Arienne Darjuan

THE MONARCHY: As they pack the Santa Ana Bowl, Mater Dei’s student section continues to make a name for itself during the football game against their long-time rival, Servite. It is through the roaring chants and representing the proud color of the Monarchs that the students prove that the MD spirit runs deep. “[Being a part of] the student section is a way for me to get involved and show my love for Mater Dei. I get so excited to see my friends and show support for the teams,” Junior Grace Henze said.

The Mater Dei Student Section has distinguished itself among schools in Orange County with its return this 2023 school year. On Sept. 12, the newly named “Monarchy” student section won Week Three People’s Choice in the Battle of the OC Student Sections and continues to win other titles each week, with unique themes and high energy. As crowds of students pack the stands of the Santa Ana Bowl with roaring cheers at every football game, they have kept the Mater Dei spirit prospering and prove the culture of school pride to be growing every year. 

The school year has called for changes and new additions in various aspects of the Mater Dei student life. This included the student section name, which was formerly known as The Den and was only recently elected to be changed to The Monarchy during the Fall Sports rally. Heavily involved in student involvement, Religious Studies Teacher and Rally Commission Moderator Dr. Alec Sixta offers his unique perspective on the process of these changes. He highlights the importance of the students, and focuses on how to immerse students in school events.

“It came about initially because Mrs. Bergeron was starting to change the logo and she [asked] ‘what else needs changing of some kind?’ and so the student section name was one of those,” Sixta said. “Then we had the students vote, which I thought was more appropriate because it shouldn’t be about our decision. It’s about the students.”

Sixta’s involvement stems from his own high school experience attending Mater Dei. This has helped him identify with the work he has done, allowing his own work to translate his positive experience onto current students. Prioritizing the school’s best interests, Sixta intends to make decisions that resonate with others and foster a joyful environment.

“When I was a student here, I remember rallies being my favorite thing. That was the place where I felt the most energy and where I fell in love with the culture of Mater Dei…the goal now is to let students do what they want within reason,” Sixta said.

Sixta has also turned to social media to advertise the student section and rallies. In doing so, he has reached new audiences and spread information in innovative ways.

“I owe a lot of the credit to [senior] Jai Pandoh. Shout out to Panda Media. He and I have tons of ideas. If you have a good social media account, the world is yours,” Sixta said. The influence that you have is incredible, and so I tried to work with Jai and some other people from MDTV to create videos that are entertaining, maybe slightly awkward, maybe funny, but I tried to create a variety of different videos to grab people’s attention.” 

Another addition to the student section implemented by Sixta, was developing a new and more structured team of yell leaders. Sophomore Ava Kanaly decided to join this year in the hopes of increasing school spirit. Her responsibilities include promoting and making posters for the football games, creating themes, and leading cheers during the game. 

“[My favorite thing] is seeing all our hard work from the hours before come to life. Everything coming together and the football team getting the win for Mater Dei is worth it,” Kanaly said.

Although this is her first year in the program, Kanaly has found passion in the work and time she contributes. It is through being a part of a bigger cause that Kanaly connects herself to the school and loves being a part of the Mater Dei community.

“We cheer our little hearts out because, after all, that is what [helps] the football team to [be] stronger. It makes me feel good knowing that we’re all there to support them,” Kanaly said.

Changes made to enhance the liveliness of The Monarchy student section has greatly impacted the football team. Sophomore varsity football player Owen Neil recognizes the significance of the students’ support and how it has motivated them.

“When we come out of the locker room and do the Monarch March and look up to the left to see the student section, filled up with a bunch of kids, it gets you hyped. It gets everyone excited and ready to play in the game,” Neil said.

Neil describes how the incredible presence of the students helps establish unity within the school, calling for more people to be involved and demonstrate Monarch pride.                

“When there’s more people there, it shows me that people will have support for us. As an athlete who is playing on the field, it is important that more students show their support, not just for football, but for all sports,” Neil said.

The great showings of Mater Dei spirit runs deep throughout the school. From crowding the Santa Ana Bowl to the yells and cheers within the stands, feelings of pride are felt among all the students at each game. Such enthusiasm and energy has instilled positive outlooks for the future of The Monarchy student section.

“[I hope] to keep all the energy because that’s what really makes the games—cheering and creating the support of all the people on the field,” Kanaly said.

 For others, the current spirit of Mater Dei inspires to create further progress in student and campus involvement.

“I hope that more seniors come out. They are the example and should be a part of this,” Sixta said.