Mater Dei’s ASB (Associated Student Body) is run by students who take on a leadership role and demonstrate valuable leadership skills. Part of what it means to be a member of Mater Dei’s ASB is finding ways to make the school year enjoyable for other students. The various activities and events created by ASB are enjoyed by most, and that happiness is what fuels the spirit of the student body. 

With ASB being heavily student run, faculty who help coordinate and advise activities with the students really appreciate the growth they have seen in students. Coordinator of School Spirit, Rashad Shelton, considers one of the best aspects of ASB is for students to grow in friendships and create strong bonds between each other.

“The main goal for students is to grow: to be able to feel welcomed and included,” Shelton said. “ASB brings a lot of things to the table that encourages inclusion, encourages togetherness, and encourages family.” 

A primary goal for ASB is to make Mater Dei a welcoming place for its students, aiming to make every student feel there is something for them here at Mater Dei. Executive Director of Student Activities, Jeannette Costa, sees that Mater Dei’s student body brings life to the campus and strives for inclusion among students.

“The overall purpose of ASB is to make Mater Dei a more inviting community, and for us to find a way to make every student feel involved,” Costa said.

With students working hard in their classes and sports, it can be difficult for some students to find a balance and see the joy in school. Shelton believes that student-run rallies and other ASB activities help students have fun on campus and get a chance to take a break from school work.

“[Students] are [participating] in rallies and games at lunch,” Shelton said. “It’s very cool for me to see, because I’m seeing everyone enjoy things again and start to actually have fun at rallies. It’s nice to have things to look forward to because school is hard and ultimately, it needs to be fun too.” 

For the many years it has been a part of the school, ASB has seen many students come and go, learn and grow. Activities Officer and senior Maddi O’Connor has been in the program since she was a freshman and feels ASB has made a significant impact on her life socially. 

“I’ve just grown into my own self so much,” O’Connor said. “I’ve been put in so many things outside of my comfort zone. So it really pushes me to do new things every day, and now I enjoy doing new things.” 

With ASB, many feel like they are both present at school and feel present in a real workspace environment. Other students feel like coworkers, teachers as bosses, and it provides a real insight to what life will be after graduation.

“[ASB] is kind of like having a job, but you get paid in experience, so it’s fun. ASB has taught me a lot with meetings [and] scheduling,” O’Connor said.

Mater Dei’s ASB has built a community of students and helped create the campus a fun and welcoming place. Members of the student body also have made memorable experiences and many have gained enough confidence to step outside of their comfort zone. ASB brings all students together and creates the perfect balance between work and fun on school grounds. The spirit of ASB has and will retain a lasting impact on Mater Dei’s faculty, staff, and students.

”Being on ASB, there’s just always something to do and always something to look forward to,” O’Connor said. “It’s good to learn how to have fun and work with something you love doing.”