Crusader Connection Vol2 No2

RUSADER C

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Vol. 2 No. 2

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

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STATE CHAMPIONS! U

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Message from the President The Annual Report Technology in the Classroom Student Honors Visual and Performing Arts Night Science Academy Graduation and College Acceptances Class of 2009 - Student Recognition Winter Sports Spring Sports Mens Soccer Championship Womens Basketball Championship Alumni News Alumni in the Spotlight, Harris Quesnell Student Calendar

GRADUATION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Crusader Families and Friends, 1615 Mater Dei Drive Chula Vista, CA 91913 ph: 619.423.2121 www.m a te r deicathol ic.org

BOARD OF DIR ECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Very Rev. Peter McGuine (Chair) Rev. Peter Escalante Sr. Maria Paz Uribe Steven Boudreau, Esq. Ms. Linda Bugelli Mr. Gordon Day ‘74 Mr. Tom Finch ‘82 Mr. Rene Olivo Mr. Thomas Clayton Beecher, Ex-Officio Mr. George Milke, Ex-Officio

The Crusader Connection is published two times per year by Mater Dei Catholic High School. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this publication. Please accept our apologies for any errors or omissions and report them to John Rey at (619) 621-5705 or [email protected]. Director of Publications: John Rey Graphic Design/Photography: Nicole Limoges Printer: Kings Printing A special thank you to those who took the extra time to write/proof the articles.

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Throughout history there are continuous examples of turmoil in cultures and markets and our times have not escaped these trials. But as time advances we can see that turmoil is always followed by calm and often a reflective and learned response to try and prevent the recent catastrophe from reccurring. This seems to be the path that we are now walking in regard to our most recent economic crisis. I pray that the effects of this recent downturn have been only mild in your life and that you will see the fruits of a recovery blossom within the home of your own family in the days and weeks ahead. Because of the economy there has been a much greater need for tuition support to students and families in the Mater Dei community. However, we have been truly blessed by the generous response of our alumni and friends who have allowed our Annual Crusade to reach its highest level of participation and total amount received in the history of our school. This issue of the Crusader Connection includes our 2008-2009 Annual Report to donors. We hope that we have recorded your name and gift appropriately and if we’ve made any mistakes I’d like to personally apologize and ask that you call or write us to tell us of our error. Mainly I’d like to thank you for the gift that you’ve made to us in the midst of these very trying economic troubles and ask God to continue to bless you for your faith in Mater Dei Catholic High School. We invite you to enjoy the many accomplishments of our students and staff as outlined in this Crusader Connection. Our recent graduates have left a lasting mark as Crusaders of the Class of 2009. Their goals and aspirations can be seen in the pages that follow. They will always have a home here no matter where their life journey leads them. You can also read about some recent innovations in technology that Mater Dei is spearheading along with State Championships and a discussion with one of our very first graduates, Harris Quesnell, Class of 1964! All this and so much more await your review. Mary Mother of God, Lead Us to Your Son Jesus. Yours in Christ,

Thomas Clayton Beecher President

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The Annual Report 2008-2009

Memorial Gifts The 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 member or friend. The names of all of our memorial scholarship gifts will be displayed in our Annual Report each year.

HERITAGE SOCIETY

BLUE & GOLD CLUB

ALSAM Foundation Award Designers/Scriber Steven & Sue Boudreau Walter & Maxine Otte Maria ‘81 & John Roberts Stephen & Mary Birch Foundation, Inc.

A & M Team Sales Charlie & Susan Ahern Fidel & Imelda Almazan Harold & Monica Andreoli Cresencia & Alberto Angeles Anamarie & Jim Anthony Bank of America United Way Campaign Eduardo & Marisela Becerra John & Bertha Blas Blessed Sacrament Parish Bob Baker Foundation Inc. Rebecca & Kevin Brown Linda Bugelli Ramiro & Maria-Amelia Cardenas Hector & Esther Casillas Karen Chudy ‘68 Pedro & Idalia Dabdoub Gordon ‘74 & Terri Day Very Rev. John Dolan Mario & Martha Fierro Thomas ‘82 & Andrea Finch Guillermo Giandoni ‘68 Victor & Elba Gonzalez Ernesto & Elena Guilas Rocio ‘81 & John Hodges Carlos & Mary Jimenez Ruth Judge Robert & Gerriss Klant Lifetouch Mainly Mozart Ignacio & Sheila Martinez Mattel Children’s Foundation Pedro & Olga Mendoza George & Virginia Milke Nelnet Business Soluntions, Inc (FACTS)

donations of $5,000 +

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE

donations of $1,000 - $ 4,999

Manuel Banales Thomas Clayton Beecher Lucila & Juan Briz Diane & David Canedo Jean Dobyns William & Elizabeth Gerken James & Katherine Gillcrist Carlos & Marisol Gomez Thomas & Sally Hardin David Kassebaum Kings Printing Mark LaRiviere Walter & Kelley Lindstrom Victor & Theresa Lopez Ramon & Anna Madrigal Faith Manners Patricia McGregor McMahon Steel Company Inc. MEXICOACH George ‘72 & Jeanine ‘73 Milke II Mills School Wear Claire Roach Sempra Energy Sylvia Torrez Jeffrey & Lorrilee Weller Wells Fargo Foundation

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donations of $400 - $999

Juana & Horacio Aguilar Michael Islas Jerry Judge Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Fr. Earl LaRiviere Thomas W. Otte John Pappas Katherine Rubano

Darren & Dolores Newell Rene & Matilde Olivo Francisco & Lorena Palacio Francisco ‘79 & Diana ‘80 Paredes John & Mary Rhein Ruben & Lisa Rodriguez Roesling, Nakamura, Terada Architects, Inc. Jean Rubano Rubin Seeds, LLC Viola Sanchez ‘81 Manny Silva Gustavo & Araceli Slovinsky Gregory & Dorothy Smyth South Bay Expressway Maria Tollefson Robert & Nancy Trometter Romualdo & Carmelita Uy Larry & Frances VanWey Wells Fargo Foundation Dulce Yarza

CRUSADER CONNECTION

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donations of $100 - $399

Cesar & Lorena Acosta Michelle Aguinaldo ‘85 Robert & Meredith Alcock Jerry & Merlinda Allen Walter & Jolene Andersen Jorge & Laura Arredondo Raad & Amal Attisha Jody Balestrieri Michael & Anita Barletta Stephen & Teresa Beck Patricia Bensan Arturo & Carmen Blancas

Monica ‘83 & Timothy Brown

Joseph & Gloria Brunner Michael & Carmen Buffaloe California Candids Graduation Photography Rev. Msgr. Steven Callahan Helen Callow Pablo & Heriberta Carcano Antonio & Rosalva Carrillo Gerarda ‘82 & Marbel Castaneda Oscar & Dolores Ceballos Luis & Sandra Chacon Margaret & Salvatore Chiappe Jessica Cornejo ‘91 Alejandro ‘69 & Rebecca Cota Jeanne & Gary Cox Jose & Laura De Soto Fernando & Irma Del Monte Fran Derby Dalene Ditommaso Cesareo & Jacqueline Fernandez Sergio & Anna Fernandez Sergio & Pilar Fourzan Carlos & Sandra Gage Michael & Maricela Gamboa Paul & Elizabeth Ganelin Salvador & Maribel Garcia James & Glicit Garvey Allen ‘77 & Wendy ‘75 Gates Natalie Gerken ‘00 Esther Gomez Estela & Enrique Gonzalez

Albert ‘83 & Bridget Hallor Enrique & Berenice Hawley Jerry & Patti Hayes Blanca Herrera Wil & Daria Hollowell Joyce Huddleston ‘79 Gabriel & Maria Ishino Jesus & Sonia Jaquez Delfino & Guadalupe Jimenez Wilfredo & Editha Julve Sherolyn ‘69 & Michael Kelleher Stan & Janet Kozlowski Carsten & Denise Kroon Francisco & Leticia Kuri George Kuzukian Rigoberto & Perla Laborin Gary Laturno Gene & Mary LeDuc Jeffery ‘69 & Mary Lewis David & Elisa Licht Michael Loque Ray & Sylvia Lugo William & Teressa Lyons Rodolfo & Maria Marquez James ‘78 & Bernadette ‘80 Martinez Carlos & Glenda Martinez Ted & Elizabeth Matranga Terrence Mattis ‘77 Theodore & Rosalia Matula Raul & Karen Mayor Wendy Modic ‘85 Christopher & Ashley Moeller Agustin & Alejandrina Navarro Viet & Minh Nguyen Francisco & Irma Padres Francisco ‘07 Padres Anthony & Christine Papapietro Teresa Pappas ‘73 Mary Pappas ‘72 Benedicto & Ana Paradela Juan & Marissa Parcero Pat & Oscar’s Oscar & Silvia Perez Richard & Brigitte Phillips Elena Plazola Harris Quesnell ‘64

Gary Reneau ‘73 John Rey James & Lilia Ritchie Jesus ‘69 & Teresa Rodriguez Gilberto & Eneeth Robles Alfredo & Maria Ruiz Ileana Salazar Enrique & Nenis Salcedo Mike & Boushra Salem Chris Schnitzius Sister Servants of the Blessed Sacrament Greg Smyth ‘89 St. Thomas Enterprises Frank Stingo Target The Immaculata Parish Robert Trierweiler ‘71 Gerardo & Leonora Trueba Scott Ullsperger Sensa Educational Systems, Inc. Socorro Sifuentes United Way of San Diego County Homero & Ana Maria Valdespino Zurisaddi Galvez Sergio & Marlene Valenzuela Jose & Kathy Vargas Roy Vasquez Felix & Margaret Vazquez Ron & Betsy Vernetti Rebekah Vigil Michael Wallgren Don & Joy Walsh Jalil & Gloria Wehber Terry & Maria Wright



The Annual Report 2008-2009

CRUSADER CLUB

Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Scholarship Fund Statement of Activity Scholarship Fund Balance: as of 7/1/2008 $78,325 Donations:

$49, 300

Interest Earned:

$3,679

Distributions:

($5,000)

from 7/1/2008 – 6/30/2009

(Scholarships for Michael Rodriguez and Lauren Elise Judal)

Scholarship Fund Balance: as of 6/30/3009 $126,304 MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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The Annual Report 2008-2009

REVENUE



1%

6%

9% 1% 2% 8%

73%

TUITION OTHER FEES AUXILIARY SERVICES ATHLETICS DEVELOPMENT & FUNDRAISING INVESTMENTS FACILITIES LEASING TOTAL REVENUE





7,010,131 742,553 165,414 99,034 921,543 68,021 623,225 $ 9,629,921

THE PER STUDENT GAP (@750 STUDENTS) $ 2,503 THE GAP BETWEEN TUITION & FEES INCOME AND TOTAL EXPENSES $ 1,877,237 TUITION & FEES COVER ONLY 80% OF EXPENSES

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CRUSADER CONNECTION

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EXPENSE

27% 49%

5%

1% 1%

2%

3%



SALARIES & BENEFITS ADMIN/STUDENT/PTG/RECRUITING/MISC. EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS & RESOURCES ATHLETICS AUXILIARY SERVICES DEVELOPMENT PLANT OPERATIONS/MAINTENANCE/RESERVE DEBT SERVICE



STUDENTS APPROVED FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE TOTAL TUITION ASSISTANCE GRANTED AVERAGE PER STUDENT AWARD

TOTAL EXPENSE



MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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4,743,722 497,319 244,506 159,868 124,387 505,063 2,544,781 810,275

The Annual Report 2008-2009

8%

$ 9,629,921 198 $787,354 $3,977 7

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FRIEND

donations up to $99

The Annual Report 2008-2009

Dawn Adams Yvette Albee ‘89 Michael ‘76 & Christine Alvarado Claudia Ampudia Veronica ‘72 & Jeffrey Andreoli Mary Andrews ‘70 Ivan & Blanca Barrera Joelle Biedenbach Juan & Silvia Bremer Alejandra Carranza ‘89 Joseph & Eileen Carton Margo Clark ‘67 Doreen Correia Rodolfo & Maria Cruz Domonic Cruz ‘98 Constance Curran Elizabeth Dougherty Monique Escobedo Jose & Norma Fierro Nick Franco Amy Gallmann Dennis & Violeta Griffin Brenda Grosz Laura Gutierrez Adrian Hernandez ‘89 Margie Hernandez Omar & Valerie Hom Eddie & Suzette Jernigan Renee Kinninger M. & Maria Krasovsky Emil Krejci Katherine Larson Alejandro & Imelda Limon Lucille Lofgren Juan & Maria Martinez Donald Mc Lees Mel & Teresa McBroome Fernando & Angelica Munoz Sylvia Palacios Michael Parisi ‘70 Mary Petito ‘87 Lorraine Pimentel ‘89 John & Mary Ann Plaza Diane & Franklin Porter Jose & Amaya Rebollar Guadalupe Rios Arthur & Leslie Schroeder Sharon Smith Kevin Smith Guy Souza Oscar & Guadalupe Suarez Miguel & Matilde Tamayo James & Leanne Truitt Carlos Varela ‘89 John & Kimberly Vasquez Kristen Willich Peter Wraith ‘73 Francisco & Margarita Zamudio Kathleen Zuniga

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SPORTS PROGRAM SPONSORS Adams Book Co. Blackie’s Trophies and Awards Brigantine Family of Restaurants California Candids Graduation Photography Christopher & Juanita Warner Corpus Christi Catholic Parish David Kassebaum Drew Ford El Dorado Cleaners William & Elizabeth Gerken Jerry & Patti Hayes Herff-Jones Yearbook Tech Raul & Karen Mayor George & Virginia Milke Imperial Beach Pre-School Instant Mexico Auto Insurance Nelnet Business Solutions, Inc (FACTS) ValleyCrest Landscaping Maintenance Vertex Carpet Cleaning LLC

TEE SPONSORS

Paul Cacho ‘82 Co-Production International, Inc Barbara Drossel ‘73 & Wade McKnight Gerken Family Tom Judge ‘78 David Kassebaum Jeannette & Nicholas Kelbaugh Mexicana Logistics Bud and Gina Milke Moreno Family Corpus Christi Parish Propulsion Control Engineering – Matt Reilly ‘80 St. Augustine HS ASB

AUCTION DONORS

GOLF TOURNAMENT SPONSORS A & M Team Sales Tom Davis Jose Andres Fierro, DISTRIBUIDORA YUMA Tom Finch ‘82 Drew Ford Jeff Guzman Family Ana Fimbres Labastida ‘81 Michael Logue Gene McDonald, Lee Wayne Corporation Pala Band of Mission Indians Princell Family RCP Block and Brick ValleyCrest Landscaping

A & M Team Sales Anthony’s Seafood Group Bonita Golf Club Chula Vista Golf Club Dick’s Last Resort Eastlake Country Club Cole Lewis Family The Fish Market H & M Landing Hornblower Cruises and Events Maritime Museum of San Diego MDCHS ASB Store The Midway Museum Mission Valley Resort Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego Old Globe Old Town Trolley Rubio’s Salt Creek Golf Club San Diego Golf Institute San Diego Natural History Museum San Diego Zoo Vivian Moreno Family World Wide Golf Shops

In thanksgiving...

It is with gratitude that we make this year’s Annual Report public to our parents, 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 Alumni Golf Tournament Memorial Brick Program

Sports Program Advertisements Planned Giving Scholarship Funds

PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING YOUR 2009-2010 ANNUAL CRUSADE GIFT WITH THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

CRUSADER CONNECTION

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How to give:

On June 20, 2009, 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.

MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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In Memory of...

Harold & Virgina Andreoli Steve Ashcraft Thomas A. Balestrieri Noli A. Bensan Jack Blakely Alfonso Casillas Dulin & Virginia Covey Ray & Loretta Eckes Mary A. Endsley Marvin Finch Jeanette & Bud Gallagher Valentine & Annabel Gerken Alicia Giandoni Tom Harkness ‘64 Ana Luisa Herrera Barbara J. Hodges Carlos Daniel Jimenez Jerry Judge Dr. Estelle L.Kassebaum Thomas Lopez Jon-Jon Luna Pat MacCarthy Jose Luis Rivas Marentes Joseph F. McGregor G.G. Moran

The Annual Report 2008-2009

Memorial Giving

Jose & Cesarea Moreno Bill & Mary Murphy John W. Novobilsky Thomas Walter Otte’ 77 Francisco & Elvira Padres Cristina O. Paredes Joe Raef, Class of ‘74 Joseph Ruiz Renteria Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Rhein Joe L. Rojas Esperanza C. Rojas Teresa H. Rojas Agustin Rojas I Luis Sanchez-Cortez Mary P. Slovinsky-Roche James P. Tollefson Pete Torrez Leon Tuttle Mr & Mrs. Harvey Westrick, Sr. Belen. D.Yap Leonardo D.Yap Rommel Schoeder Yarza The Kohrman-Weller Family Victims of Abortion

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TEACHER PROFILE

Steve Van Wyk and the Paperless Class

A classroom without any papers and the world at their fingertips.

MDCHS: How long have your been at MDCHS? Mr. Van Wyk: 2 years MDCHS: Where were you before Mater Dei and how long have you been teaching? Mr. Van Wyk: Stella Maris Academy in La Jolla & James Madison High School: 2 years (1 year at each) MDCHS: What is your educational background? Mr. Van Wyk: 13 years of Catholic education, then BA in English Literature from USD and Teaching Credential from Chapman University MDCHS: How did you get involved in the paperless classroom concept at Mater Dei? Mr. Van Wyk: I applied as soon as I heard about it. It sounded like a great idea and I really wanted to be a part of it.

MDCHS: How do you see this paperless classroom concept expanding at Mater Dei and how will it help the students as they move on to post secondary education? Mr. Van Wyk: I believe that this concept can expand the possibilities exponentially. Students have a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips and we teach them to harness it and use it in a constructive manner. They can learn to create presentations, spreadsheets, multimedia projects; all of which will be useful moving into post secondary education and ultimately, the real world. MDCHS: How does the technology in the paperless classroom improve the learning process? Mr. Van Wyk: As a product of the pre-internet era, I was a bit skeptical at first. I had to look everything up, learn about the Dewey Decimal System, and use manual typewriters, so I guess I was a bit jealous. However, students in this class learn basically in the same way, just using different tools. People could say that it is easier, but there are a whole new set of challenges that need to be dealt with. Also, this class is excellent preparation for the professional world. Many jobs jobs require some sort of computer training/ experience before candidates are even considered. 10

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CRUSADER CONNECTION

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Many parents are intimidated by technology that is being used today and with the paperless classroom it might be even more intimidating for parents. MDCHS: Do you have any advice for parents whose students are taking classes in this new teaching environment? Mr. Van Wyk: The only advice I can think of is to give it a try. Some people are techno-phobes and that is perfectly understandable. I knew a teacher who sent his first e-mail a year ago after teaching over 30 years. There are so many opportunities with this technology that can be utilized. Currently, Mr. Bookser (our resident technology expert) and I are working on making sure that every parent can have access to most, if not all, of the work done in the class. Parents can be given a user name and password and with those two bits of data, the following phrase will never be heard again: “The teacher didn’t give us any homework.” MDCHS: You spend a considerable amount of time in the classroom, what do you do for relaxation or excitement in your free time? Mr. Van Wyk: I enjoy running, playing bass guitar, reading, watching movies, singing karaoke, and long walks on the beach. MDCHS: How did you get involved in your “band” and what kind of establishments do you play at? Mr. Van Wyk: I joined an instrumental (no singing) surf band called Surf Report in 1994 with two USD alumni. I have been playing the same kind of music ever since. Now, the band is called The Secret Samurai and we usually play bars, festivals, and charity events. We are playing the San Diego County Fair this summer which is exciting because some students will have the opportunity to come out and watch. MDCHS: Is this something that you would like to explore as a career move in the future or is teaching your career? Mr. Van Wyk: This is my second career in a sense. I tried a few different careers right out of college: mortgage banking, human resources, biotechnology…but I think I finally found something I enjoy and is rewarding at the same time. My future goals are to teach Russian Literature and the Latin language. MDCHS: What do you like most about being a teacher? Mr. Van Wyk: I know it is cliché, but it doesn’t feel like “going to work.” It’s great being at a Catholic school. I’ve substituted at a few public schools and worked at one for a year, and the difference is obvious. There is a level of respect and generosity at this school among the students and faculty that is hard to come by. MDCHS: What piece of advice would you give to your students, in particular the graduating seniors? Mr. Van Wyk: Just to do the best in everything you do and hold on to their Catholic Faith and the values taught by your parents. They will probably be doing jobs that haven’t even been invented yet and that they had no idea they would be doing. I went to a 3-week “computer camp” when I was 13-years-old to learn a computer program called “Basic.” I MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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WHAT DO THE

STUDENTS THINK?

“

This class is so cool. It’s nice to not have to carry a book around and be able to access our homework from anywhere. It saves on paper and I can’t lose my homework.

”

would type about 2 pages of text to write a program that would alphabetize a list. It is now completely obsolete. However, there is value in the process itself. Sometimes it’s hard to adapt and hopefully, through programs like this paperless system, the students will learn to flourish with the diversity of tools available to them. 11

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STUDENT HONORS FIRST HONORS – a grade point average of 3.8 and above

S ENIORS Violeta Arista-Palacios Janine Dacayo Mario Delgadillo Jamie Espino Frances Fernandez Brenna Gates Axel Gonzalez Jesus Gutierrez-Nunez Ebone Henry Adriana Hernandez Danae Johnson Soo-Jin Kim Luisa Lopez Ailin Mendez Paulina Millan Christina Padilla Tanya Plascencia-Lliteras Mariano Rayon Michael Rodriguez Andres Schramm-Flores Maria Trueba De Buen Toni Vasquez Laura Watts-Cesena Vanessa Wood Diana Zoura

FRESHMEN Angela Beck Leslie Bustillo-Moreno Mark Camacho Edith Camargo Theresa Chiappe Daniela Contreras Mallory Davenport Kenny Espinoza Caleb Galvez Alexa Garcia Jocelyn Garcia Victor Gonzalez Stephanie Grimaldi 12

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JUNIORS Dianne Acevedo Rafael Blanco Mariana Burkle Rafael Carrillo-Baylon Jasmine Cota Kacy Espinoza Sergio Fourzan Mariana Gomez Marie Elaine Guilas Andrew Haines Erickson Julve Nora Leyva Alicia Lopez Alfredo Lucero-Canaan Andrea Lucero-Canaan Patrick Mayor Diane-Leah Moore Andrea Navarro-Gomez Paola Odriozola Diana Paredes Alejandra Perez-Madrigal Maria Pimentel Yazmin Razon Johanna Rhein Michel Sanchez Catherine Valenzuela Ilse Gutierrez-Nunez Jeff Guzman Thomas Hahn Alexis Hawley Vannia Hernandez Cassandra Huinquez Hollie Keene Cristina Kelbaugh Stephanie Licht Maritza Lopez-Portillo Viviana Marchena-Pompa Alejandro Marquez-Escobedo Haley Mendoza

Brandon Nguyen Teresa Padilla Eva Perez-Cecenas Ariana Rodriguez Jonathan Rodriguez Nina Salazar Sabrina Scott Paola Torres Brianna Truffa Andres Velderrain Thomas Wright

SOP HOMORES Jeffrey Alvarez Ivanna Ames Vivian Ayon-Heredia Jessica Baumgardner Samantha Baxley Nallely Beltran Daniela Blancas Ariel Cabrera Valeria Cardenas Michael Carton Alison Castaneda Mikayla Conlin Alejandra Contreras Sergio Fernandez Claudio Gage Diego-Emilio Galan Kristin Gonzales Elizabeth Gonzalez Christine Hillmann Anthony Jaquez-Moreno Andrea Martinez-Casillas Jose Martinez-Rebollar Theodore Matula Pedro Osuna Ligia Quijada Roberto Quijano-Luna Maryel Quintero Ricardo Rosales Isela Ruiz Carla Sanchez Raul Silva-Martinez Chloe Slovinsky Daniel Slovinsky Isabel Stonehouse

CRUSADER CONNECTION

9/1/09 1:57:37 PM

T H E

F I R S T

May 8th marked the first annual Visual and Performing Arts Night for Mater Dei. This event, organized with staff and student collaboration, was a showcase of Mater Dei’s extraordinary talent in the Arts. A series of musical numbers were performed by both the choral classes and Mater Dei’s fledgling band. In addition to these lively performances, the lobby was filled with mixed media pieces created by our young Crusaders. Works in the lobby represented the efforts of over 200 students. In an effort to promote cross-curricular education, frosh English teacher, Michelle Brooks, stepped in and had her young poets give an interpretation of some of the art pieces. The students’ interpretation, as auditors, not only gave artists an idea of how others viewed their works, but also buoyed their creative talents. The event was a huge success and a testimony to the hard work of Mater Dei’s students and teachers.

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A N N U A L

There were a variety of projects ranging from acrylic Pop Art painting (see left), Ceramics sculptures (bottom left) and watercolor landscape paintings (see bottom right).

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THE

ACADEMY A A NEW FRONTIER

SCIENCE

OF

The Mater Dei Academy of Science experienced an extremely successful inaugural school year during 2008-2009. Science Academy students were introduced to many facets of scientific endeavor. Field trips included a tour of Scripps

Green Hospital with Dr. Katya VanHerl and information concerning preparation for a career as a physician. Other activities included a trip to North Island Naval Air Station. Academy students were introduced to Naval aviation and

the career choices necessary to become a helicopter pilot for the US Navy. Most memorable was the opportunity to use the flight simulators to experience piloting a helicopter. Mater Dei Academy of Science students also visited the

open house at Scripps Research Institute and learned of the summer internships available there. They participated in BioBridge at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy at UCSD and were able to present what they had learned to next year’s science academy candidates.

Students explaining how the experiment works. 14 SummerCrusadertoprint.indd 14

CRUSADER CONNECTION 9/1/09 1:57:57 PM

The Academy of Science students visited Scripps Research Institute, where they received tours, information and an invaluable experience.

In conjunction with the San Diego Science Festival and the San Diego Science Alliance, the Science Academy students were invited to participate in the SDSA High-Tech Expo at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and the Small Wonders exhibit at

the UCSD Price center. Academy members also built models of various human organs that were part of Operation Balboa

at the San Diego Science Festival on April 4, 2009. Additional classroom activities were also a part of the Academy of Science experience. Members were introduced to topics that included the nature of inquiry, data analysis, use of research engines, evaluating sources, writing scientific papers, and materials science. Four of our academy students qualified for internships for the summer. Mariana Gomez and Paola Odriozola qualified for the Scripps Research Institute and Saman-

tha Baxley and Theodore Matula were selected for engineering opportunities at the Naval Air Station North Island. This year was a valuable expeience for both students in the academy and for the faculty mentors. But, next year the academy will double in size and the entire community will begin to see the fruits of labor from these budding scientists!

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CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES

The graduates placed a rose by the statue of Mary before graduation.

The 2009 Bacclaureate Mass was held in the Immaculata Church on the University of San Diego campus, Thursday, June 11.

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CRUSADER CONNECTION

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COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES Air Force Academy Boston College Colgate University Cornell University University of Southern California New York University University of San Diego San Diego State University Ohio Wesleyan University Arizona State University University of Colorado, Boulder Baylor University University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Nevada, Reno California Lutheran University Northern Arizona University Drexel University Metropolitan State College of Denver Cobleskill University St. John’s University University of Albany, NY The Art Institute of San Diego Universal Technical Institute Devry University Johnson & Wales University Pima Medical Institute Di Medici School of Art Pepperdine University Norwich University Westminister College Menlo College Chaminade University Loyola Marymount University Marist College

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University of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, Dominguez Hills University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Merced University of California, Riverside University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz California State University, Fullerton California State University, Humbolt California State University, Long Beach California State University, Monterey Bay California State University, Northridge California State University, Cal Poly Pamona California State University, Sacramento California State University, San Bernardino California State University, San Francisco California State University, San Marcos California State University, Sonoma Sterling College New School of Architecture & Design Point Loma Nazarene University Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute Manhattan College CETYS University Universidad del Valle de Mexico Universidad Anahuac Tecnologico de Monterrey Universidad de Monterrey Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon Universidad de las Americas Puebla TEC, Mexico UDEM, Mexico

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THE CLASS OF

2009

ILLUMINATING THE FUTURE Frances will be attending UCSD next year and will be studying Biochemistry. She would really like to work in a Medical Institute, assisting with research to find cures. Francis received a First Honors Academic Excellence Award for all 4 years. She was a member of the ASB, the Asian Pacific Islander Club, Cheer, Yearbook, Steel Drum Band and was an Ambassador for Christ Corps member. Some of her most memorable times revolve around attending the retreats and her religion classes that allowed her to reflect on her faith. After leaving Mater Dei, Frances feels the faith she gained will help her remember who she is and assist her in getting through some of life’s obstacles.

FRANCES FERNANDEZ

Laura will be attending Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico next year, where she will be studying Economics. When she graduates from there, she hopes to be an Ambassador at the United Nations and help out in whatever way she can. Laura has already attended Princeton University and Stanford University to study classes in Foreign Policy, Government and Political Communications. She also represented Mater Dei at California’s Girls State and received the Rotary Youth Leadership Award. Laura was also very involved at Mater Dei. She was a member of the basketball, track and swimming teams, along with being an Ambassador for Christ and joining numerous clubs on campus. Laura feels her faith has grown deeper in God through her time at Marian/Mater Dei. And it has taught her that she doesn’t have to see to believe. When asked what she will miss most about Mater Dei, she said, “I will miss all the people that taught me to believe in myself.”

LAURA FABIOLA WATTS-CESENA 18

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FRANK HUERTA Watch for Frank playing football for Ohio Wesleyan University next year! He plans to major in Communications and Journalism, pushing towards his goal to work for ESPN as a sports broadcaster. Although Frank was very active in sports, he was also a leader on campus and received the Pope Benedict XVI Community Service Award, along with other leadership awards. One of Frank’s favorite things about Mater Dei has been the family he has developed with the students and teachers, and says that is what he will miss the most.

CRUSADER CONNECTION

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THE CLASS OF

2009

WITHOUT BOUNDARIES NICK WRIGHT Nick will be attending San Diego City College where he was recruited to play both soccer and baseball. There he plans to study Biomedical Engineering with hopes to be an Orthopedic Surgeon. Nick was also a member of the State Champion Soccer Team, Varsity Baseball Team, Cross Country Team, was an Ambassador for Christ Corps member and played piano at Mater Dei’s Culture Night. Nick said he would miss the small classes and familiarity among the students and teachers next year. But he also feels confident in the Christ-Centered person he has become and will carry that on in his everyday life outside of Mater Dei.

TONI VASQUEZ Toni will be attending the University of California Irvine next year, where she plans to major in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Neuroscience. From there, she plans to begin her education in pre-med and further become a neurologist. Toni was the ASB President, an Executive Ambassador, a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Campus Ministry Team, played with the Steel Drum Band and was a member of many numerous clubs. With her involvement in so many avenues on campus, Toni was named Lady Crusader of the Year, along with being honored with the 4-Year First Honors Academic Excellence Award and ASB Executive President Award. Toni feels that her involvement in Campus Ministry helped strengthen her faith and helped her build her own. Before Mater Dei, she feels that she followed what her parents believed and now she can go out on her own with what her own faith has taught her. MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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KAMELA JACKSON Kamela will be continuing her education at UCLA, where she has received an academic scholarship and plans to walk on to the basketball team. At this time, she plans on majoring in Pre-Global Studies. Kamela was a member of the State Champion Varsity Basketball Team, where she received the State Women’s Sportsmanship Award, and was a member of the varsity softball and track teams. Kamela was also a member of the Ambassador For Christ Corps and Campus Ministry for 3 years. She feels these clubs have given her “the sense of security knowing God will guide me through life.” Kamela feels her faith has strengthened through her involvement in these clubs at Mater Dei and will deeply miss the relationships she has created over the past 4 years. 19

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THE CLASS OF

2009

WHERE DREAMS JASON MYERS Jason will be attending Marist College on a football scholarship next year. He plans to major in Sports Broadcasting and Political Science, unless he meets his dream of becoming an NFL kicker first. Jason received many honors while attending Mater Dei Catholic. In soccer he was named Division IV State Soccer Player of the Year, 1st Team All-South Bay and All-Mesa League. He was also named the Football South Bay Kicker of the Year. Jason was also very active in Campus Ministry and played for the varsity baseball team for 3 years.

SOOJIN KIM Soojin is excited to be attending the University of California at Berkeley in the fall. She is planning on studying business and plans to pursue a career in hotel management, where she hopes to work overseas or around the world. She was a member of the soccer team, Campus Ministry, Yearbook, ASB and was an Ambassador for Christ. She received an Academic Excellence Award for her 4.0 GPA and two others for Chemistry and English. She says she will miss the beautiful campus next year, along with all the nice and caring teachers.

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AXEL GONZALEZ Axel was offered full scholarship to both UCSD and UC Berkeley in San Francisco. He has yet to decide which to take, but plans to major in Biochemistry and will attend Medical School afterwards to push toward his career goal of becoming a Pediatric Surgeon. Axel was a member of the Ambassador for Christ Corps, ASB and the Cross Country Team. He was also named the Valedictorian his senior year. When asked what he would miss most about Mater Dei, he said, “the warm family feeling of the student body and teachers.”

CRUSADER CONNECTION 9/1/09 1:59:29 PM

THE CLASS OF

BECOME REALITY

2009

JESUS EMMANUEL GUTIERREZ Jesus has received a Trustee Scholarship to attend USD this fall, where he plans to major in Computer Engineering. He was honored as Salutatorian in his senior year and also received awards for Advanced Placement English, Advanced Placement Spanish Literature and Christian Call. He was also a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the varsity baseball team and an Ambassador for Christ Corps member. Jesus commented that his faith has grown so much through the retreats and daily experiences at Mater Dei, that he feels confident he will stay true to his beliefs as he goes out into the real world. Jesus’ comment when asked what was special about Mater Dei was, “it’s more than a school, it is like a family.”

MARCEL PITRE DIANE ZOURA Marcel received a full football scholarship to Kent Prep School where he plans to major in Business Administration and Marketing. He had a few other scholarship offers to play at UNLV and Baylor University, but decided that Kent Prep School was the right place for him. His career plans include finishing school with a Master’s and then marketing urban clothing and music. Marcel also played baseball, basketball and ran track at Mater Dei. In football, he was named team captain, Team MVP, 1st Team All-League Offense for both his junior and senior years, along with being named to the San Diego Scholar-Athlete and Leader Hall of Fame and the San Diego Union Tribune All-Academic Team. Marcel feels he has grown dramatically in his faith while attending Mater Dei saying, “I began to pray more and thank God for the things in my life.” MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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Diane will be attending the New School of Architecture and Design in the fall where she will pursue her dream of becoming an architect. She was an active member of the ASB, Campus Ministry, National Honor Society and an Ambassador for Christ. Diane is a 5th generation graduate of Marian/Mater Dei and she says she will miss her family commute the most every morning she attends college. When asked how her faith will help her in the future, she said, “The retreats have helped me grow closer to God and I have learned that in the future I need to always keep my faith first.”

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WINTER SPORTS BOYS BASKETBALL Under the leadership of Coach Chris Moeller, the Crusaders had a very successful season. Playing arguably the toughest schedule in school history, the boys team ended their season with a tough CIF Playoff loss to the Imperial Tigers. Highlights of the season included a 3rd place finish in the Imperial Tiger Desert Classic and wins over league rivals Chula Vista, Bonita Vista, and Hilltop. Senior RJ Rowan received first team all Mesa League honors and was also chosen as a first team All CIF Division IV team member. Senior De, Anthony Tobe was a 2nd team all Mesa Leaguer. The Crusaders will return a solid nucleus of underclassmen so the future looks very bright for the program

WRESTLING This is the 2nd year that Wrestling has been offered at Mater Dei and the program is making great strides. Under the leadership of Scott Ullsperger, the Crusader grapplers have shown great improvement. Highlights of the season were the dual meet victory over San Diego High, hosting of soon to be annual Mater Dei tournaments, and competition in the CIF Division lV Championships. Junior Jorge Gamez became the first CIF Masters qualifier for the Crusaders in 20 + years with his 4th place finish in the Division lV championships. The future looks bright for the Crusader grapplers.

GIRLS SOCCER The Girls soccer team maintained the winning tradition with a successful 2009 season. Under the leadership of new coach, Mrs. Brenda Byrn, the Crusaders had a great year. Highlights of the season were a 2nd Place finish in the Lady Vaquero classic, a victory over Chula Vista and ties against local rivals Bonita Vista and Otay Ranch. Post-season honors went to all leaguer Lauren Elise Judal. The future looks bright for the Lady Crusaders who will return eight starters next year.

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CRUSADER CONNECTION

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SPRING SPORTS SWIMMING

The Mater Dei Swim Program has made great strides since coach Kevin Smith took the helm. The Crusaders have consistently placed swimmers in the CIF championships and this year was no different. Sergio Fourzan and Gisselle Suarez were among the section’s elite this past season and both will return next year. There were 46 total swimmers which made for the biggest team in school history. The highlight of the season was the meet victory over the Chula Vista Spartans. We all look forward to big things from the program in the future.

MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

The Boys Volleyball Program, led by Coach Brian Ritz, is making great strides in the South Bay. Highlights of the season included wins over Sweetwater, Olympian, Chula Vista, and a CIF Quarter-Final appearance. Post-season honors went to Aldo Loera who was named to the All Mesa League First team. The program is gaining steam and the future looks very bright.

SOFTBALL

BASEBALL

The Lady Crusaders softball program is definitely on the rise. The Lady Crusaders finished the 2009 campaign with an overall 17-15 record and a semi-final appearance in the CIF Division IV playoffs. Highlights of the season included playoff wins over Coronado and Madison. Junior Wendy Tamayo was a first team all leaguer and all-CIF player. The Lady Crusaders have their best days ahead of them with the majority of their team returning for the 2010 season. Expectations are high and don’t be surprised if these girls are competing for a CIF championship next Spring.

TRACK

MEN’S GOLF

The Mater Dei Track program is getting stronger every year. The program fielded a large number of athletes and had numerous league finalists. Led by coach Carla Martinez, the program is in good hands. The main highlight of the season was the success of long jumper Jackae Bridges. Jackae was the 2008 CIF Champion and she returned to State Track meet for the second consecutive year. With the high number of athletes returning for the 2010 season, the future looks very bright.

The 2009 Golf Season was a great one. Led by Coach Bill Gerken, the Crusaders finished near the top of the Mesa League Standings. Highlights of the season included the annual trip to Pahrump (Nevada), two all-league players (David Moreno and Cesar Ybarra), and a 7th consecutive trip to the CIF championships in Warner Springs. The Crusaders return four of their top six players next year which should put them in position to compete for a Mesa League championship.

Under the leadership of veteran coaches Ed Johnson, Donny Myers and Jim Martinez, the Crusaders had another successful season. The Crusaders finished with an overall record of 19-17 and advanced to the CIF Division IV semi-finals, where they lost to the always tough and eventual champion, Christian Patriots. Highlights of the season were victories over league rivals Eastlake, Bonita Vista, and Hilltop. Individual honors went to Sergio Valenzuela ( Jr.) and Emmanuel Gutierrez (Sr. ), who were both named 2nd team All Mesa League. The future is bright for the Crusaders who return a solid nucleus of players for the 2010 season.

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2009

STATE CHAMPIONS

The Men’s Soccer Team

from Mater Dei Catholic High School (MDCHS) completed a tremendous run of victories over the last three weeks of their season. It culminated in two separate championships. The Crusaders first cruised through the San Diego CIF Division IV playoffs routing their opponents by an aggregate score of 14-1. The Division IV playoffs culminated in a 2-0 victory over Francis Parker at Granite Hills High School on March 7th for the San Diego CIF title. This victory qualified them for the State playoffs, which was to take place the following week. The Crusaders were seeded number two in the Division III Southern California Regional Soccer Championships. They had to win two games to qualify for the regional finals. They faced two quality teams from Los Angeles in Annenberg and Animo Leadership. MDCHS was able to notch victories in each of those

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CRUSADER CONNECTION

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contests. The victory against Animo Leadership at MDCHS was especially dramatic with their two goals coming in the last ten minutes of the 2-1 match. This victory qualified the Crusaders for the Regional Championship game on March 14 at Warren High School in Downey, California versus Bishop Mora Salesian High School. The championship game was a hard fought affair against a very strong opponent. The Crusaders defense had to repel the constant attacks from the Salesian offense. The first half ended in 0-0. In the second half the Crusaders found their second wind. They were able to score twice within a 15 minute period. The goals came from Sergio Lopez and Abraham Trejo. From that point forward the Crusaders had to endure the oncoming attacks from the Salesian side. Salesian broke through once but could not muster the equalizer. The Crusaders were able to hold on for the 2-1 victory and the Southern California Regional Championship. In retrospect the Crusaders finished the season 13-6-1. Seven of those wins came in the 19 day playoff run. Coach Jorge Zavala stated it perfectly, “It’s not how you start a season.

It’s how you finish it.”

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25 9/1/09 1:59:46 PM

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL C A P T U R E S

T H E

STATE TITLE

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CRUSADER CONNECTION 9/1/09 1:59:50 PM

CHAMPIONS

The story of the Mater Dei Catholic High School Lady Crusader State championship basketball team is truly one for the ages. The Lady Crusaders finished their season 30-3. There is no denying that they were one of the strongest teams in the county this season. They had some major successes in early season tournaments. They also breezed through the Mesa League with an undefeated record. They were ranked #2 in the state and in the county. At the beginning of the CIF Division IV Girls Basketball playoffs the Lady Crusaders were the #2 seed behind The Bishop’s School. With an efficient win in the quarterfinals MDCHS was matched up with powerhouse La Jolla Country Day. LJCD had won the CIF championship 8 years in a row. The Lady Crusaders battled against a very tough team and came away with a 51-44 victory. This propelled them into the CIF San Diego finals, but more importantly it qualified them for the California State CIF playoffs. The Division IV CIF finals took place at the Jenny Craig Pavilion on March 7th versus the #1 ranked Bishop’s School. With Bishop Brom in attendance and cheering the girls on, they fell short 71-63. The State playoffs were up next. With victories over Notre Dame Sherman Oaks and Harvard-Westlake the girls got the rematch they wanted with The Bishop’s School in the Southern California Regional Championships at CSU Fullerton on March 14th. This time the Lady Crusaders were up for the challenge. By playing stifling defense and making key shots the Ladies won 54-51. Coach David Monroe made this comment, “There was no way we were going to lose to Bishop’s twice. The girls were focused, played as a team and executed the game plan.” The Regional Championship vaulted MDCHS into the State Championship game being held in Sacramento versus defending champion Modesto Christian (24-6) on March 21st at ARCO Arena . Playing in a difficult venue, early in the morning, the girls struggled through the opening half and were behind 31-19 at halftime. The terrific group of seniors put their heads together and decided they were not going to finish their high school careers this way. They picked up their defensive effort, made their free throws and chipped away at the lead. It was not until under one minute left in the game that the Lady Crusaders attained their first lead with two Ebone Henry free throws. After a Modesto Christian miss and a Kamela Jackson free throw the Lady Crusaders were able to call themselves California State Champions 54-51. Their championship run through the state playoffs brought the first title in girls or boys basketball to San Diego since 2002. MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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ALUMNI NEWS Pictured above: The Marian/Mater Dei Catholic Alumnni vs. the 2009 Boys Golf Team.

Stephanie Cortez ‘03 After graduating from Marian, I attended SDSU and majored in psychology. I graduated in May of 2008 and received my BA in Psychology. Up to this date I have been working for two in a half years as a behavioral therapist for autistic children in san diego area for a company named Aces. I am currently engaged to my boyfriend of six years and planning our wedding for summer of 2010. Viviana Narvaez ‘03 Alejandro Valenzuela ‘03 After high School, Viviana attended CETYS Universidad in Tijuana, and graduated with a bachelors degree in Psychology, and several months later I married Alejandro Valenzuela ‘03, he graduated with a bachelors degree in Business Administration in Universidad Autonoma de Baja California, and he is currently in charge of his family business in the construction field in Tijuana. We are currently living here in San Diego, we’ve been together since we were sophomores, that’s almost 8 years next month, and married for two years. We have a 1 year old son, Alejandro, who looks just like his Dad. This year Viviana will be going back to work and starting her masters in Education. Alejandro ‘03, is attending a Golf Academy in Carlsbad this upcoming fall. Mariana Esparza Alford ‘04 In early 2006 I enrolled in UEI-Chula Vista Campus to study as a medical assistant. While I was in school I was going through my first deployment with my fiance. I worked in the medical field for 2 years then realized it was not for me. In November 2006 my fiance returned from a long deployment of 10 months. Almost a year later I married my USMC Sgt. on July 21, 2007. I am now a military wife and I am loving it so far...lol. We live in Oceanside, Ca. I then started school for my first love of Makeup Artistry. I enrolled in Empire Academy of Makeup Artistry in Costa Mesa, Ca. I finished school that same year in Demember in of 2007. I started my own business of mainly bridal makeup but will do for any special occasion. I travel to the locations of the clients or they come to my home. I also have a part-time job in my father’s company which is still growing at the moment. My position here is Executive Assistant/ Accounting Assistant. On July 21st of this year will be our 2 year wedding anniversary. So that is it for me. That is what I have been up to. Mo Alcock ‘06 Entering my senior year at UCLA with an Anthropology Major, B.S., and a pre-optometry focus. After graduation, I hope to attend the Southern California College of Optometry. 28 SummerCrusadertoprint.indd 28

John-Paul Bruno ‘05 Started working for The District Attorney’s office as a student worker in Cold Case Homicide Dept. for almost 3 yrs, from 06’-08. I worked with Deputy District Attorneys and Paralegals and helped them prepare their cases for court. I took classes at Mira Mar & City College and received my AA in Psychology and Fire protection. I was a volunteer Fire Fighter in Campo for about a year in 07’ and worked the duration of the Harris fire as well. I left the District Attorneys office because i got hired as a Full time Fire fighter for San Diego City and started their academy in Sept. of 08’ and graduated in Dec. I am now a Career fire fighter working for San Diego Fire Dept. and I couldn’t ask for anything more Daniella Ruiz ‘06 I am currently enjoying my summer in San Diego but come September I will be a senior for San Francisco State University and I will be graduation with a degree in Broadcasting and Electronics with an emphasis on video production. I will also graduate with a minor in Drama and have been going to many auditions and actually booked a few fun jobs Yong-bin Kim (a.k.a. sam) ‘07 I’m currently serving my home country, South Korea as an enlisted Army soldier and enjoying my military duty. I’m going to return to my college next year to take my next step to become a professional pilot. Currently holding PPL(Private Pilot’s License), I’ll start my sophomore year in college next summer. To be displayed in the next Crusader Connection, please email Bill Gerken at [email protected].

50th Year Anniversary Starting in the fall of 2010, the Crusaders will celebrate a school year long series of celebrations for the 50th Year Anniversary of start of Marian High School. If you are interested in participating on this 50th Year Anniversary committee please contact, Bill Gerken, Director of Alumni Services at [email protected]. In conjunction with the 50th Anniversary Celebration, a Distinguished Alumni Honor Roll will be started which will recognize those alumni who have distinguished themselves in the community or in their contributions to Marian/Mater Dei Catholic High School. Stay tuned for future information regarding The Distinguished Alumni Honor Roll. CRUSADER CONNECTION 9/1/09 1:59:55 PM

ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI EVENTS 2009 HOMECOMING:

HALL OF FAME INDUCTION:

Homecoming this year will be on Friday, November 6 with our Crusader Football Team taking on Hilltop High School at 7 p.m. in Crusader Stadium followed by an alumni social in the gym. You can get more info on the post game alumni social on the alumni portal on the Crusader Web Site at www.materdeicatholic.org. This years graduation of the Crusader Class of 2009 featured members of the Pioneer Class of 1964 sitting on the Dais with the graduates. Next year the Class of 1965 will be invited to sit on the Dais and join the Class of 2010 in celebrating their graduation. This is becoming a tradition with the 45th Anniversary Class participating in the graduation of the new Crusader graduates until 2014 when the 50th Anniversary Class will be the invited class.

This years Crusader Sports Hall of Fame Induction will be on Thursday, November 5 at 6:30 PM. A wine and cheese social will be held before the induction. This year’s inductees are: Team Selection: 1966-67 Boys’ Basketball Team Coach/Teacher Selection: Karen Klein Day Cravens ‘71 Individual Crusader Selection: Bob Maruca ’67 Jim Grady ‘73 More information on this event can be found on the alumni portal of the school’s web site.

2009 Career Day Natalie Gerken, Class of 2000, an HR Specalist at Booze Allen Hamilton, a world wide consulting company was one of the presenters at Career Day.

MDCHS would like to thank the following alums for participating in this years Career Day for the junior Class of 2010. John Poole ’66, Patty Saminiego Robles ‘75, John Landicho ’81, Natalie Gerken ’00, Vanessa Gonzales ’03 and Bernando Lara ’07 helped make this an informative and rewarding day for our future Crusader Alum. This event is held each spring for the junior class to help them prepare for college selection and career opportunities. MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL SummerCrusadertoprint.indd 29

2009 ANNUAL CRUSADER GOLF TOURNAMENT As the new school begins you need think about getting your golf clubs ready for the 33rd Annual Crusader Golf Tournament on Sunday, October 11 (A Charger Bye-Weekend). This year the tournament will be at Eastlake Country Club with a 1 PM shotgun start. This is a four person best ball scramble format so golfers of all level are invited to participate. Cost is $125 which includes lunch, dinner, goodie bag and much more. You can download a copy of the registration form at the school web site or go to http://www.materdeicatholic.org/Docs/golf.pdf . 29 9/1/09 2:00:00 PM

CLASS OF

1964 HARRIS QUESNELL

delivering his speech to the class of 2009

ALUMNI IN THE SPOTLIGHT MDCHS: What is your most memorable experience at Marian? Mr. Quesnell: The world that I knew all of a sudden became bigger. Imperial Beach at that time was a small community. Television was in its infant stage and so the world was as big as one could ride his bicycle. This was usually to the beach and back. At Marian, there were groups of students from National City, Chula Vista and the San Ysidro/Tijuana area. I had been through those areas and knew the geography but never met the people who lived there. I realize it is hard to believe in today’s society but back then there were actually different cultures within the counties so at Marian I experienced a different and diverse world and it changed my social consciousness. To have had this positive encounter would be very important in my life because later in the mid 60’s, I would spend a year in Mississippi exposed to a completely different and hostile culture. MDCHS: What is the importance of Catholic education? Mr. Quesnell: I believe its greatest value is providing a safe environment with shared values, beliefs and faith for the formative years of your life. In High School, when one starts taking responsibility for the decisions they make in life, it is such an enormous boost to be validated in a Catholic environment. In today’s society, where there is constant stimulus, a Catholic education helps develop a framework to make choices with a more in-depth perspective on life; looking at our choices in an eternal sense, not as short-term solutions. 30 SummerCrusadertoprint.indd 30

MDCHS: Since you graduated from Marian, what career opportunities have you had? Mr. Quesnell: Out of San Diego State, I went to work at the Navy Electron Laboratory Center at Point Loma where my first hardware project involved being part of a team developing the first digital military fiber optic link. The link was part of an upgrade to NORAD in Cheyenne Mountain near Colorado Springs. Fiber technology was still in its infant stage and there were signal dispersion, jitter, drift and stability problems. I developed a digital writing technique, which latter was patented by the Navy, which took these signal degradations into account and reproduced an in-sync replicate of the transmitted digital waveform. From the success of this project, I was given a more complex problem in switching networks. I was fortunate to be able to publish papers on the design concept, system and component level testing techniques. From this, I was assigned to develop the Navy metrology (scientific study of measurement) research and development program. The purpose of the program was to develop techniques and technology to measure, test and validate performance of new technology systems in the areas of new infrared imagining systems, Fiber optic communication systems, the emerging very high speed microelectronic and Satellite communication systems. One of the program’s major accomplishments was the development of testing and validation techniques and standards for the military’s emerging use of millimeter wave spectrum. From this CRUSADER CONNECTION 9/1/09 2:00:03 PM

work, I was chosen to lead the microwave, millimeter-wave group in our organization. At this point in my career, I had moved from hardware design, to program management and now to supervision. This technology branch was involved in many areas of Satellite communication, phase array radars, monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC) and identify friend or foe systems. During operation Desert Storm, we build a field repair kit for wave guides punctured by missile shrapnel. We had to look at the signal degradation caused by holes and sharp edges in the waveguide, then come up with materials and techniques to repair the damage. The branch’s successes opened the door for my next career opportunity. I was offered a position as a consultant for a technology planning company. It entailed leaving the government and entering private industry and a new area of cyber space technology. One of the technology areas was in information management and high assurance systems. George Mason University was building up their center of excellence in Command, Control, Communication, Computing and Intelligence, established in the late 80’s, and offered me a position on the research faculty. I was interested in getting back to the academic community and so took the position and eventually retired. MDCHS: What would you say is your proudest accomplishment so far in your career? Mr. Quesnell: All things considered, my proudest achievement in my career was retiring. When I was employed, not all my needs in life were addressed such as my need for private time with God and myself. This was a void in my life. Now I am retired I can understand and address all my needs. I have a plenty of private time with God and myself. My need for mental challenge is not directed by engineering problems but by the discovery of who I am. My need for physical challenge is not controlled by a morning and evening commute to work but by leisure walks observing and admiring God’s creation. I have more time to address my need of companionship by volunteer work, spending time with Mary Margaret and my sons and their families in San Diego and Kansas City. I never have to postpone living until the weekend because each day is a weekend. MDCHS: As a member of the pioneer class of Crusaders at Marian, is there any advice that you would give to current Crusaders at Mater Dei Catholic? Mr. Quesnell: Life is a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs. Although the ups are nice, for me, I would have preferred to avoid the depth of the down part of the ride. So my advice would be a suggestion on how to prevent those tremendous falls in your life. Do not measure success in life by the number of bricks you have on your house here on earth but instead in your mansion in the sky. Where you go in life depends on the one thing that is so important to you that you cannot walk away from it. That one thing will be your god. When I was young, my god was a material god and it caused great heartache and sorrow. I learned the hard way not to place my trust on created things but on the Creator. Life’s challenge is making that the one thing you can never walk away from to be the God that loves you for who you are and what you are. When you get to that stage in your life where you look back and think of the five most important decisions in your life, hopefully each one will reflect, “how did it help me get to heaven? MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL SummerCrusadertoprint.indd 31

Admissions Process Mater Dei Catholic High School Admissions for the School Year 2010-2011 6 Steps to becoming a student at Mater Dei Catholic 1-Call or email Roy Vasquez, Admissions Office to get on our mailling list. (619) 423-2121 ext 106 or [email protected] 2-Visit our campus - Come to an Admissions Event, schedule a Personal Tour or schedule a Shadow Day. (to RSVP for an event, contact the Office of Admissions) 3-Complete an application (application fee $50) 4-Take the High School Placement Test. (This test is only for applicants for 9th grade) 5. Turn in Official Transcripts 6. Interview - Parents and student meet with a member of MD faculty

2 0 0 9 - 2 010

Admissions Calendar RSVP’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]

8th Grade Visitation Day

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 9:00 am - 11:45 am Prospective 8th Grade Students Begins and ends in the Lima Center - Lunch included

Open House

Saturday, September 26, 2009 10:00 am - 12 Noon in the Lima Center All prospective families welcome

Prospective Parent Information Night Wednesday, January 20, 2010 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm in the Lima Center All prospective families welcome

High School Placement Test Saturday, January 23, 2010 7:45 am - 11:30 am Test and Application Fee $50

Freshmen Interview Night

Thursday, February 4, 2010 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm in the De Paul Center Letters of Acceptance will be mailed February 26, 2010 Freshmen Registration Night will take place on March 9 & 11, 2010 31 9/1/09 2:00:04 PM

2009-2010

CALENDAR OF EVENTS september 10 22 23 26

Back to School Night 6:30 p.m. New Parent Meeting 6:30 p.m. 8th Grade Visitation Day OPEN HOUSE 10:00 a.m.

october 7 9 17 20 30

Ambassador’s Induction 6:30 p.m. 1st Grading Period Ends Mainly Mozart 7:00 p.m. Parent Meeting 6:30 p.m. Student “Walk-a-Thon”

november 5 6 7 14 20 20-21 21

Hall of Fame Induction 6:30 p.m. Homecoming Football Game Homecoming Dance at Seaworld Westwind Brass 7:00 p.m. 2nd Grading Period Ends Student Drama Production Girl’s Parochial Volleyball Tournament

december 4 5 12

Christmas Choral Concert 7:00 p.m. California Ballet “Nutcracker” 7:00 p.m. JV Parochial Football Championships

For the most up to date c alendar and schedule, please visit www.mate r deic atholic.org.

Mater Dei Catholic High School 1615 Mater Dei Drive Chula Vista, CA 91913 Phone 619.423.2121 www.materdeicatholic.org

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9/1/09 2:00:05 PM