Since Mater Dei’s founding in 1950, Admissions has undoubtedly been a contributor to the positive learning environment for all students where they are empowered to be the best versions of themselves. The department is a key element in the organization and management of Mater Dei High School, assuring all incoming students are able to meet their full potential. Led by Director of Admissions Jennifer Hornbuckle ‘03 and Director of Admissions Marketing Nathan Underwood, this department promotes the many unique aspects of the school to prospective families. 

Annually, the department hosts an array of events for potential students and parents. Parents can sometimes feel overwhelmed with the education choices for their child, and these events can instruct families on supportive programs at Mater Dei that can foster their child’s growth. Hornbuckle communicates the details of innovating new events each year.

“I think every new class coming in is always a little bit different,” Hornbuckle said. “How we market to them [always] changes. Everyone likes to be talked to or communicated with in a different way. We also have to keep reinventing the events we do and make them more engaging. [We try to] get our students involved and really showcase [them].”

The Admissions department also organizes many events for incoming students. Since high school can be a stressful and intimidating change for most teens, these events allow these new Monarchs to feel safe and comfortable in a different environment. Last year, they organized a new event called Puzzle Dash, where students were grouped together to solve an array of logic problems. 

“We’re trying to get [these students] here on campus as much as possible,” Hornbuckle said. “I think the events last year were really good, especially the puzzle dash. We start with our freshman movie night in March, and we have puzzle dash in April.”

The department consistently adds new methods to reach more families. Whether it is with tours, special events, or advertisements, the school hopes to reach the most dedicated and faithful students. 

“My job [consists of] overseeing the efforts of getting the word out about Mater Dei,” Underwood said. “This is really across all channels, whether it’s paper advertisements, digital advertising, giving tours, [or] planning events. It’s really [important to] communicate the message and the mission of the school and present it in a way that’s digestible for our potential incoming families.” 

Not only does the department advertise to incoming students and their families, but communicates with alumni as well since many send their children and grandchildren to the school. The department caters towards educating the alumni on the new and improved features of the school that are worth noting. 

“Part of [my job] is integrating the message of what our philanthropic efforts are and what our alumni office is doing,” Underwood said. “[It is crucial to keep these alumni] families connected while also kind of promoting the school. [Mater Dei’s mission is to] give back to our communities and raise money to build amazing facilities for future kids.”

Incoming families often appreciate a student’s perspective on the school and its advancements. The admissions department utilizes a wide range of students to help promote Mater Dei and share their own MD stories. These student accounts can resonate deeply with potential families who are eager to begin their high school journey. 

“We visit about 40 different grade schools [and] talk to probably over 1000 kids between grade schools,” Hornbuckle said. “Shadow days [occur] every week in the fall. [We host] a parent event, what we call a parent party. On top of that, [we] have an open house and another parent event.”

Students can also assist in the Admissions and Advancement office as a Sophomore or older. They can volunteer in the departments during a free block, and the experience gives Mater Dei students the opportunity to see and understand the inner-workings of the Admissions process. Charlie Ann-Astin, a junior intern in the Admissions office, shares her memorable experiences. 

“I help with a lot of shadow bags, and I also help set up for events like Grandparents Day or class reunions,” Ann-Astin said. “I would recommend this to someone who has an open block and wants to aid in an office.”

Admitting new students can be a tedious and difficult process. Many faculty members, including both Admissions Directors, look over each prospective student’s application. Ultimately, the school hopes to have a well-rounded class with students who are determined to fulfill their goals. 

“We want to make sure [that] these students will come here and be successful. We look at recommendation letters and disciplinary issues,” Hornbuckle said. “When reviewing applications, if we see a kid is involved in their student council, that speaks to us.”

Mater Dei has many unique aspects, which are more clearly communicated from a student’s perspective. The Admissions Department and the students at Mater Dei both contribute to the efforts to market these beneficial programs. 

“I would have [prospective students] talk with a MD student,” Hornbuckle said. “[In my experience,] I would talk about [the] community that Mater Dei has, but also the reputation that follows you after you graduate. People know who Mater Dei is. They know you’re a hard worker [and] that you’re driven. The community and our students are very welcoming. We’ll build your schedule around the student you want to be.”

Working in the Admissions department and creating the events for hopeful students is a fulfilling experience. Whether seeing that a student is able to walk across the graduation stage or empowering them to pursue their goals, this division organizes more than most families know. Each class and program is catered to each individual student and their goals. 

“Mater Dei has a lot to offer, and it’s cool when you can connect a family with what they’re looking for in a school. Seeing these [students] before they go off to college, that was pretty [fulfilling] too,” Underwood said. 

Ultimately, Admissions serves all prospective families, as well as current attendees. The faculty members in this office organize multiple events each year, while making sure that all families are cared for. Truly, without this department, Mater Dei would not be the prominent school it is today.

“It’s all about maintaining those relationships with families [and] offering our assistance with any questions they have,” Underwood said. “Having those values of honor, glory, and love is what separates us from any school.”