ONLINE MONARCHS Sophomore Matteo Lopez and his friends lead the E-Sports team as they walk across the MAC, representing their sport with the Monarch spirit. BETTER TOGETHER Mater Dei students end the rally by singing the Alma Mater together, holding hands with their peers.
On Mar. 8, Mater Dei held the annual Spring Rally to celebrate the beginning of spring activities and start the season with Monarch pride.
RAISING MONARCH SPIRIT Junior Jazzy Damirchi from the Mater Dei Cheer Team watches the crowd roar after the amazing performance. SPIKING THE COMPETITION The Mater Dei Varsity Girls’ Volleyball Team achieve the #1 Nationally Ranked title for Girls’ Volleyball and celebrate by posing in the camera.
Photos by Paige Deiparine and Melana Johnson
SWINGERS AND CATCHERS The Varsity Softball Team smiles as they show off their sport with pride. CAPSIZING Senior Ajon Bryant sits in his chair too fast and crashes to the ground during a game of musical chairs. RADIO TAKEOVER
DJ Tye Hollywood riles up the crowd to set off the iHeart Radio takeover on campus. STRIKE A POSE The Mater Dei Hip Hop team finishes their breathtaking dance with a final pose.
Throughout the Spring Rally, the students enjoy numerous fun activities such as Spring Sports recognition, musical chairs, and an iHeart Radio DJ!
On March 16, Campus Ministry hosted their annual Special Games with the help of student volunteers.
GAME TIME A volunteer and his athlete spend time playing checkers and other entertaining games. TEAM EFFORT
A group of volunteers pose with an athlete for a photo before the activities begin.
How did volunteering in Special games impact you?
“The Special Games had such a positive impact, knowing I was helping those in need and making them feel like they were being acknowledged was so cool.”
- Alison Jimenez(9)
Why did you volunteer for Special Games?
“I [volunteered] the year before and it was so much fun helping out the athletes. Knowing they are having fun and enjoying themselves makes my day.”
- Mia Corona (11)
LOOK GOOD, PLAY GOOD Sophomore Isabella Strickland supervises the athletes as they get their face painted. A HELPING HAND Junior Olivia Miles and freshman Alexander Cruz help out their athlete.
Photos Courtesy of Individuals Pictured
STAYING FOCUSED An athlete gets ready to throw the football into the hole. ALWAYS SMILING Junior Clara Wickwire and her athlete smiles for a photo.
What is your favorite memory from Special Games?
“My favorite memory of Special Games is when I am helping out with activities and athletes come play the game with me.”
- Darleen Santiago(11)
What impacted you during the event? Would you to volunteer again?
“I enjoyed being able to see the athletes enjoying themselves during the games. I would definitely volunteer again.”
- Ava Schmaltz(11)
BE TRUE TO YOURSELF Junior Kyle Klein shows off his face paint done by his athlete. CHOOSE POSITIVITY Special Games kicks off with a parade around the track.
3 mater dei bosco 1
On Mar. 20, the Varsity Boys’ Volleyball Team played in a thrilling match against St. John Bosco.
Photos by Yeretzi Rodriguez
THE
THE WIN The team and audience cheer after the game. THE BLOCK Senior Owen Keely blocks the ball from reaching the Monarchs’ side of the court. IN POSITION The team positions themselves for the incoming ball. IN FOCUS The team maintains their positions on the court, preparing to continue the rally as Bosco players have possession of the ball. SUPER SPIKE Senior Eli McGhee hits a hard spike towards the opposing team. PREPARED The team takes a moment to breathe, waiting for the next play.
PREPARED IN FOCUS
On Mar. 26, the student body joined together in the
OPENING OUR HEARTS TO CHRIST Father Mark Cruz invites the students to open their hearts to Christ and recall the story of His Passion, death, and Resurrection.
PROCLAIMING THE WORD Senior Julia Schutt, stands beside senior Michael Signagio, proclaiming God’s Word through American Sign Language (ASL). PRESENTATION OF GIFTS MD Facilities personnel brings the bread and wine to be consecrated during the presentation of gifts.
Meruelo Athletic Center to celebrate the Holy Eucharist during Holy Week. Photos by Avianna Echelmeyer, Justice Escobedo, and Angelin Tran
PATER NOSTER Senior Colin Ash and other students join hands during the Lord’s Prayer. LITURGICAL MUSIC
Collaborative pianist and teacher Kent Helwig ministers during the Mass through playing the piano and providing beautiful liturgical music throughout the celebration.
ENTRANCE PROCESSION Senior Isaiah Castillo leads the liturgical entourage at the beginning of the Mass at the Mereulo Athletic Center.
OnOn Mar. 26, the Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse Team faced off against Corona Del Mar High School at home.
Mar. 26, the Mater Dei Varsity Boys' Lacrosse Team faced off against Corona Del Mar High School. This was a much anticipated game because of the rivalry between the Monarchs and Sea Kings. The Monarchs were coming off a bounce back win against Rock Canyon and are hoping to continue the momentum of winning.
T he weather conditions of this game were harsh as there was strong winds and rain all morning. The players are more than capable of overcoming these adverse weather conditions, however, as they have previously practiced in similar conditions before.
“ The rain makes me play better. This is what I call lacrosse weather,” junior Hugo Villalba said.
T he team started the game firing on all cylinders. The weather conditions weren’t a factor; everybody was locked in. The Monarchs were determined to keep the momentum,
“and the first half went all the Monarch’s way.
“Coach Knute’s pregame speech had me fired up, and from that moment I knew we were all ready for battle,” senior Christopher Howley said.
“We trusted each other and despite the comeback attempt by CDM, we knew that we had to defend our home turf and win this hard fought battle.”
james carey (10)
SEATBELT Senior McClaine Cantrell guards his opponent down the alley. STRINGIN Senior Nicholas Baird plays man down defense. GUIDING EM Sophomore Addison McKellar defends his opponent down field. ALL EYES ON GLE* Junior Jack Cudzil gets ready to defend his opponent from entering the crease.
Dur ing the second half, the Sea Kings began to gain momentum, a comeback seemingly within reach. But, unperturbed and determined to defend home turf, the Monarchs strengthened their teamwork and their trust in one another on the field. With the blow of the last whistle, the Monarchs declared their victory over the Sea Kings in the thrilling match with a final score of 11-8.
“ We trusted each other and despite the comeback attempt by CDM, we knew that we had to defend our home turf and win this hard fought battle,” sophomore James Carey said.
LOOKIN TO FEED Junior Sinjin Kroener runs down the alley to find a teammate to pass to. TALK IT OVER The team talks over strategies during a timeout. FIRE Sophomore Caleb Jin slides to his opponent. GREAT CHASE Senior McClaine Cantrell chases a ball out of play. INITIATING THE PLAY Freshmen David Gee and Dashiell Lane execute the play call.
On Mar. 27, the Track and Field Team competed against Santa Margarita.
Photos by Isabella Chavez and Boston Crenshaw
DREAM TEAM Seniors Emily Shaw, Olivia Hicks, and Daniella Kagasoff pose together for a photo before their events. ALL SMILES Junior Paulina Lechuga and sophomore Asenate Sisifa talk together before the meet. LOCKED IN Junior Noah Malbas walks toward the starting line, is ready to run. READY TO WIN Members of the boys track team walk together to the starting line.
GUIDANCE Coach Arthur Hinojosa prepares to give the team a prep talk before the competition. ROAD TO VICTORY Junior Kendall Jordan warms up before going onto the track. POWERFUL THROW Sophomore Asenate Sisifa is about to a launch shot put ball to make her mark. EYES ON THE LINE Junior Maya Villa makes her way to the finish line with the final lap. FOCUSED Senior Siniua Sisifa looks toward the distance as she’s preparing for her turn to compete.
SPLASH OF HISTORY Students visit the Château de Chambord, exploring the rooms inside. MONACO Junior Walter McFarland and his classmates enjoy a nice day in Monaco exploring historical sites.
Photos Courtesy of MD Students and Chaperones
MD IN FRANCE Mater Dei students on the 2024 World Languages Trip pose in front of the Eiffel Tower holding an MD sign.
D-DAY BEACHES Junior students were able to go to the beach and explore parts of France. SHOPPING ON THE CHAMPS-ÉLYSÉES French teacher Mr. Christopher Pham and the senior students pose along the ChampsÉlysées after a morning of shopping. ITALY PITSTOP
Students were surprised with a stop in Italy to enjoy lunch and visit to the beach in Ventimiglia
On Apr. 5, the Varsity Boys’ Baseball Team competed in the Boras Baseball Classic Southern Section Championship versus Corona.
Photos Courtesy of Boras Foundation
CELEBRATIONS The
as
The
the
MD dugout rushes field they complete the final out to clinch the Boras Classic Southern Section Championship. FLAMETHROWER Sophomore Jackson Campbell hurls a strike as he collects the final out of the inning. FIRED UP Junior Lawson Olmstead hits a double and turns to the dugout as he gets his teammates hyped up. CHAMPIONS team and staff take a group photo together celebrating their historic win. YOU’RE OUT Junior first baseman Brandon Thomas catches a ball to collect an out for his team. MVP Sophomore Ezekiel Lara poses with his achievement as he was awarded offensive MVP of the game. STRIKE Sophomore pitcher Owen Shannon throws a fastball in the strike zone that leads to the opposing batter swinging and missing. HE’S SAFE Senior Austin Palmares slides safely into home plate getting a run on the board. PLAY BALL Senior catcher John Elliot catches the ceremonial first pitch before both teams take the field.
SIGN OF SPRING Senior Samantha Wurts signs for the choir. STEP ON UP The men’s choir performs in a interactive portion of the concert and brings a new energy into the hall. RINGING OUT The handbell ensemble contributes a soft but impactful element to the performance. IN HARMONY The Mater Dei Choral and Vocal Music program holds their Spring Concert in Segerstrom Concert Hall. RAISE YOUR VOICE Senior Aliana White leads Mater Dei’s Chamber Singers. SING YOUR HEART OUT Sophomore Aundrea Fields performs, letting her voice bring strength to the choir. TO THE BEAT Senior Maxwell Beckman plays the conga as the choir sings.
On Apr. 11, the Mater Dei Choral and Vocal Music Program held their annual Spring Concert at the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall.
On Apr. 1-5, Mater Dei Theatre explored the Big Apple, watching different shows and attending several workshops.
SUBWAY SURFERS Juniors
Abigail Kerr and Lucas Cruz ride the
WAY DOWN HADESTOWN Senior Emma Buchanan smiles alongside Broadway actor Brandon Cameron, the Orpheus of that night’s performance.
HAVE SOME HUGS Junior Abigail Kerr and seniors Lily Hirsch and Riley Lewis hug and laugh in Times Square on their last night in the BIG APPLE.
Photos by Brooke Carmody and Kevin McCormick TIMES SQUARE Theatre students take a photo in the center of Times Square after watching Sweeny Todd subway.
PIZZA PIZZA Junior Ty Bragalone eats a pizza from Joe’s Pizza. ALL SMILES Theatre students smile in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. FULL GLAM Senior Maxwell Beckman has his makeup done in a Broadway workshop. BAGEL CRAZY Seniors Brooke Becker and Nicole Uy enjoy a bagel from Zucker’s. ELLIS ISLAND Senior Savannah Montoya points to the Statue of Liberty. LAUGHS Junior Edyn Rodi laughs as she walks down Times Square. SHMACK ATTACK Students smile outside Schmackery’s and hold up their cookies. MET CUTE Senior Marieke Erhard smiles in front of the Egyptian exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Photos by Angela Liu and Annie Nguyen
On Apr. 17, the CROWN Yearbook and Scarlet Scroll Newspaper staffs held their Student Publications Banquet in the LeVecke Center.
NEWS FLASH The Scarlet Scroll Staff happily smiles at the camera for a group photo. CONGRATS Junior Charlotte De Leon poses with her mom after being announced as the 2024-2025 Scarlet Scroll Editor-in-Chief. PHOTOS PHOTOS PHOTOS Junior Samantha Lopez and her family share the photos they had just taken. BEST LATE NIGHT HELPER Junior Evelyn Vos poses with her award of the Best Late Night Food Runner. SAY CHEESE The CROWN Yearbook Staff poses in front of the golden backdrop for a group photo. GOODIES AND GIFTS Senior Justice Escobedo mugs it for the camera as senior Josh Barrera checks out the look. Everyone enjoyed seeing the fun treats and other gifts they received at the event. SPEECH The Scarlet Scroll and CROWN Yearbook Adviser Nicole Howard shares her gratitude to everyone who attended the banquet. BEST FOR LAST Junior Ava Gomez and senior Avianna Echelmeyer hit up the food tables for desserts of cupcakes, cookies and brownies.
On Mar. 18, Mater Dei’s Concert Choir visited Seattle, Washington for their tour.
CHOIR BUDDIES Sophomores Audrey Lam and Kaydee Felipe pose as they go over their choir scripts. COZY VIBES The Choir Program gets together to take a group picture. ON TOP OF THE WORLD Freshman Grace Leahy sits in front of the Seattle Space Needle, smiling as she looks down at the camera. UNDER MY UMBRELLA The Concert Choir girls pose for a pic with their colorful umbrellas. TWIN FLAMES The Choir students wear matching outfits while visiting Seattle. ABOVE THE CITY Freshman Ava Farao and her friends smile for the camera as they sit above the city. LOTS OF LOVE Sophomore Riley De Sagun and her peers snap their fingers, mirroring the sign above.
Photos Courtesy of Jodi Reed
LIFE OF GLAMOR Junior Grace Henze sings a lament while having a mental breakdown, surrounded by bunnies.
On Apr. 20, Mater Dei Musical Theatre II and III performed the Drowsy Chaperone Jr. at Santa Ana College’s Phillip’s Hall.
MAN IN CHAIR Junior Micah Golden introduces and narrates the show, breaking the fourth wall to offer comedic relief.
AS WE STUMBLE ALONG Junior Piper McClave as the Drowsy Chaperone sings about life’s mad whirlwind.
HEY THERE Junior Ty Bragalone sings to himself and expresses concern about his impending wedding.
TOLEDO SURPRISE Juniors Ole Aguilar and Brooke Carmody as gangsters use baking puns to threaten the ensemble. LOVE IS ALWAYS LOVELY Junior Lauren Fernandez and senior Pierce Harvey sing their comedic duet. QUOTE THI S Junior Grace Henze as Janet Van De Graffe says she no longer wishes to be a show girl. KING OF ROMANCE Senior David Clancy sings to junior Piper McClave about his name and reputation. SHOW OFF Junior Grace Henze sings her number with several quick-changes and belts through the end. COLD FEETS Sophomore Thomas Mitchell and junior Ty Bragalone tap dance while singing about cold feet on the day of the wedding.
On Apr. 22, students in the percussion class got to share their amazing talents with friends and family.
THE BEAT TOGETHER Freshman Martha-Elena Gonzalez and freshman Andrew Clancy team together to make beautiful music for everyone watching to enjoy
TO THE BEAT Sophomore Elizabeth Aguilar plays the drums staying with the beat THE TRIANGLE Freshman Andrew Clancy hits the triangle during the percussion show.
A NEW PAGE Senior Casey Nguyen flips his sheet music to play more amazing sounds on the piano. BOM BOM BOM Ivan Larios hits the drums during the opening performance of the show. TOGETHER IN HARMONY Senior’s Sue Tama, Casey Nguyen, Maxwell Beckman, and juniors Ivan Larios, and Paul Le all came together to play a piece composed by Beckman.
On Apr.
Photos by Arienne Darjuan and Angelin Tran
24-25, the Mater Dei Dance Program performed at the Irvine Barclay Theatre during the Synthesis Dance Concert.
FINAL POSE With amazing facial expressions, the Dance Conservatory: Red Company poses for the last second of their performance to the song, Hallucinate by Dua Lipa. GRACEFUL GIRLS With utmost grace, the Dance II/III Elective classes dance to the choreography of dance teacher Shannon Zimmerman. RADIANT ROUTINES Freshman Margaux de Allen moves into an arabesque in the center of the stage as the other Song dancers stay low during their performance. KEEPIN’ IT COOL The Hip Hop team kickstarts the Spring Synthesis program with a performance to the song, Whateva by Aliyah, Eve, Missy, and Skrillex. FLUID FORMATIONS
The Song Team dances to Precious Things by Tori Amos, their moves synthesizing into a mesmerizing performance. EFFORTLESS ELEGANCE Supported by junior Avery Ross-Ryan and senior Sophie Savarese, sophomore Morgan McCormick gracefully performs a complex move to Matt Maeson’s song Dancing After Death. STUNNING SYCHRONY Reaching up to the air as they kneel, dancers from the Dance II/III Elective classes artistically perform the choreography to flowers-fire by Kingfishr. DELICATE DANCERS Synchronized and poised, the Song team performs to Director of Dance Rochelle Mapes’ choreography in beautiful gold attire.
On Apr. 25-27, Mater Dei
“My favorite part of senior musical was meeting all new people and coming together to make Mean Girls Jr. It truly inspired me to pursue stage management and teching shows in my future. It helped me blossom into the person I am today. Thank you senior musical,” principal ensemble member Bella Reed said.
TEXTING TEEN Senior Marieke Erhard as Karen explains how life will change for the teens. APEX PREDATOR Seniors Brooke Becker and Giana Garcia plot to take down a bully. TABLE OF FUN Seniors girls sit at a table and discuss the current drama. REPRIMANDED Senior Riley Lewis as Mrs. Norbury explains the consequences Cady must face. BURN BOOK Seniors Giana Garcia, Emma Buchanan, Lily Hirsch, and Marieke Erhard gather around the Burn Book. MATHLETES Seniors Desiree Morales, Nathan Evans, and Giana Garcia compete.
Seniors presented the Senior Musical Mean Girls Jr. at Phillips Hall in Santa Ana College.
FEARLESS Seniors Emma Buchanan, Giana
and
strike a pose.
A CAUTIONARY TALE Senior David Clancy warns the audience of the shocking nature of the story.
Garcia,
Marieke Erhard
Photos by Alejandro Vera
DISCUSSION Delegates huddle together and discuss their possible solutions during an unmoderated caucus. PLACARDS UP! The delegates raise their placards to vote against the opposing bloc’s solution, solidifying their victory. GLOBAL SOLUTIONS The bloc presents their own solution to cut back on plastic use and reduce the amount of microplastics in the environment. SPEECH Junior Skylar Rosenberg delivers a speech commending his fellow delegates for their hard work. TUNNEL Volunteers create a tunnel for delegates to pass through on their way to the LeVecke for the closing ceremony. DILIGENT DELEGATES The three delegates work together to put together their resolution paper, the first step in the process of establishing a complete resolution. PRESENTATION The delegate of Denmark reads the information on the screen to prepare what she will say next.
On May 1 - May 2, the annual Mater Dei Student Art Show was held in the Pavilion on campus.
PEEPING Sophomore Andrew Ruiz glances at the clay works. CAN’T WAIT Sophomore Charlie Krogh and Freshman Christian Burns couldn’t hold back the excitement to see all of the amazing artworks. JUDGES Junior Lexie Main judges which artwork is her favorite.
VIEWING Junior Sasha Sepetjian looks at the art made by her peers. BROWSING Executive Director of Counseling Kellie Bauer browses through the artwork created by the students. FASCINATED Freshman Lucas Duong is fascinated by the creativity shown. WONDERS Junior Megan Coffie looks at the wall of the epitome of creativity. GROUP DISCUSSION Seniors Liyah Azar, Grace Sarabia and Sophia Lopez talk about artwork done by their peers.
the reasons why they decided to commit to their college of choice.
“The reason why I decided to commit to USC was because of the outstanding education they offer as well as the great baseball. The coaches at USC take care of their players and know how to sculpt you into the player and man you are destined to be.”
“After a visit to Idaho, I loved the mountains and the gorgeous views that they had, but most importantly, I loved the team and coach! I had great times with the team and I knew immediately that I would fit there so perfectly!”
“Stanford has been my dream since the beginning. I committed here because I am able to play football at the highest level and receive the best education in the world.”
“I decided to commit because of the high level academics the school offers. I am grateful for the opportunity I have to continue to play basketball as well.”
“I chose Princeton due to the university’s focus on undergraduate education, the competitive women’s water polo team, and the strong alumni network after graduation. Go Tigers!”
“I chose Tufts because when I went out for a visit I fell in love with it all: the coaches, the campus, the team, the city. They have a competitive program and I will get to study what I love and play the sport that I love with both competitive academics and athletics.”
On May 5, the annual senior Mother Daughter Tea was held on campus.
DAUGHTERS Class of 2024 girls line up together for a photo to commemorate the special event.
MOTHER–DAUGHTER LOVE Senior Audrey Nguyen stands by her mother for a photo.
POSE Senior Rebecca Rodriguez and her mother enjoy drinking tea while smiling for a photo op.
MOTHERS IN THE MOMENT Students and their mothers sit around the table, smiling to get their picture taken. LOVING EMBRACE Senior Marvell Figueroa hugs her mother in front of the podium, displaying the strong love between a mother and her daughter. POURING THE TEA Senior Olivia Montoya holds out her cup for a beverage.
WORDS OF THANKS The organizers of the event thank the mothers and students for making the event possible.
Joshua Barrera, Alejandro Vera, and Angela Liu, Photos by Brooke Carmody
Photos by Katherine Ruiz
LAST DANCE The senior boys performed one last time with a guest appearance from Religion Teacher Alec Sixta. A FRIENDLY COMPETITION Seniors Joshua Fong and Thomas White try their best to save their team in dodgeball. PASSING THE TORCH The current ASB officers hand down their duty to the new ASB officers. FIN-TASTIC A senior quickly crawls under a table during the relay race to win a point for her team. HIGHFIVE After the game of dodgeball, the seniors celebrate and high-five one another. WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE Seniors gaze up at the screen as a video of memories from the last four years plays.
SENIOR SHARKS Seniors dressed in shark costumes gather on the floor awaiting the first game of the rally– a relay race.
CROWNED COURT The 2024 Prom Court is crowned naming Austin Palmares and Olivia Hicks as prom king and queen.
On Friday, May 17, the Mater Dei Guitar program showcased the talents they honed throughout the school year.
ALL TOGETHER The lower classmen in the Materpalooza concert join together on stage playing and singing as one. ROCK N’ ROLL Freshman Brayden Devonald plays his guitar while junior David Oswald sings in the background.
Photos courtesy of Shane Pase
PERCUSSION Senior Micheal Delgado leads his group during their song on stage at Materpalooza.
GET LOUD Guitar Teacher Ken Parker sings with his friend during the show.
AS ONE Sophomore Sebastian Esquivias and freshman Brayden Devonald play one of the last songs of the night.
ROCK ON Freshman Oliver Nakhl plays his guitar solo in front of the crowd.
SONG TO REMEMBER Senior Ali Brutlag sings and harmonizes to the composition, Dream A Little Dream Of Me. DAZZLING DANCERS
Seniors Chaz Castillo and Giana Garcia happily dance to the song, Surf Crazy, with the Chambers choir. PERFECT PAIRING For the last time, seniors Catherine Kawabe and Sophia O’Hara duet to the song, If You Go Down SERENADING SINGERS The Rolling Tones performed cheerfully to welcome the rest of the singers in. HAWAIIAN REALNESS Sophomore Kealaokamaile Avila perfectly hulas to the song, Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride, with the Concert Choir.
Photos by Arienne Darjuan and Angelin Tran
On May 24-25, the Mater Dei Choir performed for Coffeehouse in the Grotto.
LOVELY LADIES Smiling brightly, seniors Zita Jim, Kaitlyn Nguyen, and Tilia Nguyen pose for the ending of their song, Be Okay. INCREDIBLE INSTRUMENTALISTS Senior Brendan Mulholland and junior Emily Nelmida play on the saxophone and the trumpet to the rhythm of Five Nights At Freddy’s. THE GREATEST MCS Senior Giana Garcia and juniors Micah Golden and Grace Henze emcee exuberantly, motivating the audience and cheering on the performers. CAPTIVATING CHOP Senior Jaycob Renteria melodically serenades the audience with the song, Fly Love from the Rio movie.
On Saturday, June 1 faculty, staff, family and friends gathered to celebrate the Mater Dei Class of 2024. The annual graduation ceremony took place at the Bren Events Center at UCI amid a packed house.
Let us join to sing thy praise! And blending song in joyous chorus, Hearts and voices raise!
Fair, thy name; wide thy
Patroness who reigns above.
To Mater Dei, Alma Mater honor, glory, love!
Mater Dei, Alma Mater
For God’s mother proudly named!
O through the years may we, thy children
As her own be claim’d.
Fair, thy name; wide thy fame!
Patroness who reigns above.
To Mater Dei, Alma Mater honor, glory, love!
