Fall Crusader Connection 2011

Vol. 4 No. 2RUSADERONNECTION

A publication dedicated to the Marian/Mater Dei Catholic High School Community

Memorial Mass September 8, 2011

CC

ANNUAL REPORT ISSUE

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

3 Message from the President4 50th Anniversary Party10 The Annual Report12 Graduation13 Mrs. Claudia Skaggs Luttrell14 Class of 2011 - Student Recognition19 Visual & Performing Arts Night20 Women’s Softball Championship21 Women’s Basketball Champions22 Alumni News./Alumni Calendar23 Distinguished Alumni Award Induction24 Admissions Calendar

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 3

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Rev. Peter McGuine (Chair)

Rev. Peter Escalante

Sr. Maria Paz Uribe

Mr. Steven Boudreau, Esq.

Ms. Linda Bugelli

Mr. Gordon Day ‘74

Mr. Tom Finch ‘82

Mr. Wade McKnight

Mr. Rene Olivo

Mr. Edward Spriggs

Mr. Thomas Clayton Beecher, Ex-Officio

Mr. George Milke, Ex-Officio

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1615 Mater Dei DriveChula Vista, CA 91913

ph: 619.423.2121www.materdeicathol ic .org

The Crusader Connection is published two times per year by Mater Dei Catholic High School. Ev-ery effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this publication. Please ac-cept our apologies for any errors or omissions and report them to John Rey at (619) 621-5705 or [email protected].

Director of Publications: John ReyGraphic Design/Photography: Nicole LimogesPrinter: Kings PrintingA special thank you to those who took the extra time to write/proof the articles.

Dear Friends,

Whenever we say goodbye to another senior class at Mater Dei Catholic it is done with the regret of losing part of the family that has made the school what it has become over the past four years. This feeling of loss extends to the mothers and fathers, grandparents and friends who have all shared the Crusader experience with our graduates. We will miss you all very deeply and we only hope that you will find your way back to us in the years ahead to renew your connection and the fellowship that we shared during these four years.

The Class of 2011 will always be special to me and to our community. As President of Ma-ter Dei Catholic I was also a “freshman” during those first hot days in August 2007. I first walked the halls at Mater Dei Catholic the same time that these graduates were taking their baby steps here. I shared a great deal of anxiety with them as we struck out together for an as yet uncharted future. Looking back on those days, and the time in between, I am reminded of the faces that walked through the gates of the new school for the first time. How full of wonder they were at the sight of a brand new campus that had not yet had a lesson taught, a game played, a dance held, or a student prayer or Mass. Those first few days we all shared the experience of “breaking in” this new home of the Crusaders. None of that would have been possible without the great sacrifices that were made by our parents to allow their students to attend Mater Dei Catholic. Mater Dei Catholic is not simply a place where parents drop off their kids to be educated. It is a living body that grows stronger with the care and nurturing that is given to it by all the members of the community. Don’t get me wrong, there were certainly difficult days these past four years that the Class of ’11 had to endure. Those days asked our students to grow up quicker than normal as they were forced to confront very dif-ficult adult issues. However, in the final analysis, those times give way to a deep understand-ing that the fruits of our experience at Mater Dei Catholic will bear themselves fully in the hopes and dreams for the future as well as the warm memories that we carry from our past.It has been a blessing for me to share these four years with the students that have become the Class of ’11. You should all look back in pride at what you have left behind. The tradi-tions that will be carried on by countless Crusaders that follow you are the legacy that you have established. As a final lesson, that is not a bad outlook to carry with you into your life beyond Mater Dei Catholic.

We will continue to pray “…Mary Mother of God, will Lead you to her Son Jesus”!

God Bless you all,

Thomas Clayton BeecherPresident

4 CRUSADER CONNECTION

50YEARS TO

What a way to finish off the 50th Anniversary year with the Fabulous 50th Anniversary Bash. A great party with over 250 alumni, parents and friends of Marian/Mater Dei Catholic in attendance. The current faculty hosted food and beverages. It was a great evening for alumni and friends to get together and in many cases, classes held mini reunions that evening. Music was provided by DJ, Eddie Gates ’80 and Crusader Alumni bands, The Shamrockers (Terry Daly ’68) and The Broken-hearts (Raymond Wood ’67) dueled it out. As the mu-sic played, as the guests danced the night away next to Fatima Court at Mater Dei Catholic High School. A special thanks to the committee members who made the evening such a success. Barbara Drossell McKnight ’73 was the chair for the evening’s event. She was as-sisted by her committee members, Patty Prescott ’67, Raymond Wood ’67, Adele Delgado ’67, Patti Warner Thelin ’72 Jeanine Murphy Milke ’73, Chuck Wright ’74, Brenda Shaw ’74, Allen Gates ’77, Ali Carranza ’89 and the MDCHS Parent Association President, Lor-raine Allingham, mother of Thomas Allingham ’11.

CELEBRATE


50CELEBRATING YEARS

TOGETHER

HERITAGE DONORS

AramarkSteven & Sue BoudreauCity of Chula Vista Public LibraryLaRiviere Scholarship FundMaria & John RobertsStephen & Mary Birch Foundation, Inc.Ron & Betsy VernettiJeffrey & Lorrilee Weller

PRESIDENT’S SOCIETY Thomas C. Beecher Richard & Patricia ChavezChurch of St. Theresa of the Infant JesusPeter & Mary Ellen FerrantelliCarole FinchWilliam & Elizabeth GerkenJames & Katherine GillcristCesar & Rosa JimenezDavid KassebaumKings PrintingEmil & Rose KrejciWilliam & Teressa LyonsPatricia McGregorGeorge & Virginia MilkeWalter & Maxine OtteGilberto & Eneeth RoblesSue Mills Inc.Sylvia TorrezToyota Chula VistaWells Fargo Foundation - Educational Matching Gift ProgramYMNET

BLUE & GOLD CLUB

Leopaldo & Ana AlcantaraCresencia & Alberto AngelesAnamaria & Jim AnthonyJorge & Laura ArredondoJody BalestrieriManuel BanalesJanssen & Kimberly BarberEarl & Clarina BrandonLucila & Juan BrizRichard & Mary CainHelen CallowDiane & David CanedoRamiro & Maria-Amelia CardenasPedro & Idalia DabdoubDrew Auto CenterRobert & Estela EggerCesareo & Jacqueline FernandezThomas ‘82 & Andrea FinchMichael ‘74 & Renee FinchCarlos & Marisol GomezGoodrich, Rohr Employees’ Will-Share Club Charity FundMiguel & Maria GranadosDonald & Celia HenelyInstant Mexico Auto InsuranceRuth JudgeKOHL’SLane & Gaby LitkeVictor & Theresa LopezMainly Mozart, Inc.Ignacio & Sheila MartinezBarbara ‘73 & Wade McKnightArturo & Maricela MurilloNelnet Business Solutions, Inc (FACTS)


Francisco & Lorena PalacioTeresa A. Pappas ‘73Mario & Elsa QuinteroAraceli RiveraDavid & Sandra RodriguezJean M. RubanoDennis & Fay RyanMike & Boushra SalemViola Sanchez ‘81Robert & Terri SartorChris SchnitziusJorge & Maria SeptienGregory & Dorothy SmythRobert SwanThe Immaculata ParishRobert J. Trierweiler ‘71Romualdo & Carmelita UyRoy & Mary VasquezRamon & Adriana VazquezMichael & Kellie VogtDebbie A. WaynickDulce R. YarzaThe

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2010-2011Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum

Scholarship FundStatement of Activity

Scholarship Fund Balance: as of 7/1/2010 $126,304

Donations: from 7/1/2010 – 6/30/2011 $ 47,708

Interest Earned: $ 5,740

Distributions: ($10,000)

Scholarship Fund Balance: as of 6/30/2011 $169,752

CRUSADER CLUBEugene & Margarita AdamAnonymous Jim AlgertFidel & Imelda AlmazanWalter & Jolene AndersenHarold & Monica AndreoliVeronica ‘72 & Jeffrey AndreoliJonathan & Nancy AtkinsonMichael & Anita BarlettaCynthia BarmanIvan & Blanca BarreraThomas BeecherRafaela BelanichBlackies Trophies and AwardsArturo & Carmen BlancasSteven & Rosemary BrodbeckRebecca & Kevin BrownLinda BugelliCarolene CabreraVirginia Calero-VelazquezCalifornia Candids/ Classic PhotographyArthur Calvert SrJessie & Robin CampbellMichael & Wendy CareyJoseph & Eileen CartonGerarda ‘82 & Marbel CastanedaArturo & Eva CesenaMargaret & Salvatore ChiappeBarbara ChristopherKaren Chudy ‘68Class of 1989James CooneyCorpus Christi Catholic ParishRichard & Mary CotaTerrence Daly ‘68Gordon ‘74 & Terri DayJorge & Ilse De La GarzaJesus & Flor DelgadilloLidio & Regina FernandesCarlos & Sandra GageSalvador & Maribel GarciaFrank Garcia

Bienvenido & Sheila GoMartha GraciaChristina & Gerardo GuevaraEvelito & Rosemarie GuzmanMarie HamiltonEnrique & Berenice HawleyMargarita HernandezRosalia HernandezBlanca HerreraJon & Denise HighumNancy L. HittnerMary HuntJeffrey IsaacsJesus & Sonia JaquezJesuit Community of San DiegoCarlos & Mary JimenezDanny & Shelley KaiserJames & Michele KelleyRobert Klee ‘81Elizabeth La CostaNita H. LargozaJeffery & Mary LewisDavid & Elisa LichtMichael LogueRichard & Monica MacieJohn & Madelin McAuslanMel & Teresa McBroomeRev. Peter McGuineSergio & Lydia MedinaPedro & Olga MendozaRev. Msgr. Dennis MikulanisGeorge & Jeanne Milke IIDarren & Dolores NewellMarcus & Laura NunezTerry Nolen-RoseJose & Angelica OlazabalTerry & Lisa O’RourkePaul & Corazon OrtizAnthony & Christine PapapietroMary C. Pappagianis ‘72Benedicto & Ana ParadelaJusto & Stella PardoFrancisco ‘79 & Diana ‘80 Paredes Richard & Joy ParrellaEduardo Pedrero

Gerardo & Silvia PedrozaOscar & Silvia PerezMary L. Petito ‘87Harris Quesnell ‘64Charles & Michelle RatcliffRCP Block & Brick, Inc.Edward & Elizabeth ReidyGary Reneau ‘73John ReyHugo Roji ‘88Adalberto & Gloria RoblesIgnacio & Sandra RomoAlfredo & Maria RuizJoshua & Heidi RunyanIleana E. SalazarEnrique & Maria SalcedoCarla Salvatierra ‘89Alan G. Sanford ‘80Samuel & Krelia ScaifeArthur & Leslie SchroederMichael F. SextonSister Servants of the Blessed SacramentGustavo & Araceli SlovinskyGregory Smyth ‘89St. John of the Cross ParishSt. John’s Church and SchoolFrank StingoOscar & Guadalupe SuarezMarie TrentacostaRobert & Nancy TrometterEfrain & Lucilla ValdezValleyCrest Landscaping MaintenanceJose & Kathy Vargas


Memorial GiftsThe following names represent gifts made in memory of someone to our general scholarship fund. Memorial scholarship gifts can be made in any amount and are a great way to honor a family mem-ber or friend. The names of all of our memorial scholarship gifts will be displayed in our Annual Report each year.

Juana & Horacio AquilarMichael IslasJerry Judge

Dr. Estelle L. KassebaumFr. Earl LaRiviereThomas W. Otte

John Pappas Katherine Rubano

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TUITION 6,622,563

OTHERFEES 608,079

AUXILIARYSERVICES 141,521

ATHLETICS 72,171

DEVELOPMENT&FUNDRAISING 526,694

INVESTMENTS 62,860

FACILITIESLEASING 440,700

TOTALREVENUE $8,474,587

THEPERSTUDENTGAP(@684STUDENTS) $1.819THEGAPBETWEENTUITION&FEESINCOMEANDTOTALEXPENSES$1,243,945TUITION&FEESCOVERONLY85%OFEXPENSES

78%

6%

7%

5%1%

1%

2%

REVENUE


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3%

23%

4%

1%2%

1%7%

59%

EXPENSE

SALARIES&BENEFITS 4,976,192

ADMIN/STUDENT/PTG/RECRUITING/MISC. 580,549

EDUCATIONALMATERIALS&RESOURCES 102,602

ATHLETICS 178,915

AUXILIARYSERVICES 100,697

DEVELOPMENT 341,172

PLANTOPERATIONS/MAINTENANCE/RESERVE 1,910,502

DEBTREDUCTION 238,958

TOTALEXPENSE $8,474,587

STUDENTSAPPROVEDFORTUITIONASSISTANCE 230 TOTALTUITIONASSISTANCEGRANTED $915,000 AVERAGEPERSTUDENTAWARD $3,978


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Miguel & Matilde TamayoTargetJames & Leanne TruittUnited Way California Capital RegionSergio & Marlene ValenzuelaCarlos Varela ‘89Roy G. VasquezJoy & Don WalshJalil & Gloria WehberPeter Wraith ‘73Dan & Toddy Yeats

SPORTS PROGRAM SPONSORS

Jonathon & Nancy AtkinsonBlackies Trophies and AwardsBarbara ChristopherCorpus Christi Catholic ParishDrew Auto CenterWilliam & Elizabeth GerkenInstant Mexico Auto InsuranceDanny & Shelley KaiserDavid KassebaumNita H. LargozaMainly Mozart, Inc.George & Virginia MilkeNelnet Business Solutions, Inc (FACTS)St. John’s Church and SchoolToyota Chula Vista

GOLF TOURNAMENT SPONSORS

Valley Crest LandscapePrincell Family Michael LogueJeff & Marci Guzman

TEE SPONSORSABC Charter Services, LLC AramarkCorpus Christi ParishRichard Cota The Gerken FamilyJesuit Community of San DiegoJH Cohn LLPKings PrintingThe Princell FamilyRCP Block and BrickSimon Wong Engineering St. John of the Cross ParishSt. Rose of Lima ParishValley Crest LandscapingBetsy & Ron VernettiYMNET, Inc.In Memory of Bill Youmans, Class of 1960

AUCTION DONATIONSBradford Renaissance Portraits Bonita Golf ClubRobert ColgroveJorge Cornejo Eastlake Country ClubCarmen & Robert GarciaMDCHS ASB StoreMichael LogueMt. Woodson Golf ClubMurder Mystery CafeGil PimentelThe Princell FamilyPrincess Pub and GrilleSalt Creek Golf ClubSeales FamilyValley Crest Landscaping

It is with gratitude that we make this year’s Annual Report public to our par-ents, alumni and friends. We realize that only through your generosity can we continue to provide an excellent Catholic education for tomorrow’s leaders.

We hope that you will consider to support the students of Mater Dei Catholic High School in the upcoming year through one or more of the following ways:

Annual Crusade Sports Program Advertisements Crusader Golf Tournament Planned Giving Memorial Brick Program Scholarship Funds

PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING YOUR 2011-2012 ANNUAL CRUSADE GIFT AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.


In thanksgiving...

Marco & Silvia VillarCarlos & Erika VillegasMichael WallgrenGary ‘69 & Carol YoumansEleanor A. Zizka ‘65

FRIEND

Cesar & Lorena AcostaYvette Albee ‘89Robert & Meredith AlcockMary L. Andrews ‘70Mike & Kathryn AustinAmy BaleloJoelle BiedenbachJoseph & Gloria BrunnerLily CaesarAlejandra Carranza ‘89Benjamin & Martha CastorenaMargo Clark Floquet ‘67Alejandro ‘69 & Rebecca CotaDomonic Cruz ‘98Edward & Jacqueline De RocheFran A. DerbyGuadalupe EscalanteSergio & Pilar FourzanPat GarciaLilia Garcia-RoeNancy GillcristMartha E. GomezMartha GraciaMarie Elaine GuilasRobert & Lenore HaackPatrick J. Haggerty Jr.Albert & Lee HalffThomas & Sally HardinGeorge KuzukianJames & Mary LancasterReinette LevinePatricia MaierErnesto & Mariela MartinezAgustin & Alejandrina NavarroMartha S. OstranderSteven ‘79 & Evette OtteMichael Parisi ‘70Lorraine Pimentel ’89John & Mary RheinGuadalupe RiosAlfredo & Ana RodriguezLilly R. RosaRoselle RoseJorge SanchezTaffy SealesSempra EnergySocorro SifuentesSharon K. SmithRev. Nemesio Sungcad

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always in our hearts


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GardenRemembrance

of

How to giveOn August 27, 2011, a Memorial Mass was held in Marian Chapel on the campus of Mater Dei Catholic High School to commemorate the loss of loved ones. An installation of Memorial Bricks has been placed behind the Marian Chapel. The Memorial Brick Program has become a popular way for our donors to support the mission of our school. All donations of $400 or more to the Annual Crusade will be eligible to participate in the Memorial Brick Program. One way to participate in the Memorial Brick Program is by making a pledge of $20/month for 20 months. We hope it will be a meaningful way for our community to gather in prayer each year to remember someone that has influenced their lives. Please feel free to contact John Rey, CPA with any questions at (619) 621-5705 or at [email protected]. Thank you for your continued support of Mater Dei Catholic High School.

Harold and Virginia AndreoliJohn G. Appel, Jr.Steve AshcraftRev. Msgr. John E. BaerThomas A. BalestrieriManuel BanalesCharlotte V. BeecherNoli A. BensanJack BlakelyStephen CallowConnie and Joe CanedoJoseph A. CanedoRev. Ben CarrierAlfonso CasillasHenry and Joan ChudyDulin and Virginia CoveyFred D’Acquisto, Sr.Gerardo and Severina De MesaDick and Ronnie DrosselBeatrice Mary DunhamToni Dunham FamousRay and Loretta EckesMary A. EndsleyMarvin FinchJeanette and Bud GallagherMarty R. GarciaValentine and Annabel GerkenAlicia GiandoniManuel and Piedad Gonzalez

Tom Harkness ‘64Ana Luisa HerreraRon HillsberyBarbara J. HodgesCarlos Daniel JimenezJerry JudgeRosa KaloyanDr. Estelle L. KassebaumMr. and Mrs. Louis KassebaumTeresa KayachanianBobby KeyesThe Kohrman-Weller FamilyEd & Helen KostelnikEdward F. KuzukianRev. Leo LanphierRev. Earl W. LaRiviereChristine Marie LaRiviereThomas LopezJon-Jon LunaPat MacCarthyMarian Class of 1989Marian’s Founding Parents 64-66Joseph F. McGregorAbilio (Abel) MendesG. G. MoranJose and Cesarea MorenoBill and Mary Murphy

Very Rev. J. Walsh MurrayJohn W. NovobilskyThomas Walter Otte ‘77Francisco and Elvira PadresCristina O. ParedesRev. John Pejza, OSAJohn R. PerezThomas Petrone, Jr.Dale PowersDominic and Helena PretzieJoe Raef ‘74Jose Luis Rivas MarentesJoseph Ruiz RenteriaMr. and Mrs. Lawrence RheinAgustin RojasTeresa H. RojasEsperanza C. RojasJoe L. RojasTeresita Rojas HernandezKatherine Ann Rubano

Otila SalazarAndy SanchezLuis Sanchez-CortezRommel Schroeder YarzaMr. and Mrs. Fred SchweihoferWilfred and Amelia SearcySisters of MercyMary P. Slovinsky-RocheJohn “Sully” SullivanLuis Jorge TereBuster and Mildred Lee ThrasherJames P. TollefsonSabel TolosaPete TorrezRose TorrezLeon TuttleVictims of AbortionMr. and Mrs. Harvey Westrick, Sr.Belen D. YapLeonardo D. Yap


The 2011 Bacclaureate Mass was held in the Immaculata Church on the University of San Diego campus, Thursday, June 9.

Class of 2011Congratulat ions

A few years ago, Mrs. Luttrell spoke on behalf of her parents, Sam and Aline Skaggs, at the celebratory opening of Mater Dei. While they were unable to be at this year’s graduation, they share with the students –their excitement and pride in educational accomplish-ment, which is exactly why they built Mater Dei. Mrs. Luttrell’s father started in business at a very young age, by sweeping floors in his father’s store in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. At the age of 26, Mr. Skaggs stepped forward to run the 8 stores left to him. Before his retirement in 1995, he took those 8 stores, and turned them into the third largest food and drug store chain worldwide, with stores all across the U.S. While the list of her father’s accomplishments is extensive, so is his record of quiet philanthropy towards many causes that span the globe, touching the lives of so many people. From medical research and pharmacy schools to help prevent and cure disease; to safe housing and relief services for the poor and disadvantaged; to educational opportunities via schools and scholarships, like Mater Dei and sister school, Juan Diego. The importance of education is foun-

Claudia S. Luttrell is President of the Skaggs Foundation for Research as well as the Skaggs Institute for Research. A native of Salt Lake City she is a graduate of the University of Utah, as well as founder and former CEO of Meadowlands Veterinary Hospital. An accomplished equestrian, she is the holder of two U S National titles. Mrs. Luttrell is active on numerous boards including the Grants Committee of The Alsam Foundation, the University of Utah Hospital Board of Trustees and College of Pharmacy Advisory Council, as well as The Roman Catholic and Community Charities in the Diocese of Salt Lake City. In addition she serves on the National Advisory Council and the Educational Resource Development Council for Health Sciences at the University of Utah. Mrs. Luttrell has been the recipient of two Honorary Doctorates, one from The Scripps Research Institute here in LaJolla and the second from the University of Utah. She is also the proud mother of two wonderful children, Jenny and Dallas.

dational. It opens the mind, bridges understanding and creates un-ending possibilities. It is our hope that your experiences at Mater Dei have enriched the students, both educationally and spiritually, and will continue to springboard educational pursuits and a recog-nition of the difference you can make not only in your life, but in the lives of so many others. As she spoke, Mrs. Luttrell told the students to have pas-sion for life, love, learning, and what you choose to do. To shape change and be involved. Experience the world, and open your heart and mind to the richness of its diversity. View yourself as a care-taker to the environment and the sciences. And as a caregiver, dem-onstrate compassionate understanding, and never, never lose sight of humanity. have purpose in what you do, why you do it, and how you do it. Care to make a difference in the lives of others, those that love you and those that depend on you. Stand up for yourself and your convictions. Let your voice be heard, and be the voice of those that cannot speak. Believe in yourself, and in others. Chase your dreams with conviction. Worry about the future – but embrace and live in the present.

Mrs. Claudia Skaggs Luttrell

COMMENCEMENT


Ariel will be attending the University of San Diego where she received $20,000 per year in scholarships. She will study business ad-ministration and would like to attend culi-nary school. Her dream is to someday open her own pastry shop. Ariel participated in Drama, was a member of Yearbook, Campus Ministry, Ambassador for Christ Corps and Steel Drum Band.

Ariel said she will miss the family like atmo-sphere most which was created by the close relationships amongst teachers and students.

Ariel believes that Mater Dei helped her to become a stronger Catholic and helped her to regain her faith. She feels her stron-ger hold on her faith will help guide her in future decisions and lead her in the right direction.


Jessica will attend UC Santa Barbara and will major in psychology and sociology. She woud like to be a clinical psychologist that specializes in teenagers and young adults. Jessica would eventually like to open up her own practice or become a criminal profiler for law enforcement. Jessica was a member of the volleyball, basketball and track teams. She was an active member of the Ambassa-dor for Christ Corps and was on the Com-mission of Publicity for ASB.

Jessica said she will miss two things. The first is how tight-knit the community of the student population and the second is how nice the teachers are to the students. “The

Claudio Gage will attend Earl Warren Col-lege at UCSD. He plans to study Human Biology and would like to become a doctor or study health administration. Claudio was a member of the Water Polo, Wrestling and Swimming Teams. He was a member of His-panic and Ecology Club and was also an Am-bassador for Christ.

A few things Claudio will miss about Mater Dei are the happy welcomes of Bob and the strong and great relationships with classmates and faculty. Before Mater Dei, Claudio said he had never received a Catholic Education. His experience at Mater Dei has changed him and made his faith grow in every area. Mater Dei has helped him realize that God places an essential and positive influence in every aspect of your life. Recognition of this can help you achieve your potential as a Catholic.

L o o k i n g t o t h e f u t u r e

UC Santa BarbaraUC Santa Barbara

UCSDUCSD

Jessica Baumgardner

Claudio Gage

Ariel Cabrera

teachers cared about my success and took the time to get to know me as a person.”She felt as though her classes taught her the importance of putting Christ first and by doing this, she developed a strong sense of justice. She feels at peace helping people with their problems and plans on using her talents to help people.

University of San DiegoUniversity of San Diego


Andrew will attend San Diego State and plans to study physics. He would like to become an anesthesiologist or pediatrician in the future. Andrew was a member of the swim team, water polo team, drama club, ecology club and an Eagle Scout. Andrew says he will miss the sense of com-munity and the caring teachers. He feels that Mater Dei strengthened his relationship with God through classes, retreats and service.

Samantha will attend UC Davis where she will study Bio-medical Sciences. She hopes to pursue a career as a trauma physician and possibly join Doctors Without Borders or Red Cross. She was a member of the Science Academy and the Cinematography club. Sam says she will miss her friends and the teach-ers most as she goes off to college. She feels that Mater Dei has taught her that although God does love us and takes care of us, we also must take the initative to take care of ourselves. The strong foundation in faith that she gained at Mater Dei will help her to remain trustful in God throughout her life.

Michael is attending University of Alabama on a full room, board and tuition scholarship worth approximately $130,000K. He plans to major in Aerospace Engineering and minor in Com-puter Science. Michael would like to build something that can fly so he hopes to possibly work for Boeing or NASA. He was a member of the Varsity Baseball Team for 3 years and was in the guitar club.

Michael said he will miss his teachers and classmates. “Every-one at Mater Dei is so genuine. So many great people.” He feels he has learned how his faith applied to every part of his life in practical ways. Michael has also learned how faith can guide him through tough times.

Andrew TheinSDSUSDSU

Michael Carton

University of AlabamaUniversity of Alabama

l e t t i n g y o u r v o i c e b e h e a r d

Samantha Baxley

UC DavisUC Davis


Nick will attend USD where he received the USD Grant and Science Academy Partnership Scholarship. He will study Biology and Environmental Science with hopes to work in the biotech industry or in sustainable forest management. He is also interested in a forensic sciences career. Nick was the ASB Executive president his senior year, but also involved in the Ambassador for Christ Corps, Wrestling and the Science Academy. Nick had an internship at USD in the Science Department during summer his junior year. When asked what he will miss about Mater Dei, he said he will miss the community and family feel among teachers and students. His faith has made him a stronger, independent, determined and driven individ-ual. Knowing that he can put all things in God’s hands and let Him control the consequence has allowed him to entrust things to Him.

Allison is attending USF with a $9,000 scholarship. She was also accepted to USD, Cal State Long Beach and SDSU. Allison is undecided in her major but would like to study something in science. Allison has been involved as a dancer for 10 years and plans to continue dancing in college. She was also a member of ASB, CSF, NHS and an Ambassador for Christ. When asked what she will miss about Mater Dei, she said she will miss not seeing friends and teachers every day. Although change is hard, Mater Dei has taught her to trust in God, especially during tough times.

Valeria will attend Marquette University and plans to double major in Theology and Athletic Training. She hopes to become a physical therapist and also work as a youth minister. Valeria was a member of Ambassador for Christ Corps, Campus min-istry, Track & Field, Cross Country and JV soccer. Valeria will miss the people most at Mater Dei. Teach-ers such as Mr. Wraith and Ms. Ditommaso became role mod-els. “The people on campus made me want to come to school every day. Mater Dei became my family.” She feels that Mater Dei made her a strong person and prepared her for everything because of the strong faith life here. “Mater Dei has taught me that God is always beside me in whatever I do.”

Allison CastanedaNick Day

USFUSF

USDUSD

Valeria Cardenas

MarquetteMarquetteUniversityUniversity

D e m o n s t r a t i n g i n t e g r i t y


Sarah is attending the University of New England and will study Athletic Training. She would like to eventually go into Sports Medicine and become a surgeon with her own practice. Sarah was a member of Cross Country and Soccer teams for 4 years, Track for 2 years, an Ambassador for Christ Corps member, involved in ASB and a Eucharistic Minister.Sarah will miss teachers, cookies in the cafeteria and structure of high school. She feels that the retreats and religion teachers have helped her to grow in her faith. She has been taught that faith is who she is and how she plans to live her life.

Chris will attend UCSD and will study Molecular Biology as he prepares for Pre-Med Program. He would also like to find time to take journalism and philosophy courses. Chris hopes to be a Pediatric Oncologist. He was a member of the Science Academy, founder of cinematography club and participated in various graphic design elements of yearbook. Chris will miss the overwhelming ease of conversation and open attitude between teachers and students at Mater Dei. He feels this school has shown him the good that can be accom-plished by placing faith in God and humanity.

Raul Silva-MartinezUC IrvineUC Irvine

Chris Weller

Raul is attending University of California – Irvine and will explore the Health Profes-sions and Medical Field. He was a member of the varsity baseball team for all 4 years, played basketball for 3 years and an Ambassador for Christ Corps. Raul will miss wonderful people at Mater Dei who have pushed him to see the beauty within himself and who have helped him to realize his potential. He feels that Mater Dei has given him the invaluable vision and faith to understand that no matter where he goes in life or what he does, God is always with him.

University ofUniversity ofNew EnglandNew England

Sarah Papapietro

SDSUSDSU

b e l i e v e i n y o u r s e l f


Maria will attend Cornell University on a partial scholarship. She will study urban planning and is undecided at this point on what direction she would like to go with her major. Isa-bel was a member of the Science Academy, Ambassador for Christ Corps and Campus Ministry. She also played volley-ball, basketball, water polo and was a swimmer. Isabel said she will miss the community and the sup-port that she received while at Mater Dei. She will miss all of the people and the memories made here. Isabel feels her faith has grown and been enforced as a result of the religion class opportunities to receive sacraments and the retreats.

Diego is attending UCSD where he will study Biomedical En-gineering in hopes to become a doctor or engineer someday. He played Tennis and Soccer and was part of state champion Soccer team during his sophomore year. He was also an Am-bassador for Christ Corps, campus minister and senior class Vice president. When asked what he will miss the most at Mater Dei, he said all of his friends and family-like atmosphere at MDCHS. Mater Dei helped him to practice in his daily life what he was learning in his faith classes.

Christine Hillmann

Belmont University

Maria Isabel Stonehouse

Christine attends Belmont University in Nashville. She will study music business and would like to become a major label country recording artist. Her biggest goal is to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Eventually, Christine would love to be able to open her own record label to help other aspiring musicians reach their goals, the same way she is trying to reach hers. Christine was an Executive Ambassador for her senior year and was a member of Campus ministry, cheerleading, NHS and CSF. Outside of Mater Dei, Christine has recorded two EPs of original music and has performed at country venues around San Diego County. Christine said she will miss her friends and teachers when she leaves Mater Dei. They have become like a family to her. During her time at Mater Dei, Christine has been able to watch her faith grow. One of the biggest things that she will take away from high school is that she was able to live out her faith with like-minded people who allowed her to blossom.

Cornell UniversityCornell University Diego Galan Hoffman

Chase your dreams with conviction

UCSDUCSD

t h e t h i r d a n n u a l

VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS NIGHTLast Spring, Mater Dei’s more artistic side took its opportunity to shine in the limelight during the Third Annual Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Night. VAPA Night is a student run event that is a culmination of the hard work of over 350 of our more creative Crusaders.

As parents and arts enthusiasts entered the lobby turned gallery, they were greeted by student Ambassadors and shown into the theatre. With students performing in dance, guitar, drama, and choir, the love of the arts at Mater Dei was palpable. These young Crusaders brought down the house. The show was MC’d by Mater Dei seniors, Gabriel Ramirez and Jessica Baumgardner whose witty commentary throughout the night kept the full house on their toes!

Immediately after the performances, everyone flooded back out into the lobby, which had been transformed into a gallery space that held over 400 works from Art, Ceramics and Graphic Design. As parents and friends looked at the works, they were invited to enjoy light refreshments provided by the students while spending time in the gallery with VAPA teachers and students who were on hand to talk about the exciting things happening in the Arts at Mater Dei.

Events like VAPA Night truly show the buy-in that our students and parents have. This event was set up and run by students from the first piece of artwork that was hung to the last light that was turned off that night with teachers on hand strictly as facilitators. Arts programs, such as the one at Mater Dei, create a deep and meaningful appreciation for the Arts not just at the high school level, but as our young adults venture out into society as well. We hope to see you this spring at the Fourth Annual VAPA Night so that you can be a part of the arts at Mater Dei Catholic!



Last year’s Crusader team was clearly touched by an angel as it dedicated its season to the late Estelle Kassebaum, a longtime Principal/President at the school, and came through with a CIF championship. A similar scenario played out to the same conclusion this year as the team dedicated its season to the memory of assistant coach Perry Burgess, who died of a heart attack less than a month into the current season. “We played that same afternoon,” MDC coach Mike Centrullo said. “Understandably, it was very difficult.” “This team has endured a lot this season,” MDC athletic director Nicki Limoges said. “The girls had a bucket made in honor of Perry, where he would have sat during the games. Also, on their home dugout, they have some flowers hanging on the fence next to his name. Perry was part of their family and the team dedicated this season to him. I know they all believed he helped them come together as a team and win the CIF championship.” Mater Dei smashed sixth-seeded Del Norte, 10-0, in a five-inning run-rule game as the opening round of double-elimina-tion play commenced on May 20. The Crusaders took it on the chin with a 10-0 run-rule loss to second-seeded Palo Verde Valley in the second round on May 21 but rebounded with four consecutive victories. Mater Dei downed fourth-seeded Francis Parker, 11-1, in a six-inning elimination game on May 24 to advance to the challenger bracket semifinal contest against fifth-seeded Valley Center on May 26. The Crusaders held on to edge the Jaguars, 9-8, to gain a rematch against Palo Verde in the evening’s challenger bracket final. Mater Dei’s ensuing 6-3 win over Palo Verde catapulted the Chula Vista private school to the Division IV championship game. In reaching last year’s title contest, the Crusaders also defeated Palo Verde to get there. This year, Mater Dei met up against Madison, undefeated in 28 previous games on the season and at one point early on challenging the Barons for the coveted top section ranking. The Crusaders appeared to collectively say no problem, and seized the momentum when it mattered most. The Warhawks promptly pushed across three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Mater Dei tied the game with three runs of its own in the top of the third inning but Madison went back in front by a 6-3 score on the strength of a three-run uprising in the fifth inning. Trailing by three runs with three outs apparently remaining in their season, the Crusaders made one last stand. Skania Lemus delivered a RBI-single to help ignite the late inning rally after doubling in two runners earlier in the contest. Mikayla Conlin stroked two doubles and drove in two runs for Mater Dei, which made a winner out of Lopez-Portillo (13-4).

2011CIF SOFTBALL

CHAMPIONS

BACK TO BACK


WOMENS BASKETBALL2010-2011

The Mater Dei Catholic girls basketball team won the Mesa League title for the 3rd year in row. This con-tinues their undefeated league play with a 30-0 record over the past three seasons. The girls team is tough to beat at home and currently have not lost a game in our home gym since Mater Dei Catholic opened 4 years ago. The team is built of young talent and only lost one senior last season, Ocean Escalante. The Lady Crusaders won 19 games last year and fought a tough battle with their final loss in the semi-final CIF game. The Crusaders continue to play in very competitive tournaments out of the area and will face an even more competitive schedule this 2011-2012 season. Four girls received First Team All-League Honors last season. They are Sophomore Alexandria Young, Junior Card-edra Evans, Sophomore Brittani Lusain and Freshman Kandiss Barber.L

EAGUE CHAMPIONS

To theCrusadersALUMNI NEWSDear fellow Crusaders,

What a great year to have been a Crusader. Fifty years of Crusader traditions were celebrated this past school year beginning in August 2010 with the Annual Memorial Mass and Blessing of the Pavers, then the Crusader Sports Hall of Fame Induction, Home-coming, Alumni Valentines Mass, the first Distinguished Crusader Award Ceremony and the grand finale was the Fabulous 50th Anniversary Bash in May 2011. I hope many of you were be able to attend some of these events.

Another school year has started and the Crusader Alumni Association was able to provide scholarship help to six incoming students who are parents of Crusader Alumni:• Yessenia Lugo (Ocean View Hills School) – daughter of Sylvia Zuniga Lugo ‘79• Joshua Strauss (St. Didacus) – son of Judith Garcia Strauss ‘81• Stephen Strauss (St. Didacus) – son of Judith Garcia Strauss ‘81• Ricardo Alonzo Sanchez (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel) – son of Azalea Banuelos Sanchez ‘82• Kristen Castaneda (St. Michael Academy) – daughter of Gerarda Castaneda ‘82• Luis Cacho II (Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School) – son of Luis Alejandro Cacho ‘86It is only because of your generosity as Crusader Alumni that we are able to help with alumni scholarships to MDCHS. Please think about making a donation to the Crusader Alumni Association. You can make an online donation by going to the school web site.

Homecoming is just around the corner with the 35th Annual Crusader Golf Tournament on Sunday, October 16 at Bonita Golf Course kicking off homecoming week. All alumni are invited to attend the Homecoming Week Mass on Wednesday, October 19 at 9:30 AM. On Thursday, October 21 the 4th class of inductees will be inducted into the Crusader Sports Hall of Fame. This year’s class of inductees into the Crusader Sports Hall of Fame are: Individuals: Bill Youmans ’65, Robin Krall ’79, Art Calvert ‘81, Sean Loomer ’82, Alisa Eischen ’83 and Team: 1988 Football Team – 1st CIF Champion Football Team at Marian. The next night is homecoming and the Crusaders will take on Southwest High School at 7 PM followed by the annual Crusader Alumni Party in the gym. I hope many of you will be able to make some, if not all, of these homecoming week events. More info on each of these events is available on the school web site at www.materdeicatholic.org. The Alumni Association is here to support Crusader Alumni. If you would like to become more involved or have suggestions for the Alumni Association, please let me know. If you’d like more information about the Crusader Alumni Association events and activities, please visit the MDCHS web site. You can also get information via our “Marian and Mater Dei Crusaders Alumni Association” page on Facebook. It’s a great time to become involved and continue the Crusader tradition.

Truly yours,

Carlos Varela ‘89President, Crusader Alumni Association

C r u s a d e r A l u m n i C a l e n d a r35th Annual Crusader Golf TournamentSunday, Oct 16, 2011 at 1:15 PM Shotgun start at Bonita Golf Club.

Four person best ball scramble format

Homecoming Week Mass for Alumni/Student BodyWednesday, Oct 19, 2011

at 9:30 AM in the Bosco Center Gym.

Crusader Sports Hall of Fame InductionThursday, Oct 20, 2011 at 6:30 PM

in the foyer of the Bosco Center.

Homecoming 2011Friday, October 21, 2011 at 7:00 PM Football vs. Southwest High School

followed by Alumni Post game party in the gym

Distinguished Crusader Award Presentation Friday, March 16, 2012 at 6:30 PM in the foyer of the DePaul Center.


Award InductionDistinguished Crusader

On Friday, March 25 in the DePaul Center at MDCHS the first recipients were presented with the Distinguished Cru-sader Award. This award is given to those individuals, both alumni and others who have demonstrated exceptional service to their faith, community and alma mater. The 2011 awardees were: Harris Quesnell, Crusader Class of 1964, retired Research Faculty from George Mason University who was involved in some of the leading edge protocols in the area of telecommu-nications. Harris has been an active supporter of Marian and Mater Dei Catholic High School.

Sister Suzanne Soppe, Crusader Class of 1966, a Religious Sister of the Order of Sisters of Mercy. She has dedicated her life to our Lord through her service in both the secondary education and health education field.

Fr. Robert Brocato, Crusader Class of 1969, is a diocesan priest in the Diocese of San Jose and is currently working in the Diocese of Montego Bay in Jamaica as part of a mission-ary collaboration with the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers. Fr. Bob’s mother, Florance Leighter and his brother Barry received the award in Fr. Bob’s honor.

Judge Jesus Rodriguez, Crusader Class of 1969, has been a strong supporter of Marian and Mater Dei Catholic High School having served as the School Board president for many years and having sent two of his children to Marian. He served as the senior judge in the South Bay Court in San Di-ego and is now the Assistant District Attorney for the County of San Diego.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Egger, Sr., who without their foresight and love and dedication to their faith and beliefs, Marian Catholic High School would have never been built. They donated the land were Marian was built as well as the land where St. Charles Parish stands and the Egger Community Park. Their land donations became what are now known in the South Bay community as Egger Highlands. Walter and Marianne Egger, the son and daughter-in-law of the senior Egger’s accepted the award on their behalf.


Mater Dei Catholic High School1615 Mater Dei Drive

Chula Vista, CA 91913Phone 619.423.2121

www.materdeicatholic.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDSan Diego, CA

Permit No. 751

8th Grade Visitation Day 1Tuesday, September 27, 20119:00 am - 11:45 amProspective 8th Grade StudentsBegins and ends in the Lima Center - Lunch included

8th Grade Visitation Day 2Tuesday, October 4, 20119:00 am - 11:45 amProspective 8th Grade StudentsBegins and ends in the Lima Center - Lunch included

8th Grade Visitation Day 3Thursday, October 25, 20119:00 am - 11:45 amProspective 8th Grade StudentsBegins and ends in the Lima Center - Lunch included

8th Grade Visitation Day 4Tuesday, November 8, 20119:00 am - 11:45 amProspective 8th Grade StudentsBegins and ends in the Lima Center - Lunch included

Open House #1Saturday, October 15, 201110:00 am - 12 Noon in the Lima Center All prospective families welcome

Open House #2Saturday, January 7, 201210:00 am - 12 Noon in the Lima Center All prospective families welcome

Prospective Parent Information NightWednesday, January 18, 20126:30 pm - 7:30 pm in the Lima CenterAll prospective families welcome

High School Placement Test Saturday, January 21, 20127:45 am - 11:30 am Test and Application Fee $50

Freshmen Interview NightThursday, February 2, 20124:30 pm - 8:00 pm in the De Paul Center

Admissions CalendarRSVP’s are required for all of the following events. Please contact Roy Vasquez in the Admissions Office at (619) 423-2121 ext 106 or email [email protected]

Documents

Fall Crusader Connection 2011