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DOING IT ALL: As aspiring public announcer Omar Villanueva Jr. works towards his goal of a career in professional sports, he balances school, work, and announcing for the Mater Dei varsity boys’ lacrosse and baseball teams up to 3 times a week. “A typical day [for me] would be getting up around 4 AM to go to work since I work at Amazon,” Villanueva Jr. said. “Im a supervisor there for the quality department. Then lets say I do have a game for Mater Dei, Ill get off work a little early and then get ready, drive over to Mater Dei, and announce a game.” He is also a student at Mt. San Jacinto College and is currently finishing his associates degree. “[If] I dont have a game, Ill be doing schoolwork in the afternoon,” Villanueva Jr. said.
TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK: From left to right, Juniors Kemper Rodi, Claire Riss, Keilah Mora, Zolie Pham, Sarah Castillo, and Cassidy Butcher jump for joy as they recreate the classic High School Musical cover photo. Each one is working as a tech lead for the 2022 senior musical, High School Musical. Hair and makeup lead Kemper Rodi has been on tech since her freshman year. She loves working with the cast members and expressing her creativity through makeup. Rodi has also been involved in the production of musicals as a cast member, though she enjoys the unique experience of tech much more. “I love tech because of the constant support from both cast and faculty, along with the creative opportunities that it offers,” Rodi said.
Accepting the Challenge According to the American Library Association (ALA), the books above are the 10 most challenged books as of 2021. While the reasons for these challenges vary, among most common are issues of sexuality and gender identity or sexually explicit content. The ALA continues to promote these books and provide a platform for them to be read and appreciated by larger audiences. “The American Library Association promotes the freedom to choose or the freedom to express ones opinions even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular, and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those viewpoints to all who wish to read them.” ALA said.
THE WOMEN OF MATER DEI: Mandarin Teacher and World Languages Department Chair Zeyda Marsh (left), Alumna Madison Piechowski 14 (center), and current student Lauren Biagiotti 22 (right) embody the Monarch values of honor, glory, and, love and inspire the next generation of women in the Mater Dei community through their dedication to education, service, and their professional goals.
THE MONARCH WAY: The Mater Dei Boys’ Basketball team poses in front of Saint Patrick’s cathedral in New York City. Senior Kaden Minter remembers the trip as a great learning experience and important for bonding among the team members. He is excited to be traveling again safely after two seasons of limitations and travel restrictions. “This year weve been pretty fortunate to travel a lot,” Minter said. “Weve gone to New York, Chicago, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, and Florida. It’s been really fun.” (Photo courtesy of Kaden Minter)
News
COUNSELING OFFICE WEIGHS IN The Mater Dei Counseling Office lists important things for students to consider before application season.
Seniors reflect on college applications, give advice to juniors
April 25, 2022

Now that the bulk of college application season is over, seniors of Mater Dei have time to reflect and take a deep breath as they await college decisions. Juniors may dread...

The impact of what you eat
The impact of what you eat
April 13, 2022

With the increasing number of healthy alternatives, such as the popularity of vegetarian and vegan friendly restaurants, along with farmers’ markets, a healthy lifestyle...

STUDENT SIGNATURES: Comments displayed under the petition allow students to express their reasons for signing. A majority of the students and parents who signed agree that the minimum day schedule allows for a good amount of time spent both in and out of class. “65 minute classes give us plenty of time to learn and finish work; however, it also allows students to have more flexibility with their schedule and after school activities,” sophomore Kevin Panbechi commented. “All parents and students I know would rather have this schedule.”
Student petition to change school day schedule reaches 1,000 signatures
March 14, 2022

SCHEDULES SIDE BY SIDE: The normal schedule and minimum day schedule are both very similar, but also have some key differences. Office hour and lunch were removed from...

Features
Students receive sports scholarships to fund further education
April 27, 2022
Meet the New 2022-2023 ASB President
Meet the New 2022-2023 ASB President
April 27, 2022
The Surfrider Foundation works to combat ocean pollution and make tangible changes through state legislature.
Celebrating Earth Day
April 24, 2022
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Sports
A TEAM TO CHEER FOR: The Monarch Cheerleading team competed at the National High School Cheerleading Championship in Florida in early February. After a year of not being able to compete, they took home the silver medal. When asked about the future of Mater Dei Cheerleading, Coach Katie Bowers has big plans. “Were going to win the national title next year. Thats how I feel,” Bowers said. (Photo courtesy of Sheri Mattern)
Cheerleading Team Wins CIF Championship and Finishes Season Second in the Nation
March 10, 2022
PREP TALK PEP TALKS: (left to right) Junior Luke Couglin, Senior Jake McLaughlin, Freshman Ezekiel Tacket and Freshman Jaycob Renteria give Senior varsity wrestler David Carrillo one last pep talk before he heads into his next match, giving him the motivation to give his all. This perfectly captures the spirit of the Mater Dei wrestling team, as described by the players. “We all support each other, and we all push each other to go further. “If someone is lacking, or [falling] behind we’ll motivate them to keep up.” Carillo says.
The complexity of individual sports in team competitions
February 22, 2022
LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE: Heading into the 2022 season, the Varsity Baseball team aims to remain a playoff contender in arguably the toughest league and division in the country. “To be generic, our goal is always to win a CIF title but I think thats something everybody should aspire to,” Head Coach Richard Mercado said. “For us, we have a lot more sub-goals. I think one of the main things we talk about a lot, on a daily basis, is being competitive and making sure were trying to be focused from pitch to pitch so we can compete in every game we play. I think with the pitching staff we have and the guys who have been more competitive we have a good chance to win all the games.”
Season Preview: Varsity Baseball Team looks to build on momentum of last season
February 10, 2022
Culture
The impact of what you eat
The impact of what you eat
April 13, 2022
Valentine’s Day food review
Valentine’s Day food review
March 21, 2022
The Rise of Wordle
The Rise of Wordle
March 10, 2022
Multimedia
WITH WIDE ARMS: Senior Kira Imhoff, in the role of Ariel, yells as senior London Coco Griffin, playing Prospero, looks on with pride. Throughout the play, Imhoff performed musical solos as Prospero’s servant spirit. “It felt so refreshing to return to in-person plays,” Imhoff said. “Having an audience to interact with made theatre feel like theatre again. I felt so blessed to be doing live theatre with an amazing cast and crew. Everyone killed it and I was so happy to work with them. You should have seen Mrs. Slay, [she] was so enthusiastic and pumped to get back.”
Photo slideshow: Theatre holds Shakespeare in the Grotto after two year hiatus
October 29, 2021
MUSICAL INSPIRATION: Paige Buttaccio (left), a rising senior, paints her reserved parking spot that is inspired by a cassette tape. Buttaccio worked with a friend to make the spot represent both a mixtape and her love of music. “I feel like I always listen to music at school and it gets me through stuff, so I wanted to include it in my spot,” Buttaccio said.
Photo slideshow: Seniors customize reserved parking spots for the 2021-2022 school year
August 8, 2021
AFTER FOUR YEARS: Seniors Celine Covarrubias, Claire McKimmey, and Cora Nordheim (left to right) pose for a photo together. Groups of friends attending the celebration day had the chance to take a collective photo before their individual shots. I will never [forget] Francis Clares words to me at a rally as a [freshman], before you know it you will be walking down at the Bren Center, and oh man [to] have these years flown by and its finally here, Nordheim said. I am thankful for everything Mater Dei has done for me and the opportunities that have opened doors, and for the people here especially Ms. Steves, Mrs. Pank, Coach Marquez, Mrs. Kitsinis and many more for their dedication.
Seniors Receive Gifts for Monthly Class of 2021 Celebration Day
April 18, 2021
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