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The Student Newspaper at Mater Dei High School

The Scarlet Scroll
The Student Newspaper at Mater Dei High School

The Scarlet Scroll
The Student Newspaper at Mater Dei High School

The Scarlet Scroll
FIGHTING THROUGH STORMS Coach Johnny Rodriguez cheers on his players as they ace their attacking skills during an after-school practice. Despite the cold rain, Rodriguez remains on the field as his players’ biggest supporter and source of positivity, leaving a lasting impact on them. “Coach Rodriguez has changed my perspective in life, [making it] more positive,” O’Hara said. “[He reminds me that] there's always something good to do, and I want to put that to my lifestyle.”
HANDY HACKY SACK: Students gather around in a circle in Shamrock Plaza to play the game of hacky sack. Most days students can be seen together at lunch to play hacky sack and socialize. As time goes on, the game could continue to grow in size and become more widely played throughout the Monarch community. “There are three games of hacky sack going around each day,” Coulter said. HANDY HACKY SACK: Students gather around in a circle in Shamrock Plaza to play the game of hacky sack. Most days students can be seen together at lunch to play hacky sack and socialize. As time goes on, the game could continue to grow in size and become more widely played throughout the Monarch community. “There are three games of hacky sack going around each day,” Coulter said.
OPEN MINDS AND HEARTS Senior Julianna Botros explains her stance on the death penalty in a Socratic Seminar. On Thursday, Mar. 6, seniors enrolled in the Peace and Justice religion course participated in a Socratic Seminar to assess their knowledge on human life and dignity while encouraging open-minded debate on these current issues affecting society today. Botros appreciates how religion classes inform students on Catholic doctrine while also providing students a safe space to explore different perspectives on ethics and morality. “The Socratic Seminar helped me view social justice issues from the perspective of Catholic Social Teachings,” Botros said. “I got to hear the differing opinions of my classmates which opened my eyes to new perspectives.”
WORK TO SUCCEED By working these tips into their study schedule, students can reap the benefits of AP courses. With just a few easy lifestyle changes, and new methods before the test, students can see an increase in scores that other successful students have witnessed. “It‘s really about making sure that throughout the year you know what you're doing,” senior Angela Karanja said. “[Also] being calm the day of, so that you can remember everything that you learned [is helpful].” Infographic by Ava Gomez.
SENIOR NIGHT VICTORY Senior David Yacoub makes an incredible save during the senior night game against St. John Bosco. On Oct. 16, the Varsity Boys Water Polo players worked hard to secure an 8-4 victory against the Braves. It was an emotional night as the seniors played one of their last games as Monarchs. “This was a very fun game to watch and sad watching the seniors play their last game,” Brendel said. Photo by Brooke Carmondy.
  • My School
    72
    Bishop O'Connell
    73
    Jan 20 / Varsity Boys Basketball
  • My School
    84
    St. John Bosco
    88
    Jan 17 / Varsity Boys Basketball
  • My School
    1
    St. John Bosco
    2
    Jan 17 / Boys' varsity soccer
  • My School
    5
    Foothill
    6
    Jan 16 / Girls' varsity water polo
  • My School
    1
    JSerra Catholic
    0
    Jan 16 / Girls' varsity soccer
  • My School
    3
    Santa Margarita
    0
    Jan 15 / Boys' varsity soccer
  • My School
    12
    Rosary Academy
    5
    Jan 14 / Girls' varsity water polo
  • My School
    83
    Servite
    68
    Jan 10 / Varsity Boys Basketball
  • My School
    1
    Servite
    2
    Jan 10 / Boys' varsity soccer
News
How is Campus Ministry helping those affected by the LA fires?
April 3, 2025

With the LA fires leaving many people stranded with no home and in need of assistance, the Mater Dei Associated Student Body has taken proactive action to help families, animals,...

TEACHABLE MOMENTS Honors Chemistry teacher Agnes Faltas helps students with a lab on chemical reactions. Classes like Hn. Chemistry allows students to both fulfill their science graduation requirements, and to challenge themselves with a faster paced honors-level course. Counselor Marybeth Nguyen emphasizes the importance of taking Chemistry before college. “Colleges really like to see Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, all three of those, in general, that tends to be the trend,” Nguyen said.
Thinking Ahead: Choosing Classes for Next Year
March 24, 2025

The future is exciting — but for some, uncertain. Every March, Mater Dei students in grades 9 through 11 can access their class lists for the next year through Aeries, the...

Online education and digital tools have become essential for students to manage their workflow efficiently. With increasing academic demands, apps like Canvas, Notion, and ChatGPT help students stay organized, track assignments, and enhance productivity. Integrating technology into learning allows students to balance their studies and personal lives more effectively. (Image courtesy of Freepik)
Effective Workflow Apps For Students
March 19, 2025

As students progress through high school, the workload increases significantly, making time management and productivity essential. Many students at Mater Dei High School face...

Features
DOUBLE THE POWER Junior Kai Gardner and senior Nico Naughton get ready to face their opponents in a doubles match. Playing doubles in tennis requires agility, footwork, and communication with your teammate. “Something I plan to improve is my footwork, because it is very important to be agile and quick on my feet,” Naughton said.
Game, Set, Match – Boys Tennis serves up a new season
April 24, 2025
RACE PACE Senior Ava Kellman directs her team to secure first place. Rowing, a club sport that is played by some Mater Dei students, takes a lot of dedication and practice to become proficient. Many rowers practice six to seven days a week, preparing for hard races to get as strong as possible. “Victory isn’t decided by size or strength, although many love to make this argument. It comes down to who wants it more. Who is willing to push beyond anything they’ve ever endured? Which crew has the grit to embrace the immeasurable pain that this moment demands?” Kellman said. Photo courtesy of Ava Kellman.
Beyond the Roster – Mater Dei Athletes in Unique Sports
April 24, 2025
PRACTICE TO PERFECTION Seniors Micah Golden, Ty Bragalone, and Piper McClave rehearse for the senior musical, Singing In the Rain. Seniors spend a lot of time together rehearsing which helps them grow closer while also having fun. “We’re there as a senior bonding experience and as part of a Mater Dei tradition,” Fouts said. “There’s so much joy with these shows as we celebrate the senior class.” Photo courtesy of Mater Dei Theatre.
Senior Musical – Where the Class of 2025 shine beyond the classroom
April 24, 2025
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News briefs
News Briefs for Apr. 15
April 15, 2025
News Briefs for Apr. 8
April 8, 2025
News Briefs for Apr. 11
April 7, 2025
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Sports
GOAL GLORY: The Mater Dei Varsity Boys Soccer Team gathers on the field celebrating a wonderful match. With determination and teamwork, the athletes showed Servite the spirit of competition and school pride. “It was a tough game for us,” Pham said. “Coach Ganey and the team prepared for this game carefully, so that is the main reason we had a wonderful victory.”
Boys Soccer — The Experience
March 18, 2025
OUT ON THE WATER Senior William Sangmeister sails in Newport Harbor, practicing for upcoming regattas. After school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the sailing team practices for upcoming competitions. “I’m excited for the season as we have a lot of talent this year,” Sangmeister said.
How the Sailing Team has Emerged and Grown
March 18, 2025
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Sports
GOAL GLORY: The Mater Dei Varsity Boys Soccer Team gathers on the field celebrating a wonderful match. With determination and teamwork, the athletes showed Servite the spirit of competition and school pride. “It was a tough game for us,” Pham said. “Coach Ganey and the team prepared for this game carefully, so that is the main reason we had a wonderful victory.”
Boys Soccer — The Experience
March 18, 2025
OUT ON THE WATER Senior William Sangmeister sails in Newport Harbor, practicing for upcoming regattas. After school on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the sailing team practices for upcoming competitions. “I’m excited for the season as we have a lot of talent this year,” Sangmeister said.
How the Sailing Team has Emerged and Grown
March 18, 2025
PRECISION AND SPEED Sophomore Mia Games and junior Mia De Van Der Stein pose for a photo during varsity practice. Games is a goalie who alternates between both the JV and varsity teams, while De Van Der Stein plays midfielder on the varsity team. Both showcase exceptional talent and commitment towards the sport. “Defining success as an athlete is just putting 100% effort all the time,” De Van Der Stein said. “In my opinion, it also affects how you perform, it's okay if you don't perform at 100% all the time, but as long as you put your best effort and interest at heart, it's what counts at the end of the day, because it really means that you're trying, and eventually the success will be there.”
Trinity League Champions: A Glimpse of Girls’ Lacrosse
March 6, 2025
Culture
A YEAR IN REVIEW Between Nov. and Dec. 2024, 57 respondents voted for their favorite songs, artists, and albums. Every category had multiple options, and each one faced tight competition as the artists Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, and Billie Eilish battled for the top spots. Students like senior Payton Bauer encourages others to check out other popular singers, if they haven’t already. “I would say [listen to Carpenter] if you're [wanting to] feel good about yourself,” Bauer said. “Or maybe you just want something to work out or dance to. [Her music is] really fun.”
Mater Dei Wrapped: Which Artists and Songs Did Students Enjoy The Most?
February 5, 2025
GAME TIME: Students enjoy the action packed gameplay that mobile games provide for them as they play “Brawl Stars”. Games allow students to collaborate and create stronger bonds in the Monarch community. Whether it's a small game that is familiar between a close group of friends, or a popular game everybody knows, students share a collective interest and strengthen ties between each other. Photo by Kenny Smith, Staff Reporter for The Scarlet Scroll. GAME TIME: Students enjoy the action packed gameplay that mobile games provide for them as they play “Brawl Stars”. Games allow students to collaborate and create stronger bonds in the Monarch community. Whether it's a small game that is familiar between a close group of friends, or a popular game everybody knows, students share a collective interest and strengthen ties between each other. Photo by Kenny Smith, Staff Reporter for The Scarlet Scroll.
The Rise of Mobile Games
January 10, 2025
TRICKY TRIGONOMETRY Math Teacher Eugene Hung carefully goes over a recent unit test with his Honors Precalculus class, guiding students through key concepts in hopes to improve their understanding. Hung wishes his students to not only understand mathematical concepts, but also gain effective test-taking strategies. He encourages students to learn from each question in order to gear up for future exams. “This helps me to make sure that I’m not including extraneous content in the review because I don’t want students spending time studying things that won’t show up on the test,” Hung said. Photo by Stella Pham.
How to Ace your Finals Week
December 10, 2024
Multimedia
HOT COCOA IN COLD WEATHER Seniors Kalani Kunimura (far right) and Dalton Bulowski (second right) celebrate the holiday season with a cup of hot cocoa, handed out by the Parent Association Council during upper lunch. On Monday, Dec. 2, Monarchs kicked off the Christmas Spirit Week, transforming the campus into a Winter Wonderland with festive all-white snow day outfits. “It’s awesome to celebrate Christmas culture with the Mater Dei community,” Bulowski said.
Christmas Spirit Week
January 23, 2025
The Surfrider Foundation works to combat ocean pollution and make tangible changes through state legislature.
Celebrating Earth Day
April 24, 2022
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
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