Photos: Festival of Children
October 17, 2018
Students from the school’s performing arts programs – including choir, dance team, All-Male Hip-Hop, and marching band – displayed their talents in support of the children’s charities at the Festival of Children on Sept. 15. The festival is an annual month-long event held at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa during the month of September. Every weekend in September, several children’s charities join together under this foundation in order to promote children’s welfare.
INTRODUCTION: Performing Arts Director Scott Melvin introduces Mater Dei's student performers at the Festival of Children on Sept. 16. "The Festival of Children is a really unique event that's focused on the betterment of children, and I don't think there's anything stronger out there that kids can get involved in to make them better leaders, better people than the arts," Melvin said.
![GETTING BETTER TOGETHER Mater Dei swimmers exert themselves at morning practice. As the season approaches, the swim team must discipline themselves for their early swim competitions. “Waking up early for practice is really hard, and getting yourself up in the morning and committing to the sport can be [difficult] at times,” Acevedo said.](https://thescarletscroll.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/img_9894-1200x800.jpg)
![FRIENDSHIP IN PRINT Members of the Hi-Lighter student newspaper gather for a press conference in 1954. Among them is senior Lenore Rigney (O’Hara), who had worked on the publication for two years after transferring to Mater Dei as a junior. “I found the students were all so friendly and accepting,” O’Hara said. “It was [important] to be friendly to someone new and to help them get used to the school and make friends.”](https://thescarletscroll.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_3582-1200x794.jpeg)
