Mater Dei High School marks its 75th anniversary with a year-long celebration filled with events that honor its Catholic identity, history, and community spirit. The milestone anniversary is connecting past and present Monarchs in faith and pride. From the Opening Mass to the 75 For 75 Campaign and the Spirit Festival, and more to come, each event connects to the school’s motto of the year: Forward in Vision, Rooted in Tradition.

Vice President of School Relations Scott Melvin comments on the uniqueness of this anniversary in comparison to others in the school’s history, calling it “one huge celebration” for the entire community. Melvin emphasizes the importance of celebrating both the history and present spirit of the community during this milestone.

“75 years is a huge milestone for a Catholic school,” Melvin said. “For us [to be] thriving and still probably the most recognizable Catholic high school in America, gives us reason to celebrate the great place this is.”

The anniversary celebrations began with the Opening Mass in the Grotto prior to the first day of school, with current students, parents, and generational alumni returning to campus. Melvin stresses how prayer reflects faith as the foundation of Mater Dei’s identity.

“Each celebration will have an element of prayer and recognition of the gifts that God has graced us with,” Melvin said. “It will reflect that we are in the beautiful body of Christ.”

Melvin values how a student’s active participation, involvement, and Monarch pride reflects the spirit of the school’s motto: Honor, Glory, and Love. Especially during the climax of a sports game, the students’ spirit motivates the athletes on the field.

“The student section is showing up, cheering, and engaging,” Melvin said. “They’re proud of their school, and that’s what we need.”

Alumna and Executive Director of Communications and Media Relations Allison Bergeron ‘96, notes that this anniversary highlights Mater Dei’s growth since its beginnings in 1950: Mater Dei opened with just over 100 students and 10 teachers as the first Catholic high school in Orange County. 

“We were the first, and now we’re the oldest and arguably the largest Catholic high school in Orange County,” Bergeron said.

Bergeron explains how her connection to the school as a graduate, staff member, and parent has deepened her appreciation for this jubilee year. She believes that the core spirit and traditions of the school are still inherent and shaping today’s student life.

“The one word that comes to my mind is pride,” Bergeron said. “Looking back [at] the past, a lot of these traditions connect the generations, and I think that’s magical and special that it started somewhere, and it continues today.”

The campus has naturally grown and modernized over the years. However, many of the school’s values and traditions have remained intact. Bergeron appreciates the continuing high standards and emphasis on spirituality that has never waivered in the history of the school.

“The culture, the commitment to academics, [and] the Alma Mater [have not changed],” Bergeron said. “Every team on this campus prayed before a game, and they all ended with saying, ‘Our Lady, Queen of victory, pray for us.’”

Senior Class Vice President Anthony Traquena describes the anniversary as a unique experience in his senior year that stands out from the rest. He is mesmerized by the old video footage featured in the 75 For 75 Campaign and cherishes the community unity at the Monarch Spirit Festival on Sep. 6. 

“From my perspective in ASB, there has been more emphasis on celebrating the history of the school,” Traquena said. “With the videos showing what school was like in earlier periods of the school’s history, the Spirit Festival definitely stood out to me.” 

As a senior, Traquena appreciates graduating in the 75th year as it adds more meaning to his class’s legacy.

“I think it’s so meaningful to graduate during such a historic year for the school,” Traquena said. “My class is part of such a historic year, and every one of us is a part of it.”

Looking forward, Melvin explains how the anniversary is just a chapter in the school’s ongoing mission. He believes that all current Monarchs are capable of achieving great successes and can look to their alumni as inspiration. 

“The most important thing to know or recognize is that the story is just being written,” Melvin said. “We’re 75 years in, but we continue to create new things, innovate, [and] have larger impacts on our communities. For the seniors, I want them to look at those who walked before them in these halls and say that anything is possible.”