From accomplishments on the field to spectacular performances on the stage, the 2023-2024 school year has literally been one for the books. As The CROWN Yearbook distributes the 2023-2024 issue, students are able to take a look back through the year’s highlights. Monarchs experienced another year of many accomplishments in the numerous activities including athletics, the arts, service, and academics. As we close out the year, we celebrate these achievements and give recognition to some of the highlights of each season.

Fall Season:

Girls Flag Football: A New Legacy:

The newest addition to the athletics family is the Girls Flag Football Team which had its debut season in Fall 2023. Although this was the team’s first season, they exceeded expectations. A team of amazing and hard-working girls came forward to help form a team that would create a new legacy for Mater Dei Girls Football. They ended their season 10-1, showcasing their amazing talent along with their newfound skills. Athletes such as juniors Halle Hombrecher and Olivia Trevizo were named some of the “stat leaders” for the season, helping to lead the team to victory. 

A Football Season to Remember:

Mater Dei’s Varsity Football Team is known around the world for their outstanding reputation as one of the best teams. This year was no different, as they continued 13-1. This amazing record allowed Mater Dei to remain the number one high school football team in California. Not only was this season a win for the team, but it was also a win for school spirit. This season made way for the new student section, dubbed as “The Monarchy”, to emerge. This new student section exemplified school spirit, getting the students involved with fun themes such as “Red Out” and “Minions.” Monarch support was at an all time high, bringing the school together.

Theatre in the Grotto:

Mater Dei’s Theatre program put on their annual Theatre in the Grotto performance. This year, they performed The Iliad, the Odyssey, and all of Greek Mythology in 99 Minutes or Less. The play was a fun and engaging way to sum up the informative culture of Greek Mythology. This performance includes students of all grade levels as students perform on the stage as well as help behind the scenes. Students build sets, design costumes, do makeup, and run the show as stage managers to ensure that the show runs smoothly.  Not only do students get involved, but they build a family as they support each other. This marked the start of theater’s performances, as they continued to put forth many other shows throughout the year. 

Mock Trial: 

Although students participate in Mock Trial year round, the bulk of the season takes place in the fall. Students receive a case packet and memorize it front and back to build a strong case for their given side. Students are given roles that best suit them, and have to play a character during a mock trial in competition. Mater Dei’s team competes in the Constitutional Rights Foundation competition, going against many other teams from Southern California at the Orange County Courthouse. This year, the team was unbelievably talented leading to them placing within the top 16 teams in Orange County.

Winter Season:

Christmas Outreach:

Mater Dei’s Campus Ministry held their annual Christmas Outreach, which collects gifts for a charity in need. These gifts helped families in surrounding areas celebrate Christmas with their families. Campus Ministry received not only gifts, but also gift cards from Target and Walmart to further support the families. Students all came together to make a difference in the world, allowing for one of the most successful outreaches yet. 

Choir’s Annual Madrigal Feast:

Madrigal Feast is the annual opportunity for students in the vocal arts to showcase their talent to the school and community. All levels of choir dress up in medieval-themed costumes and sing different seasonal songs along with their classmates. The Chambers Choir, the most advanced choir, has a special role as they dress up as the royal court leading the rest of the choirs in this beautiful celebration. Songs such as Alleluia, Rise Up, and Come Thou Fount were sung in celebration of the Christmas season. Mater Dei’s Handbell program also performs, starting off the show with a beautiful melody that sets the stage for the rest of the performances. 

Boys Soccer has a Season for the Books:

The Mater Dei’s Boys Soccer has always been a reputable team that soars above the rest. This year it was especially noted when they received recognition as one of the top teams in California. The team was number one in CIF as well as Trinity League champions showcasing their amazing abilities and immense talents. Some outstanding players were highlighted such as senior Michael Cherico who received OC Register All County Boys Soccer recognition as well as Trinity League All League. All the players did incredibly well and showed pride towards the Monarch community. 

Academic Decathlon and the Super Quiz:

The Academic Decathlon Team participated in this year’s Super Quiz, competing against numerous other schools. They were specifically tested on their knowledge on this year’s topic, “Technology and Humanity.” Students across all grades and GPA levels were able to compete. They came together and put their hard work and preparation to use by quickly answering questions about their given topic.  

Spring Season: 

MUN International Trip: Dublin:

Each year Mater Dei’s Model United Nations program goes on an international trip. In the designated country of the year, they compete in an MUN Conference overseas against multiple schools from around the world. This gives students the opportunity to learn skills in debate and quick thinking. The trip also allows for bonding among students as they explore a new country along with its culture. This year, hundreds of Mater Dei students went to Dublin, Ireland and explored Irish culture while getting the amazing experience of an MUN conference. 

Track and Field’s Outstanding Season:

Mater Dei’s talented Track and Field Team has had a tremendous season with lots of accomplishments. Unlike most sports, track focuses mostly on a student’s personal record as it is an individual sport. This year, athletes such as Saige Acosta and Luna Gonzalez broke their own records in multiple events including sprints, jumps, and long distance. The team competed against many teams in California, dominating and becoming one of the top teams in their league. They made it very far while competing and nearly made it to finals. Nonetheless, this was an impactful season and their hard work is noted.

The Monarch’s tremendous efforts and talents from the year are impressive and preserved in The 2024 CROWN Yearbook. We also acknowledge the talent, time, and dedication of those on the yearbook staff for creating a memorable relic for students to cherish forever. Mater Dei students are truly all unique and accomplished in their own way, whether they are an artist, athlete, or accomplished academic student in the 2023-2024 school year. Let us also make the 2024-2025 school year one for the books.