Mrs. Laurie Rollinson and Mrs.
assets from the U.S. and around the Situation Room, where
something that every perCindy Eagan ‘69 in front of the
world." Currently, Zarate serves as the the highest officials deal
son should experience at
White House
Deputy Assistant to the President and with emergency situaleast once in their lives.
Your gift goes far when you donate your car!
Help support the Annual Fund by donating your car to Mater Dei. Receive a tax deduction for the fair market value, as well as the satisfaction of knowing you are helping
our students. Donating a car is easy. Simply call (800) 203-2940 (National Charity
Support Foundation). Tell them you want to donate a vehicle and the proceeds to be
sent to Mater Dei High School. They will arrange for pick-up of the vehicle, DMV
records transfer, gift letters, tax receipt and sale of the vehicle.
Questions? Call the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations at (714) 850-9534.
Scarlet
&Gray Magazine • Fall 2007
5
Each Mater Dei student
from her tournament
is required to complete at
experience she knew it
least 80 hours of commucould make money. In
nity service before they
this case, proceeds which
graduate. Senior MARY
would further help the
QUAYLE is a long-time
community, specifically
hockey player and she
Children’s Hospital of
wanted her community
Orange County (CHOC).
service to included one of
Through the help of her
her favorite things, hockfather DALE, members of
the MD Roller Hockey
ey. She saw a Give Blood
team and their parental
Play Hockey (GBPH)
support, the organization
bumper sticker, and that
began to take form and
gave her an idea. Why
the concept began to
not run a charity hockey
blossom. By late spring
tournament?
Senior Mary Quayle (right) organShe decided that the ized the Give Blood Play Hockey of 2007, committees were
GBPH tournament would Tournament and still had a chance formed, tasks assigned
benefit
Children’s to play on a team with her brother and the concept began to
Peter (left), an MD sophomore.
take shape. Seeking to fill
Hospital of Orange
County and the Orange County Blood in the blanks, Mary and her band of volBank. The GBPH concept also had a unteers made all the necessary connecspecial meaning to Mary; earlier this tions to help make her idea for the Give
year, her grandfather passed away after Blood - Play Hockey Inline Hockey
battling a rare form of cancer. At the Charity Tournament 2007 a reality.
"Hockey has given a great deal to me
end of his battle, he was receiving three
pints of blood a week. Give Blood and my family. We’ve enjoyed this sport
inspired Mary to create a blood drive to immensely and through this effort we all
replace what he used, and give even have a chance to give something back
more back to the community. The orig- to the community,” says Mary.
With backing from a number of local
inal goal was to double what her grandfather had used. The Orange County businesses and the help of numerous
Blood Bank was on hand to accommo- volunteers, the tournament was a huge
success. The
date
donors
tournament
throughout the
featured
50
weekend.
At
teams competthe end of the
ing in seven
event, over 100
divisions. The
pints of blood
high
school
were donated,
division “Blood
a third more
Cup”, as the
than the origichampions
nal goal.
trophy
was
Play Hockey
called,
was
served Mary's
own passion Mary Quayle (far right) had a great deal of help organizing won by the
JV
for
playing the Give Blood Play Hockey Tournament from a number of MDHS
hockey,
and parents as well as the fellow Mater Dei students pictured here Hockey Team.
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Scarlet
&Gray Magazine • Fall 2007
Throughout the two-day event, held at
the 949 Hockey Center in Irvine, hundreds of people enjoyed the hockey
games, food and a tremendous carnival
atmosphere. Between hockey games,
people were treated to skating exhibitions, vendor displays, games, a dunk
tank and a visit from Stanley Cup
Champion RYAN GETZLAF of the
Anaheim Ducks. Ryan spoke to the
competitors and signed autographs.
The event was a huge success bringing
over 100 pints of blood for the Orange
County Blood Bank and $25,000 for
CHOC. In addition, the event helped a
local hockey player, Evan Cuseau. Evan
suffers from ALD, a rare nerve disease.
By selling wrist bands and taking donations, volunteers at the event raised
$2,000 for Evan.
The Mater Dei Junior Varsity Hockey team won
their division of the Blood Cup in the Give
Blood Play Hockey Tournament
There has been talk of teaming with
USA Hockey and taking GBPH national. Starting next October they hope to
host a tournament in up to 10 US cities
with the same premise of this year’s
inaugural event. At least one venue is
already set for next year, the event will
take place again in Irvine. Mark your
calendar, next year’s Irvine event is
scheduled for October 3 - 5. For more
information on this great event, visit
www.givebloodplayhockey.org.
2007 Family Mass and Breakfast
The tradition of the Family Mass and Breakfast continued this year with the 23rd annual event. Ms. Helen Steves and the
entire Campus Ministry Team organized a beautiful Mass. Mater Dei students, parents and siblings all took part in the
wonderful celebration. Mass was highlighted by the guest of honor, Sr. Augusta Mukarurugomoka who was invited to
speak to the congregation about the state of affairs at her school, Mater Dei High School Rwanda. Sr. Augusta survived
the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and is currently attending school in Boston. Upon her return to Africa, she will teach at
Mater Dei. The collection at this year’s mass brought in over $17,000, all of which will be sent to Mater Dei to help the
students continue their education.
Under the direction of Kellie Pendergest of the Office of Advancement and with the leadership of current parent and 23
year chairman Merrill Strachan the breakfast was a huge success. Over 1,200 people gathered in the Shamrock Plaza
and LeVecke Center to enjoy a wonderful hot breakfast.
Scarlet
&Gray Magazine • Fall 2007
7
The Mater Dei Little Theatre
Contributed by sophomore Emily Crane, staff writer of the MDHS Scarlet Scroll
(l to r) Junior Martin Lopez, sophomores Melissa
Costa and Alex McCue perform in Scriptfest, the
first event ever held in the Little Theatre
Thanks to the hard work of the
Facilities crew and the support of the
Administration, Mater Dei theater students have a new place to hone their
skills, the Little Theatre. In her thirty-first
year at Mater Dei, Theater Arts
Department teacher MRS. LINDA SEELEY
is ecstatic, "This is a dream come true,"
said Seeley.
The Little Theatre includes a large
open area that can seat up to 100, a
stage, storage for costumes and props,
and two offices for the teachers.
Fellow Theater Art Department teacher
MR. PATRICK WILLIAMS is equally excited
about the new theater. He loves his
office space, but the best part according
to Williams, “We are better able to
explore movement because of this
room. Also, we can be loud and not disturb other classes.”
The evolution of the Little Theatre was
a difficult task, but with the help of MR.
JESS RIVAS, MS. JULIE BARNETT and the
Facilities Department the dream of every
drama enthusiast at Mater
school year started with the
Dei came to being.
student-run event, ScriptFest.
"They toured professionThis unique performance feaal theaters and worked
tured student actors reading
with a small budget to crethe scripts of their classate this space," said
mates. BRIAN CHIDUEME and
PAUL BOUYEAR are some stuWilliams.
dents who took part in this
Mrs. Seeley said, "I
year's ScriptFest. Bouyear
remember when Mr. Rivas
wrote a full-fledged musical
and I toured the old locker
and Chidueme wrote a single
room, and he asked me,
Mr. Patrick Williams
scene play called Coffee
'Wouldn't this be a great
introduces Scriptfest
Shop Discussion. It takes
place for a theater?' He
outlined some ideas, and I nodded my part in a Starbucks-like setting where
approval. It seemed like a pipe dream at two screenwriters talk about everything
the time, but with the hard work of his and nothing. In the short act, JENNY
crew and the excellent organization and FLATI and ANDREW ENGLER played the two
tenacity of Ms. Barnett, it has come to screenwriters. Chidueme wishes to pursue the profession of screenwriting once
fruition."
he graduates from Mater Dei or even
sooner.
Coming up next is ShortsFest which
gives students the opportunity to write,
adapt, act and direct short plays. The
Improv Comedy Club also meets each
week to hone their skills in the Little
Theatre.
Mrs. Seeley's excitement exemplifies
what the Little Theatre is all about. When
asked what excites her most she said,
Linda Seeley (front left) sets up a scene with
"The reaction of all the students. The
her Theater I students in the Little Theatre
room has helped them come out of their
With the spaciousness of the new Little shells. They love to stand on the stage
Theatre, Mater Dei has been able to use and dream what may be possible for
the facility for rehearsals, and better them. It's a space for them [the students]
functioning classes where actors can to learn, to enjoy and to grow, not only as
make as much noise as they want. The actors but as young men and women
students can also perform and produce who now feel a bit more confident having
a whole new variety of productions. The 'trod the boards' for the first time."
Upcoming Mater Dei Outreach Projects
With the guidance of Campus Ministry, the Mater Dei community helps those in need year round. However, there is
always a greater demand for our generosity during the holiday season. If you are able to help in anyway, donations
may be delivered to Campus Ministry or you may contact them directly at (714) 850-9556.
Thank you for your generosity.
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Mater Dei is teaming with Serving People In Need (SPIN) and
they have asked that we help them stock their “pantry.”
Turkeys, and all non-perishable foods are welcome.
The food will be donated to the local community
through the following parishes, Immaculate Heart of
Mary, St. Joseph Santa Ana, St. Anne Santa Ana and Our
Lady of La Vang. Food items may be dropped off in
Campus Ministry beginning Wed., Nov. 14. Deliveries will
be made on Tues., Nov. 20.
Catholic Worker has requested new blankets and new and
hooded sweatshirts of any and all sizes, infant to adult.
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Scarlet
&Gray Magazine • Fall 2007
Catholic Charities needs us to help stock the “toy store.”
They have requested unwrapped toys for children of ALL
ages...teens too. They are also in need of wrapping
paper, tape and ribbon.
Items may be delivered to Campus Ministry the week of
December 17 - 21.
Monarchs Excel at Ryman
Each year art teachincludes free out-of-school reach
their
ers across the southsequential studio courses potential.
land are given the
that emphasize advanced
Based on
opportunity to nomidrawing and painting skills, their
work
nate students to the
along with college and each semesRyman Arts Program
career planning. Courses, ter, students
held at the University
taught by professional are
asked
of
Southern
teaching artists, foster stu- back for subCalifornia.
Once
dents’ artistic development s e q u e n t
nominated, the stu- (l to r) Sarah Friese, Jamie Stoneman and personal confidence s e m e s t e r s .
and Arlene Hacatoryan
dents must submit a
and provide the knowledge Seniors SARAH Contrasting Values by junior
Jamie Stoneman
and
portfolio and then be accepted.
they need to pursue higher education FRIESE
There are three Mater Dei students cur- and careers in the arts. Ryman Arts is ARLENE HACATORYAN are currently
rently enrolled in the three-part pro- the only such program in southern enrolled in the beginner course while
gram, seniors Sarah Friese and Arlene California that is free of charge and that junior JAMIE STONEMAN is in the intermeHacatoryan
and
junior
Jamie selects participants solely on the basis of diate course. The artwork shown here is
just a sample of what the
S t o n e m a n . their ability and comgirls worked on during
The students mitment. By doing so,
the course. Friese had
meet
each Ryman Arts is able to
her work selected as an
Saturday where serve talented youth
auction item for the
they
learn from a wide variety of
annual Affair of the Art
essential skills backgrounds without
event that raises money
for art and life regard to their family’s
to support the program.
in a rigorous, financial
status.
Friese’s
piece, The
nurturing stu- Ryman Arts aims to
Haunted Mansion, was
dio
environ- inspire, nurture and
ment. The core challenge the next The Haunted Mansion by senior Sarah Friese the first piece she had
An untitled piece by
by senior Arlene Hacatoryan p r o g r a m
ever sold.
generation of artists to
Bishop's Financial Aid Benefits Hundreds of Mater Dei Students
Bishop Tod D. Brown has recently approved a ten percent increase in the Bishop's Aid fund for students of Mater Dei High School. This increase went into effect in the fall of 2007 and brings the
Mater Dei Bishop’s Aid grant total to $297,000. These funds are used for Roman Catholic students
with financial need who reside within the geographical limits of the Diocese of Orange and are registered members of a parish within the Diocese.
Please join us in thanking Bishop Tod Brown and the Diocese of Orange for their continued generous support to increase the financial aid program. We encourage others to support the Bishop's
Tuition Assistance Fund through the Orange Cathlolic Foundation which makes these grants possible to diocesan schools.
2007 - 2008 Annual Fund Campaign
Ensuring the Monarch Tradition
Annual Fund Giving Levels
Founders Circle: $1,500+ Royal Court: $750 - $1,499
Patron: $250 - $749 Monarch: $100 - $249
Scarlet & Gray: $25 - $99
Almost 30% of the students at Mater Dei receive financial aid support in order to attend. 100% of the funds collected through the
Annual Fund go directly to supporting this need-based program. Benefactors at the Founders Circle Level are invited to the Annual
Ring of Honor and Founders Circle Dinner to be held in May.
Thank you for supporting the MDHS Annual Fund.
Scarlet
&Gray Magazine • Fall 2007
9
Murphy Shines for the Anteaters
Matt Murphy ‘04
MATT MURPHY ‘04
is a junior midfielder on the men’s
soccer team at the
University
of
California Irvine.
Murphy was named
the
Big
West
Conference Player
of the Week in September.
Murphy has had a successful career at
UCI thus far. He currently ranks ninth
on the UCI all-time list in both total
points and goals in a career. Last season, as a sophomore, he was named
the Big West Conference Mid-fielder of
the Year. College Soccer News named
Murphy a pre-season All-American and
thus far he is living up to those expectations.
At press time, Murphy had tallied six
goals and two assists. The Anteaters
had an overall record of 6-3-4 with
seven conference games remaining on
their schedule.
Jackson ‘93 Sets the Offensive Standard for the AFL
CHRIS JACKSON ‘93 the Los Angeles Avengers and was
began playing foot- named Rookie of the Year after leading
ball a little bit later the team in receiving yardage, recepthan most. He was a tions, scoring, touchdowns and all-purstudent at Orange pose yards per game. Jackson spent five
Coast College when stellar seasons with the Avengers. He
he put on pads for was named Offensive Player of the Year in
the first time. Things 2003 and set career highs in receptions
have only gone up and yards in 2004.
from there. Jackson
Jackson began the 2005 season with
Chris Jackson ‘93
was a standthe
Grand
Rapids
out wide receiver for the Pirates
Rampage before being
and went on to have a stellar
traded to his current
career with the Washington
team, the Georgia
State
University
Cougars.
Force. Jackson holds a
Following two great seasons at
number of franchise and
WSU, Chris spent time in a numAFL records. He is the
ber of NFL training camps and
Force leader in career
even had a stint in NFL Europe.
points, points scored in
In 2000, he found his way into
a single game, and is
the Arena Football League and
tied for the most touchquickly became the league’s
down receptions in one
most dangerous offensive Chris Jackson ‘93 hurdles a game. His career numthreat.
defender on his way to the bers have him ranked
endzone
He began his AFL career with
third all-time in points
scored, fifth
in touchdown
receptions,
seventh
in
receiving
yards
and
11th
in
receptions.
In the off
season, Chris
lives
in
Arizona with
Chris Jackson ‘93 is a record
his
wife setting wide receiver with the
Michelle, a Georgia Force of the Arena
Football League
communications professor, and their three sons,
Almani 12, Deyton 9, and Justus 5.
When he is not busy with his football
schedule, Chris works at the boys’ school
and also helps with their soccer teams.
Following the printing of this article,
Chris signed a 2-year contract with the
Philadelphia Soul. They begin their season on March 1, 2008 with a home contest against the Orlando Predators.
Rojas ‘99 Will go to Bat for Venezuela in Beijing
Rubilena Rojas ‘99 is a
member of the
Venezuelan National
Softball Team
RUBILENA ROJAS
‘99 will represent
her native country in
the 2008 Olympic
Games in Beijing,
China as a member
of the Venezuelan
National
Softball
Team. She earned
her spot on the
national team in
1999 and has been
a team member
ever since.
After graduating from Mater Dei, Rojas
went on to have a stellar career at the
University of Virginia and graduated with
a degree in sociology. Rojas played four
10 Scarlet
years at third base for UVA, earning ACC
Rookie of the Year in 2001, NFCA 1st
Team All ACC in 2001, 2002 and 2003,
Highest Batting Average in ACC (.401) in
2001, 1st Team All-ACC 50th
Anniversary Team and UVA MVP honors
in 2003.
Rojas stayed active with the Venezuelan
National Team while going to school at
CSULB and earning her masters in
sports management.
During the summer, the team competed in the pre-Olympic qualifier of the
Americas where they earned one of only
eight Olympic spots. The softball teams
competing in the 2008 Olympic games
are USA, Australia, Japan, China,
Chinese Taipei, Netherlands and
&Gray Magazine • Fall 2007
Venezuela.
In addition to qualifying for the
Olympics, Rojas
and her teammates earned the
silver medal at the
2007
PanAmerican Games
that were held in
Rio de Janerio,
Brazil.
Rubilena Rojas ‘99
When she is not
traveling with the at the medal ceremony
at the 2007 Pan Am
Venezuelan
Games
National Team,
Rojas resides in Santa Ana and is the
head softball coach at Orange Coast
College.
Andi Collins’ Legacy Lives On
In
September
2003, Mater
Dei
senior
ANDI COLLINS
passed away
after a courageous battle
with inflamAndi Collins died of
matory breast
inflamatory breast cancer in cancer. Andi
September 2003
was a standout member of the girls’ volleyball team
and her legacy lives on through the
team, the school and her family and
friends.
The volleyball team participates in the
Susan G. Koman Newport Beach Race
for the Cure each year and wears number 54 pink jerseys for warm ups before
each game.
Through Mater Dei Campus Ministry,
her family has created the Andi Collins
Memorial Fund. This fund is used to
assist in the spiritual enrichment of our
current students It helps ensure that no
student be denied the opportunity to
attend a class retreat or spiritual leadership conference due to financial hardship.
Andi’s Legacy also lives on through her
family and friends. Andi’s sister LAUREN
02‘ and two of her friends, STEPHANIE
‘02 and VERONICA MUTH ‘01 started a
foundation called The Four Pearls.
Lauren said, “We are the beginning of
Four Pearls - three here...one in heaven.” The Four Pearls is an auxiliary
branch of the Beckstrand Foundation.
According to their website, Beckstrand
Cancer Foundation is a not-for-profit
organization focused exclusively on
improving and enhancing the quality of
life of cancer patients and their families.
The girls began The Four Pearls in
2006 and focus their energy specifically
on teenaged cancer patients. With the
support of the Beckstrand Foundation,
Lauren, Veronica and Stephanie are
excited about the future of The Four
Pearls. Andi was the official honoree at
the 2006 Beckstrand Foundation
Diamonds and Pearl Ball. The event
was a huge success, raising $1 million.
Nearly $500,000 of the proceeds went
to create the Beckstrand pediatric hospice program. For more information
about the Beckstrand Foundation and
The
Four
Pearls,
visit
www.beckstrand.org.
Monar ch Legac y Endowment
Highlighted Gift Opportunity - IRA Rollover Contributions
The Pension Protection Act of 2006 created a new option for charitable giving, but it is
available only until the end of 2007.
If you are 70.5 years of age or above, you can donate up to $100,000 this year directly
from your individual retirement account (IRA) to the Monarch Legacy Endowment or
other Mater Dei campaign of your choice. The charitable IRA rollover gift is made
directly from the IRA custodian to Mater Dei and is a completely tax-free transfer.
This is a great option for those who take the required minimum distribution from their
IRA but don't need the additional income.
Please contact your financial advisor to see if this opportunity is right for you. For
additional information please contact Patrick Murphy, President, or Jonathan Tufo, VP
Advancement for more information at [email protected] or (714) 850-9534.
Through your endowment gift, you will help secure the
future of Mater Dei High School for generations to come.
Scarlet
&Gray Magazine • Fall 2007
11
Homecoming
2007 Alumni Shadow Day participants with
their Mater Dei students hosts
The faculty did not disappoint in this
year’s Homecoming Showcase
Students enjoyed inflatable games dancing and food at the All-School Homecoming Carnival
Graduates from 1981 enjoy the
Homecoming Alumni Pre-game
party at the Santa Ana Bowl
12 Scarlet
Alumni Advisory Council volunteers, with the
help of Mater Dei students, manage the memorabilia and popcorn booth at each home football
game, Homecoming was no exception. The
money raised each week goes towards financial
aid for children and grandchildren of alumni.
&Gray Magazine • Fall 2007
MD Students showed their spirit
by decorating the grotto for
Homecoming Week
g Week 2007
The Alumni Golf Classic continues to grow each year. This year the event held at the
Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point had a field of 120 golfers. The event raised
over $25,000 for financial aid for children and grand children of alumni who currently
attend Mater Dei High School.
Mater Dei alum and head cross country and track & field coach Rick
Martinez ‘83 took home a new set of
golf clubs
Joe Dowling, Chuck Linnert ‘75,
Mike Hines and John Harold at the
2007 Alumni Golf Classic
Volunteers from the Alumni
Advisory Council such as Diana
Thomsen Hall ‘82 and Lisa
Velasquez Mendiaz ‘86 , are
vital to the success of the
Alumni Golf Classic
Eric Blaha was one of 120
golfers at the 2007 Alumni
Classic
Volunteers from the Alumni
Advisory Council such as Armando
Sanbrano ‘82 and Tony Mendoza
‘62, are vital to the success of the
Alumni Golf Classic
(l to r) Jeff Hall, Brandon Sherman
and Michael Hall stop to enjoy the
view from the bridge on the 9th hole
at Monarch Beach Golf Links
The Conways (l to r) Joe Sr., Kevin ‘83,
Joe Jr. ;76, and Tom ‘80 at the
2007 Alumni Golf Classic
Class of 1997 Reunion Information
Saturday, December 22 - Location TBA Contact: Lisa Tuccio, [email protected]
Scarlet
&Gray Magazine • Fall 2007
13
Alumni Class Notes
In Our Prayers…
Bradley Akers ‘01, Brian Costanzo ‘00, Matthew
Muggia ‘06, Capt. Rory L. Nichols, USMC - husband of
Laure DeVincenzi-Nichols ‘80, and all Mater Dei
graduates serving our country in the Armed Forces
Mary Booth - MD past parent and volunteer
Bill Gibbs - MD faculty member
Ella Horwich - Daughter of Dan and Katie Stremick Horwich ‘93
Robert Hoyt - Father of Maryann ‘78 and Barb Sanchez ‘79
Chelsea Lane - Sister of Brianna Lane ‘08
Fr. Alejandro Magallanes, OFM, Cap - Former MD faculty member
Bishop Montrose - Former MD Principal
Kathryn Morris ‘66
Susan Loy Murphy ‘67
Rolando Pena - Father of Sierra ‘10
Tennille Manrique Rozak ‘96
Jeff Sanford - Husband of Angela Harrell ‘87
Charon Simmons ‘07
Eileen Thompson - Former MD faculty member and past parent
We Remember …
Hank Abeyta - Father of David ‘75, Michael ‘76, Chris
‘80, Jean Chelser ‘80, Deann Thinnsen ‘83, Kim ‘84
Robert Cotton - Former MD faculty member
Thomas Egan - Husband of AJ West Egan ‘90
Mayerline Flores - Sister of Romane Marraccini ‘09
Fr. Paul Laszlo Gelenscer, O.Praem - Former MD faculty member
Sr. Mary of Jesus - Former Principal of St. Jeanne de
Lestonnac School
Johnnie Toner Johnson ‘64
Jeffery Kiley ‘72
Ed Lopez ‘65 - Brother of Elizabeth Martinez ‘66
Patricia Millett - Grandmother of Matthew Abang ‘08
Richard Mohn ‘68
Noelle Teresa Orlando ‘92
Garth Patton - Father of Eric ‘68
Irene M. Price - Mother of the late Jay ‘56, Valarie Perez ‘58,
Mary Elizabeth Miller ‘60 and former MD faculty member
Patrick 'PQ' Quinn '81
Frances Mahony Smith - Grandmother of Julie Inman ‘84
Sheila May Smith ‘79
James R. White ‘63
In our Catholic life, we have always asked others to pray
with us for our loved ones. We appeal together to the Lord
for healing as well as the gift of eternal life. This is often
done with Eucharist prayer of the church. If you would
like us to pray for someone, or if you would like to send a
memorial Mass card, please call the Campus Ministry
Office at (714) 850-9556.
14 Scarlet
&Gray Magazine • Fall 2007
1950s
TELL
US HOW YOU ARE, YOUR
CLASSMATES WANT TO HEAR FROM
YOU.
PLEASE
USE THE ENCLOSED
POSTCARD OR SEND YOUR UPDATE
TO
KATHLEEN KELLY ‘94
AT
[email protected]
1960s
GREGORY M. KELLY ‘69 had
his most recent scale model
of the ‘Balboa Pavilion’ in its
regal, classic 1905 splendor,
on display at this summer’s
Orange County Fair. The
piece took him four months
to complete and it was a true
labor of love.
and CEO of the foundation,
which provides scholarships
to high school students who
have overcome adversity to
graduate. Mater Dei students
were the first to receive these
scholarships. Julie now gives
scholarships to students at 18
area high schools.
JULIA EHLER GOMEZ ‘85 and
her husband Joseph have two
sons. Their son Kevin is
seven and Gregory is two.
The Gomez family resides in
Burbank. Julia is a clinical
faculty member of Glendale
Adventists Family Practice
Residency Program and medical director at Descanso
Family Practice.
JOE ATKINSON ‘86 and KIM
ELLERMAN ‘86 have been married for 17 years and have
lived in Temecula for the past
eight years. They have three
children: Seph, 16, Jeff, 15
and Madelyn, 10. Joe is a
police officer and Kim is a
fourth grade teacher. They
spend their free time running
between the kids’ sporting
events and going to the river.
1970s
MERVIN H. ANDERSON ‘79
and his wife Gerri have two
children and live in Wagon
Wheel Canyon. Mervin owns
a CPA firm in Laguna Hills
and is also the Vice Chairman
of Finance for the South
Orange County Chamber of
Commerce.
1980s
JULIE INMAN ‘84 suffered a
stroke in 1981 and was able
to return to Mater Dei and
graduate before earning her
degree from USC. Following
graduation, Julie began the
Supportability Foundation to
help others who have overcome obstacles. She continues to serve as the president
KEVIN JERRY ‘87 and Jennifer
Morgan were married in
February 2007 at Holy Family
Cathedral in Orange. The
couple reside in Anaheim
where Kevin is a public health
nurse and Jennifer works in
the legal department of a
major auto manufacturer.
Alumni Class Notes
RICHARD MEIS ‘87 graduated
from Creighton University
School of Medicine in 1996.
He currently practices internal
medicine at Hoag Hostiptal in
Newport Beach.
NANCY LE ‘88 and her husband Cameron Jackson celebrated the birth of their second child, Evie, in March
2007. Her big brother Ethan
is three and recently began
preschool at St. Cecilia
School.
MICHELLE CARBONE-WALL ‘89
has been married to Mark Wall
for six years. Michelle teaches
preschool and kindergarten
special
education
at
Westmont Elementary and is
also the autism supervisor for
Ocean View School District.
Mark is the proprietor of Los
Caballeros Cafe located at the
Los Cab Sports Complex.
1990s
KELLY BRIDGET FLATHERS ‘90
is training for the upcoming
U.S, Olympic Trials. She is
vying for a spot on the U.S.
National Team as a marathon
runner. Kelly took part in the
2007 Boston Marathon where
she was the 15th overall
female finisher.
LISA VELARDE BENSON ‘92
and her husband Brian have
been married for 10 years.
She is a stay-at-home mom in
Lake Arrowhead to their four
sons and one daughter.
DEBBIE HOFMANN ‘93 AND
MARCO GONZALEZ ‘93 were
married in New York City in
April 2007. Debbie has been
a concept designer/art director
for
Walt
Disney
Imagineering for the past 10
years and Marco is a news
anchor and reporter for NBC.
They currently reside in
California, but can’t wait to see
where life and their careers
take them.
JERRY ARIAS ‘95 has been
named affiliate marketing
director for The Weather
Channel®. Prior to joining
TWC, Arias worked with Fox
Cable Networks as a manager
within the affiliate sales and
marketing teams. He has also
worked as a marketing communications specialist with
Comcast
Cable
Communications, and as a
marketing and advertising
coordinator with E! Networks.
Arias received his bachelor’s
degree from University of
Southern California.
MATTHEW J. JELLICK '97,
CURTIS A. RILEY III '97, and
JONATHEN R. DRESSLER '98 do
their part to help the environment as they rideshare on a
Sunday drive through the
Columbia River George.
2000s
GIANCARLO BARZOTTI ‘98
and NATALIA LIVIAN ‘98 met
while they were sophomores
at Mater Dei and were married in June 2007 at the
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa.
BRETT BRAZEAL ‘98 received
his DDS degree from UCLA
School of Dentistry in June
2006. As an undergraduate
he majored in Cybernetics,
graduating summa cum laude
with departmental honors in
2002. He is now practicing
general and cosmetic dentistry in Corona del Mar.
ELIZABETH ROZAR ‘99 earned
her degree from USD where
she met her husband Mark
Hunter. They now reside in
Minnesota and are the proud
parents of two, Casey Anne
and John William.
SARAH CHAVEZ ‘00 is in her
final year of law school in New
York. She has been working in
the State Supreme Court and
is now finishing her internship
with a local law firm. She
plans to return to California
upon graduation.
TIFFANY M. BROOKS ‘01
earned a business degree
from UC Riverside. She went
on to earn her MBA with an
emphasis in finance at UCR’s
Gary Anderson Graduate
School of Management. She
is now a financial analyst at
Environmental
Systems
Research Institute, Inc.
MATT MENDEZ ‘02 and Gada
Ziadeh were married in June
2007 at St. Vincent de Paul
Church in Huntington Beach.
The two reside in San Deigo
where Matt is in the U.S. Navy
aboard the USS Boxer.
Attention Alumni
In just 3 months, 105 alumni from 44 graduating classes have contributed over $10,700 to the
Alumni Heritage Fund. The Alumni Heritage Fund exists solely to provide financial aid for children and
grandchildren of alumni who attend Mater Dei.
So far, The Classes of 1962, 2005, 1979 and 1980 are the top donors.
What Class will be tops next quarter?
Use the envelope provided to make your gift so the next generation of Monarchs may enjoy the same high school experience you did. Your challenge
is to give just one dollar for each you have been out of Mater Dei. Contact the Alumni Office for more info, (714) 850-9534, [email protected].
Scarlet
&Gray Magazine • Fall 2007
15
Alumni Class Notes
JOSEPH PASSAMANO ‘01
received his Doctor of Dental
Surgery (D.D.S.) from the
University of the Pacific, Arthur
A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
in June 2007. Joe has passed
the National and State Dental
Board and is currently a general practice resident at
Denver Medical Health Center.
ANTHONY SLAMA ‘02 graduated from USD and was a member of the baseball team. He
played in two NCAA Regional
Playoff Tournaments and was
drafted by the Minnesota
Twins in 2006.
He then
signed a contract with them
following the 2007 college
season and now pitches for
the Single A Baloit Snappers.
DJ STRAWBERRY ‘03 was
named the University of
Maryland men’s basketball
team MVP following his senior
season in 2007. Since finishing his career at Maryland, DJ
was drafted in the second
round of the NBA Draft by the
Phoenix Suns. He had an outstanding summer and has
since signed a two-year contract with the Suns.
GALYN DEDEAUX ‘01 AND
JOSEPH MEDLIN ‘98 were married by Fr. Steve Sallot ‘72 at
St. Bonaventure Church in
Huntington Beach in August
2007. Members of their wedding party included fellow
Monarchs, Melissa Davis ‘01,
Laurie Vigen ‘01, Amy Hoff
Youngstrom
‘01,
Kate
O'Dorisio ‘01, Jackie Herrera
‘01, Ashley Heglar ‘01,
Jessica Gatica ‘01, Scott
Panique '98, Anthony '03,
Adam '05 and Patrick
Dedeaux '09.
Scarlet&
Gray Magazine
Mater Dei High School
1202 West Edinger Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92707-2191
Attention Readers: To update an address or if you wish to
receive this publication via e-mail please call (714) 850-9534
or send a message to [email protected]
JENNIFER SVOBODA ‘02 AND
LIAM FALLACE ‘02 were married in July 2007 at Saints
Simon and Jude Catholic
Church. Rachel Svoboda ’99,
Erica Svoboda ‘08, Catherine
(Lopez) Schmidt ’02, Maggie
McGlinn ’02, Vince Ortiz ’02,
Chris Doyle ’02, and Adam
Hurtado ’02 were members of
the wedding party.
Liam graduated from Arizona
State University and is a pilot
with U.S. Airways Express.
Jenny earned her multiple
subject credential from Point
Loma University and is teaching first grade at Saint Gabriel
Catholic School in Charlotte,
North Carolina where they
have made their home.
GEORGE CLEARHOS KONUGRES
‘06 is a student at Chapman
University in the Argyros
School of Business and
Economics with a business
major and communications
minor. He is also a member of
Pi Kappa Alpha and serves as
the campus relations chairman for the fraternity.
KALYN DODGE ‘06 is a freshman at the University of
Portland. She is a member of
the Pilot golf team where her
career is off to a great start.
She is averaging just over 81
strokes per round and has
played in all 11 of the teams
matches.
KEVIN CRISOSTOMO ‘06 was
accepted into the Herbert
Ryman Scholarship program
at the University of Southern
California
for
2007.
Following his studies, he was
one of a select few participants to have their work
reproduced for the annual
Ryman Arts Students’ Book.
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U.S. Postage
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