As Mater Dei continues to engage new transfer and international students, the MANE (Mentoring and Nurturing Engagement) Mentor Program invites experienced upperclassmen to take on a leadership role this academic year, guiding new Monarchs. This initiative, formally launched with Mentor Training on Aug. 13, 2025, in the LeVecke Center, emphasizes peer support in academics, faith, and involvement within the Monarch community. This program aims to foster a more profound sense of belonging, bridge transitional gaps, and empower new students with confidence from day one. Through structured training sessions and personalized guidance, mentors and mentees build meaningful connections that enrich the school’s culture and strengthen its motto, “Once a Monarch, always a Monarch.”

Prior to the MANE program, both international and transfer students sometimes face challenging struggles in adjusting to their new school community, where everyone had already formed strong friendships and was familiar with the school’s traditions. To address this issue, junior Mia Games and Head of Counseling Olivia Huie discussed integrating the MANE program into the day-to-day operations. Games reiterates the importance of MANE in fostering balance and diversity within the Monarch community.

“When first starting out, this program was mainly just to welcome transfers to have a buddy,” Games said. “We want to give that person a helpful hand to come in, settle in and feel welcome.”

As the program has expanded, Games emphasizes its significance beyond the welcoming mission and also the community it builds. MANE strengthens the bond by lasting connections that stretch across grade levels and social groups. Now, it has become more than just a transition tool, but a cornerstone of Mater Dei’s welcoming spirit. 

“I think what I’m most proud of is our mentor groups,” Games said. “Where we give them an opportunity to not only receive help from their mentor and engage with them, but also engage with other students at Mater Dei, which further gives them exclusivity and other networks.”

Likewise, MANE also warmly welcomes students with disabilities or disorders, treating every upcoming Monarch as a valued member of the family. All mentors are committed to helping new students navigate the challenges, which reflects the program’s core mission: to assist every mentee in feeling connected, confident, and to treat Mater Dei as a home. Because of its deeply rooted mission, sophomore Mekhail Raphy joined MANE with the aspiration to spread it widely and include students with disabilities and beyond.

“I feel like generally, you just need to be patient,” Raphy said. “Because they have some differences doesn’t mean that they’re necessarily [worse off] than you, and they can achieve just as much or even more than anyone else.”

International students make up 5% of the student body at Mater Dei, contributing to a diverse and vibrant community. To welcome and support these students, MANE also offers a range of services similar to those provided for transfer students, including guided campus facility tours, Q&A sessions, and orientation events. Orientation Day allows them to practice language naturally while connecting with fellow Monarchs. Junior Leigh Bertea, who recognizes the particular challenges these students could encounter, provides extra assistance to ensure they have the best experience on campus. Furthermore, she enjoyed bridging cultural differences and learning more about each other.

“We’ve had language barriers for international students, and honestly, with that, I don’t think it’s too different because they’re learning English,” Bertea said. “If you really connect with the person, it’s not that hard to find things that you like about them.”

As it turns out, this inclusive and compassionate mindset has earned the MANE widespread praise. Many mentees have expressed that the program has had a positive impact on their high school experience. Sophomore Avelyn Johnson emphasizes that the program has helped him tremendously in understanding and becoming part of the Mater Dei big family.

“They’ve helped me fit in with people and helped me find new friends and [helped with] anything academically, [and] sports-wise,” Johnson said. 

The program’s supportive assistance serves as a solid foundation for mentees to launch further and brighter, shaping a pathway for mentees to take their own steps. MANE ensures that no student is left behind during this time of transition and acclimating to a new school. More than a program, MANE is a lively congregate family, where students are welcomed to share openly and build lasting connections. Mentors walk alongside their peers and foster a sense of belonging throughout the high school journey.