Current Students
2021 Valedictorians and Salutatorians Mater Dei’s has a unique tradition in naming the class valedictorian and salutatorian. Seniors with a 4.0 cumulative GPA are invited to submit a speech for review to a special selection committee comprised of various campus administrators. Selections are revealed as the final award at Senior Awards Night. Due to current gathering guidelines, the Classes of 2020 and 2021 have made Mater Dei history with not only having multiple ceremonies on campus, but also multiple class speakers.
From left: Kailia Utley, Isabelle Tran, Tiffany Le, and Owen Logan.
TIFFANY LE - VALEDICTORIAN 9 A.M. CEREMONY Speech theme: How photos tell our class story First reaction to big news: “Say what?!” Staying strong: Parents, best friends, confirmation program, and inner motivation to make the yearbook special kept me strong. What I learned about myself in COVID: “I realized I’m not an introvert and I got to explore being more creative while trying to be adaptable.”
College and Life Plans: Chapman University Fowler School of Engineering Majoring in Data Science/ Analytics
Why I chose MD: The generous financial support I was granted.
Influential Person: Mrs. Sueiras, Crown Yearbook Advisor - “She encouraged me and really made yearbook room a home and a safe place for me.”
Elementary School: St. Barbara, Santa Ana
Service Hours: 1061
Parish: St. Columban, Garden Grove
Favorite Part of MD: “The opportunities you have here no matter where you come from.”
OWEN LOGAN - SALUTATORIAN 9 A.M. CEREMONY Speech theme: Storytelling with inspiration from great movies
College and Life Plans: Boston University - Majoring in Film
First reaction to big news: Humbled
Influential Person: Mr. Andy Roberts, Film and Media Arts Teacher - “He so much more than a film teacher and teaches life lessons and character building moments.
Staying strong: Keeping an open mind. “As much as we were restricted, we had a lot of new opportunities inside and outside of school.” What I learned about myself in COVID: “Being at school builds your character - the interactions and relationships.”
Favorite Part of MD: “The idea that you can be a scholar, an artist, and athlete at the same time. There are so many walks of life here - you get a more rounded world view.
Why I chose MD: I can’t point to one thing, but Monarch pride permeates everything and the opportunities offered here just doesn’t happen at other schools. Service Hours: 400 Elementary School: Mariner’s Christian, Newport Beach Parish: Mariner’s Church, Newport Beach
ISABELLE TRAN - VALEDICTORIAN 4:30 P.M. CEREMONY Speech theme: Comparing the life stages of a bird to our development in high school
College and Life Plans: CSULB Nursing – pursue Masters and Nurse Practitioner
First reaction to big news: Speechless
Influential Person: My mom and the Campus Ministry Team. “My mom saw my full worth, my capabilities. She pushed me to come the best version of myself.”
What I learned about myself in COVID: I realized my growth and I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone, which I’m really proud of. Staying strong: Being creative and finding ways to help people even during this difficult time.
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Favorite Part of MD: Students are given so many opportunities to develop a relationship with God and the example that Jesus set to serve others.
Why I chose MD: School isn’t just school at Mater Dei. We focus on community and go out into the world and do things. Service Hours: 1000 Elementary School: Blessed Sacrament School, Westminster Parish: St. Polycarp, Stanton
