As a new school year begins, Mater Dei’s campus becomes a near-daily home to both returning and incoming students once again. Although the school has a required uniform and dress code, students can proudly represent their school by wearing the Mater Dei logo and colors on spirit dress days. For freshmen and transfer students, the Mater Dei Campus Store offers an opportunity to participate in this MD tradition and build their wardrobe to display their Monarch pride. Senior Anna Cherico provides input on the greater significance of the campus store and the Mater Dei gear it offers. 

“I think it represents school spirit because everyone is connected in some way with the Mater Dei colors,” Cherico said. 

School spirit is impactful on Mater Dei’s campus and beyond. It is widely displayed by Monarchs of all ages at almost every athletic event. The campus store contributes to this feeling by providing a large variety of clothing. 

The campus store doesn’t just offer MD apparel, however. It also sells food, beverages, and a variety of books which are required for classes such as English and history. Many Mater Dei students visit the campus store daily and appreciate the many goods and services that are sold there. 

The wide array of snacks, drinks, and other selections of food includes chips, sweets, bars, and even pre-made cheese platters. These foods are unique to the Mater Dei store and cannot be bought from the Sodexo food carts. 

However, some feel the campus store has room for improvement. While many students appreciate the snacks and drinks offered, there’s also a desire for healthier and more affordable options. A number of students have discussed concerns about the limited variety of food, the high prices associated with them, and the limited payment options of credit card and cash. Sophomore Chase Johnson communicates his interest for alternative methods. 

“I would love it if the campus store could let us use our ID’s as payment,” Johnson said. 

Some students also express a desire to purchase a variety of healthier options, instead of just chips, sweets, and bars from the campus store. 

“I [don’t] think that they have enough snack and drink options, and they’re all really expensive and unhealthy,” Cherico said. “I think they should add in some fruit.”

Significantly, the campus store focuses on being a communal location for students to visit their friends outside of class. While the campus store receives constructive feedback to better improve student life on campus, its significance to the school remains unquestionable. It brings students together, in not just what they buy, but through the unity the Mater Dei merch provides. Mater Dei’s apparel engraves a deep sense of school spirit and belonging in its students every day. 

Ultimately, the campus store is more than just a place to get clothes, food, and drinks; it is a significant aspect of the lives of MD students, while helping to instill deep connections and traditions within the community.