CRUSADER

C
Vol. 2 No. 2

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

SUE
T NO IS RS
R
O DO
STATE CHAMPIONS! P
RE O
F
L
AL
L
RO
U O
R
N

N
A N HO
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 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
3 Message from the President

GRADUATION
4 The Annual Report
10 Technology in the Classroom
12 Student Honors
13 Visual and Performing Arts Night
14 Science Academy
16 Graduation and College Acceptances
18 Class of 2009 - Student Recognition
22 Winter Sports
23 Spring Sports
24 Mens Soccer Championship
26 Womens Basketball Championship
28 Alumni News
30 Alumni in the Spotlight, Harris Quesnell
32 Student Calendar

STATE CHAMPIONS!
SummerCrusadertoprint.indd 2 9/1/09 1:56:31 PM
 A MESSAGE
FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Crusader Families and Friends,

1615 Mater Dei Drive Throughout history there are continuous examples of turmoil in cultures and mar-
Chula Vista, CA 91913 kets and our times have not escaped these trials. But as time advances we can see
ph: 619.423.2121 that turmoil is always followed by calm and often a reflective and learned response
www.m a te r deicathol ic.org 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.
BOARD OF
Because of the economy there has been a much greater need for tuition support to
DIRECTORS students and families in the Mater Dei community. However, we have been truly
BOARD OF DIR ECTORS

blessed by the generous response of our alumni and friends who have allowed our
Very Rev. Peter McGuine (Chair) 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
Rev. Peter Escalante 2008-2009 Annual Report to donors. We hope that we have recorded your name
Sr. Maria Paz Uribe and gift appropriately and if we’ve made any mistakes I’d like to personally apolo-
gize and ask that you call or write us to tell us of our error. Mainly I’d like to thank
Steven Boudreau, Esq. 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
Ms. Linda Bugelli High School.
Mr. Gordon Day ‘74
We invite you to enjoy the many accomplishments of our students and staff as out-
Mr. Tom Finch ‘82 lined 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
Mr. Rene Olivo that follow. They will always have a home here no matter where their life journey
Mr. Thomas Clayton Beecher, Ex-Officio 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
Mr. George Milke, Ex-Officio 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.

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
Yours in Christ,
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 Rey Thomas Clayton Beecher

Graphic Design/Photography: Nicole Limoges President
Printer: Kings Printing
A special thank you to those who took the extra time
to write/proof the articles.

MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 3

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 Memorial Gifts
The following names represent
The Annual Report 2008-2009
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 Aguilar

HERITAGE SOCIETY BLUE & GOLD CLUB
donations of $5,000 + donations of $400 - $999
Michael Islas
ALSAM Foundation A & M Team Sales Jerry Judge
Award Designers/Scriber Charlie & Susan Ahern Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum
Steven & Sue Boudreau Fidel & Imelda Almazan
Walter & Maxine Otte Harold & Monica Andreoli Fr. Earl LaRiviere
Maria ‘81 & John Roberts Cresencia & Alberto Angeles
Stephen & Mary Birch Anamarie & Jim Anthony Thomas W. Otte
Foundation, Inc. Bank of America United John Pappas
Way Campaign
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Eduardo & Marisela Becerra Katherine Rubano
John & Bertha Blas
donations of $1,000 - $ 4,999
Blessed Sacrament Parish
Manuel Banales Bob Baker Foundation Inc.
Thomas Clayton Beecher Rebecca & Kevin Brown
Lucila & Juan Briz Linda Bugelli
Diane & David Canedo Ramiro & Maria-Amelia Cardenas
Jean Dobyns Hector & Esther Casillas Darren & Dolores Newell
William & Elizabeth Gerken Karen Chudy ‘68 Rene & Matilde Olivo
James & Katherine Gillcrist Pedro & Idalia Dabdoub Francisco & Lorena Palacio
Carlos & Marisol Gomez Gordon ‘74 & Terri Day Francisco ‘79 & Diana ‘80 Paredes
Thomas & Sally Hardin Very Rev. John Dolan John & Mary Rhein
David Kassebaum Mario & Martha Fierro Ruben & Lisa Rodriguez
Kings Printing Thomas ‘82 & Andrea Finch Roesling, Nakamura, Terada
Mark LaRiviere Guillermo Giandoni ‘68 Architects, Inc.
Walter & Kelley Lindstrom Victor & Elba Gonzalez Jean Rubano
Victor & Theresa Lopez Ernesto & Elena Guilas Rubin Seeds, LLC
Ramon & Anna Madrigal Rocio ‘81 & John Hodges Viola Sanchez ‘81
Faith Manners Carlos & Mary Jimenez Manny Silva
Patricia McGregor Ruth Judge Gustavo & Araceli Slovinsky
McMahon Steel Company Inc. Robert & Gerriss Klant Gregory & Dorothy Smyth
MEXICOACH Lifetouch South Bay Expressway
George ‘72 & Jeanine ‘73 Milke II Mainly Mozart Maria Tollefson
Mills School Wear Ignacio & Sheila Martinez Robert & Nancy Trometter
Claire Roach Mattel Children’s Foundation Romualdo & Carmelita Uy
Sempra Energy Pedro & Olga Mendoza Larry & Frances VanWey
Sylvia Torrez George & Virginia Milke Wells Fargo Foundation
Jeffrey & Lorrilee Weller Nelnet Business Soluntions, Inc Dulce Yarza
Wells Fargo Foundation (FACTS)

4 CRUSADER CONNECTION

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 CRUSADER CLUB Albert ‘83 & Bridget Hallor Gary Reneau ‘73
donations of $100 - $399 Enrique & Berenice Hawley John Rey
Jerry & Patti Hayes James & Lilia Ritchie
Cesar & Lorena Acosta Blanca Herrera Jesus ‘69 & Teresa Rodriguez
Michelle Aguinaldo ‘85 Wil & Daria Hollowell Gilberto & Eneeth Robles
Robert & Meredith Alcock Joyce Huddleston ‘79 Alfredo & Maria Ruiz
Jerry & Merlinda Allen Gabriel & Maria Ishino Ileana Salazar
Walter & Jolene Andersen

The Annual Report 2008-2009

Jesus & Sonia Jaquez Enrique & Nenis Salcedo
Jorge & Laura Arredondo Delfino & Guadalupe Jimenez Mike & Boushra Salem
Raad & Amal Attisha Wilfredo & Editha Julve Chris Schnitzius
Jody Balestrieri Sherolyn ‘69 & Michael Kelleher Sister Servants of the
Michael & Anita Barletta Stan & Janet Kozlowski Blessed Sacrament
Stephen & Teresa Beck Carsten & Denise Kroon Greg Smyth ‘89
Patricia Bensan Francisco & Leticia Kuri St. Thomas Enterprises
Arturo & Carmen Blancas George Kuzukian Frank Stingo
Monica ‘83 & Timothy Brown Rigoberto & Perla Laborin Target
Joseph & Gloria Brunner Gary Laturno The Immaculata Parish
Michael & Carmen Buffaloe Gene & Mary LeDuc Robert Trierweiler ‘71
California Candids Graduation Photography Jeffery ‘69 & Mary Lewis Gerardo & Leonora Trueba
Rev. Msgr. Steven Callahan David & Elisa Licht Scott Ullsperger
Helen Callow Michael Loque Sensa Educational Systems, Inc.
Pablo & Heriberta Carcano Ray & Sylvia Lugo Socorro Sifuentes
Antonio & Rosalva Carrillo William & Teressa Lyons United Way of San Diego County
Gerarda ‘82 & Marbel Castaneda Rodolfo & Maria Marquez Homero & Ana Maria Valdespino
Oscar & Dolores Ceballos James ‘78 & Bernadette ‘80 Martinez Zurisaddi Galvez
Luis & Sandra Chacon Carlos & Glenda Martinez Sergio & Marlene Valenzuela
Margaret & Salvatore Chiappe Ted & Elizabeth Matranga Jose & Kathy Vargas
Jessica Cornejo ‘91 Terrence Mattis ‘77 Roy Vasquez
Alejandro ‘69 & Rebecca Cota Theodore & Rosalia Matula Felix & Margaret Vazquez
Jeanne & Gary Cox Raul & Karen Mayor Ron & Betsy Vernetti
Jose & Laura De Soto Wendy Modic ‘85 Rebekah Vigil
Fernando & Irma Del Monte Christopher & Ashley Moeller Michael Wallgren
Fran Derby Agustin & Alejandrina Navarro Don & Joy Walsh
Dalene Ditommaso Viet & Minh Nguyen Jalil & Gloria Wehber
Cesareo & Jacqueline Fernandez Francisco & Irma Padres Terry & Maria Wright
Sergio & Anna Fernandez Francisco ‘07 Padres
Sergio & Pilar Fourzan Anthony & Christine Papapietro
Carlos & Sandra Gage Teresa Pappas ‘73
Michael & Maricela Gamboa Mary Pappas ‘72 Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum
Paul & Elizabeth Ganelin
Salvador & Maribel Garcia
Benedicto & Ana Paradela Scholarship Fund
Juan & Marissa Parcero
James & Glicit Garvey Pat & Oscar’s Statement of Activity
Allen ‘77 & Wendy ‘75 Gates Oscar & Silvia Perez
Natalie Gerken ‘00 Richard & Brigitte Phillips
Esther Gomez Scholarship Fund Balance:
Elena Plazola
Estela & Enrique Gonzalez Harris Quesnell ‘64 as of 7/1/2008 $78,325

Donations:
from 7/1/2008 – 6/30/2009
$49, 300

Interest Earned: $3,679

Distributions: ($5,000)
(Scholarships for Michael Rodriguez
and Lauren Elise Judal)

Scholarship Fund Balance:

as of 6/30/3009 $126,304

MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 5

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 REVENUE
6%
1%
The Annual Report 2008-2009
9%

1%
2%

8%

73%

TUITION 7,010,131
OTHER FEES 742,553
AUXILIARY SERVICES 165,414
ATHLETICS 99,034
DEVELOPMENT & FUNDRAISING 921,543
INVESTMENTS 68,021
FACILITIES LEASING 623,225

TOTAL REVENUE $ 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

6 CRUSADER CONNECTION

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 EXPENSE
8%

The Annual Report 2008-2009

27%

49%

5%
1%
1%
2% 3%

SALARIES & BENEFITS 4,743,722

ADMIN/STUDENT/PTG/RECRUITING/MISC. 497,319
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS & RESOURCES 244,506
ATHLETICS 159,868
AUXILIARY SERVICES 124,387
DEVELOPMENT 505,063
PLANT OPERATIONS/MAINTENANCE/RESERVE 2,544,781
DEBT SERVICE 810,275

TOTAL EXPENSE $ 9,629,921

STUDENTS APPROVED FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE 198

TOTAL TUITION ASSISTANCE GRANTED $787,354
AVERAGE PER STUDENT AWARD $3,977

MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 7

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 FRIEND SPORTS PROGRAM SPONSORS TEE SPONSORS
donations up to $99
Adams Book Co. Paul Cacho ‘82
Dawn Adams Blackie’s Trophies and Awards Co-Production International, Inc
Yvette Albee ‘89 Brigantine Family of Restaurants Barbara Drossel ‘73 & Wade McKnight
Michael ‘76 & Christine Alvarado California Candids Gerken Family
Claudia Ampudia Graduation Photography Tom Judge ‘78
Veronica ‘72 & Jeffrey Andreoli Christopher & Juanita Warner David Kassebaum
The Annual Report 2008-2009
Mary Andrews ‘70 Corpus Christi Catholic Parish Jeannette & Nicholas Kelbaugh
Ivan & Blanca Barrera David Kassebaum Mexicana Logistics
Joelle Biedenbach Drew Ford Bud and Gina Milke
Juan & Silvia Bremer El Dorado Cleaners Moreno Family
Alejandra Carranza ‘89 William & Elizabeth Gerken Corpus Christi Parish
Joseph & Eileen Carton Jerry & Patti Hayes Propulsion Control Engineering
Margo Clark ‘67 Herff-Jones Yearbook Tech – Matt Reilly ‘80
Doreen Correia Raul & Karen Mayor St. Augustine HS ASB
Rodolfo & Maria Cruz George & Virginia Milke
Domonic Cruz ‘98 Imperial Beach Pre-School AUCTION DONORS
Constance Curran Instant Mexico Auto Insurance
Elizabeth Dougherty Nelnet Business Solutions, Inc (FACTS) A & M Team Sales
Monique Escobedo ValleyCrest Landscaping Maintenance Anthony’s Seafood Group
Jose & Norma Fierro Vertex Carpet Cleaning LLC Bonita Golf Club
Nick Franco Chula Vista Golf Club
Amy Gallmann Dick’s Last Resort
GOLF TOURNAMENT SPONSORS
Dennis & Violeta Griffin Eastlake Country Club
Brenda Grosz A & M Team Sales Cole Lewis Family
Laura Gutierrez Tom Davis The Fish Market
Adrian Hernandez ‘89 Jose Andres Fierro, H & M Landing
Margie Hernandez DISTRIBUIDORA YUMA Hornblower Cruises and Events
Omar & Valerie Hom Tom Finch ‘82 Maritime Museum of San Diego
Eddie & Suzette Jernigan Drew Ford MDCHS ASB Store
Renee Kinninger Jeff Guzman Family The Midway Museum
M. & Maria Krasovsky Ana Fimbres Labastida ‘81 Mission Valley Resort
Emil Krejci Michael Logue Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego
Katherine Larson Gene McDonald, Lee Wayne Corporation Old Globe
Alejandro & Imelda Limon Pala Band of Mission Indians Old Town Trolley
Lucille Lofgren Princell Family Rubio’s
Juan & Maria Martinez RCP Block and Brick Salt Creek Golf Club
Donald Mc Lees ValleyCrest Landscaping San Diego Golf Institute
Mel & Teresa McBroome San Diego Natural History Museum
Fernando & Angelica Munoz San Diego Zoo
Sylvia Palacios Vivian Moreno Family
Michael Parisi ‘70 World Wide Golf Shops
Mary Petito ‘87
Lorraine Pimentel ‘89
John & Mary Ann Plaza
Diane & Franklin Porter
Jose & Amaya Rebollar
In thanksgiving...
It is with gratitude that we make this year’s Annual Report public to our parents,
Guadalupe Rios
Arthur & Leslie Schroeder alumni and friends. We realize that only through your generosity can we continue
Sharon Smith to provide an excellent Catholic education for tomorrow’s leaders.
Kevin Smith
Guy Souza We hope that you will consider to support the students of Mater Dei Catholic
Oscar & Guadalupe Suarez High School in the upcoming year through one or more of the following ways:
Miguel & Matilde Tamayo
James & Leanne Truitt Annual Crusade Sports Program Advertisements
Carlos Varela ‘89 Alumni Golf Tournament Planned Giving
John & Kimberly Vasquez Memorial Brick Program Scholarship Funds
Kristen Willich
PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING YOUR 2009-2010
Peter Wraith ‘73
Francisco & Margarita Zamudio ANNUAL CRUSADE GIFT WITH THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
Kathleen Zuniga

8 CRUSADER CONNECTION

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Memorial
Giving

The Annual Report 2008-2009

How to give: In Memory of...
Harold & Virgina Andreoli Jose & Cesarea Moreno
On June 20, 2009, a Memorial Mass was held in Mar- Steve Ashcraft Bill & Mary Murphy
ian Chapel on the campus of Mater Dei Catholic Thomas A. Balestrieri John W. Novobilsky
Noli A. Bensan Thomas Walter Otte’ 77
High School to commemorate the loss of loved Jack Blakely Francisco & Elvira Padres
ones. An installation of Memorial Bricks has been Alfonso Casillas Cristina O. Paredes
placed behind the Marian Chapel. The Memorial Dulin & Virginia Covey Joe Raef, Class of ‘74
Brick Program has become a popular way for our Ray & Loretta Eckes Joseph Ruiz Renteria
donors to support the mission of our school. All Mary A. Endsley Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Rhein
Marvin Finch Joe L. Rojas
donations of $400 or more to the Annual Crusade
Jeanette & Bud Gallagher Esperanza C. Rojas
will be eligible to participate in the Memorial Brick Valentine & Annabel Gerken Teresa H. Rojas
Program. One way to participate in the Memorial Alicia Giandoni Agustin Rojas I
Brick Program is by making a pledge of $20/month Tom Harkness ‘64 Luis Sanchez-Cortez
for 20 months. We hope it will be a meaningful way Ana Luisa Herrera Mary P. Slovinsky-Roche
Barbara J. Hodges James P. Tollefson
for our community to gather in prayer each year to
Carlos Daniel Jimenez Pete Torrez
remember someone that has influenced their lives. Jerry Judge Leon Tuttle
Dr. Estelle L.Kassebaum Mr & Mrs. Harvey Westrick, Sr.
Please feel free to contact John Rey, CPA with any Thomas Lopez Belen. D.Yap
questions at (619) 621-5705 or at jrey@materdei- Jon-Jon Luna Leonardo D.Yap
Pat MacCarthy Rommel Schoeder Yarza
catholic.org. Thank you for your continued support
Jose Luis Rivas Marentes The Kohrman-Weller Family
of Mater Dei Catholic High School. Joseph F. McGregor Victims of Abortion
G.G. Moran

MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 9

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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.

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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 stu-
dents 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. Cur-
rently, 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 WHAT DO THE
STUDENTS
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 stu-

THINK?
dents 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, This class is so cool. It’s nice
human resources, biotechnology…but I think I finally found
something I enjoy and is rewarding at the same time. My to not have to carry a book
future goals are to teach Russian Literature and the Latin around and be able to access
language.
MDCHS: What do you like most about being a teacher? our homework from anywhere.
Mr. Van Wyk: I know it is cliché, but it doesn’t feel like “go-

”
It saves on paper and
ing to work.” It’s great being at a Catholic school. I’ve sub-
stituted at a few public schools and worked at one for a year, I can’t lose my homework.
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 would type about 2 pages of text to write a program that
hold on to their Catholic Faith and the values taught by would alphabetize a list. It is now completely obsolete. How-
your parents. They will probably be doing jobs that haven’t ever, there is value in the process itself. Sometimes it’s hard
even been invented yet and that they had no idea they would to adapt and hopefully, through programs like this paperless
be doing. I went to a 3-week “computer camp” when I was system, the students will learn to flourish with the diversity of
13-years-old to learn a computer program called “Basic.” I tools available to them.

MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 11

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

S ENIORS
JUNIORS
Violeta Arista-Palacios
Dianne Acevedo SOP HOMORES
Janine Dacayo
Mario Delgadillo Rafael Blanco
Mariana Burkle Jeffrey Alvarez
Jamie Espino
Rafael Carrillo-Baylon Ivanna Ames
Frances Fernandez
Brenna Gates Jasmine Cota Vivian Ayon-Heredia
Axel Gonzalez Kacy Espinoza Jessica Baumgardner
Jesus Gutierrez-Nunez Sergio Fourzan Samantha Baxley
Ebone Henry Mariana Gomez Nallely Beltran
Adriana Hernandez Marie Elaine Guilas Daniela Blancas
Danae Johnson Andrew Haines Ariel Cabrera
Soo-Jin Kim Erickson Julve
Valeria Cardenas
Luisa Lopez Nora Leyva
Michael Carton
Ailin Mendez Alicia Lopez
Alfredo Lucero-Canaan Alison Castaneda
Paulina Millan Mikayla Conlin
Christina Padilla Andrea Lucero-Canaan
Patrick Mayor Alejandra Contreras
Tanya Plascencia-Lliteras
Diane-Leah Moore Sergio Fernandez
Mariano Rayon
Andrea Navarro-Gomez Claudio Gage
Michael Rodriguez
Andres Schramm-Flores Paola Odriozola Diego-Emilio Galan
Maria Trueba De Buen Diana Paredes Kristin Gonzales
Toni Vasquez Alejandra Perez-Madrigal Elizabeth Gonzalez
Laura Watts-Cesena Maria Pimentel Christine Hillmann
Vanessa Wood Yazmin Razon Anthony Jaquez-Moreno
Diana Zoura Johanna Rhein Andrea Martinez-Casillas
Michel Sanchez
Jose Martinez-Rebollar
FRESHMEN Catherine Valenzuela
Theodore Matula
Pedro Osuna
Angela Beck Ilse Gutierrez-Nunez Brandon Nguyen Ligia Quijada
Leslie Bustillo-Moreno Jeff Guzman Teresa Padilla Roberto Quijano-Luna
Mark Camacho Thomas Hahn Eva Perez-Cecenas Maryel Quintero
Edith Camargo Alexis Hawley Ariana Rodriguez Ricardo Rosales
Theresa Chiappe Vannia Hernandez Jonathan Rodriguez
Isela Ruiz
Daniela Contreras Cassandra Huinquez Nina Salazar
Hollie Keene Carla Sanchez
Mallory Davenport Sabrina Scott
Kenny Espinoza Cristina Kelbaugh Paola Torres Raul Silva-Martinez
Caleb Galvez Stephanie Licht Brianna Truffa Chloe Slovinsky
Alexa Garcia Maritza Lopez-Portillo Andres Velderrain Daniel Slovinsky
Jocelyn Garcia Viviana Marchena-Pompa Thomas Wright Isabel Stonehouse
Victor Gonzalez Alejandro Marquez-Escobedo
Stephanie Grimaldi Haley Mendoza

12 CRUSADER CONNECTION

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 T H E F I R S T A N N U A L

May 8th marked the first annual Visual and Perform-

ing 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 musi-
cal numbers were performed by both the choral classes There were a variety of projects
ranging from acrylic Pop Art
and Mater Dei’s fledgling band. In addition to these painting (see left), Ceramics
lively performances, the lobby was filled with mixed sculptures (bottom left) and
media pieces created by our young Crusaders. Works in watercolor landscape paintings
(see bottom right).
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.

MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 13

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 ACADEMY A
THE
A NEW FRONTIER

OF
SCIENCE
The Mater Dei Academy of Science experienced an extremely successful inaugural school year during 2008-2009. Sci-
ence 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 CRUSADER CONNECTION

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 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 in-
ternships 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.

16 CRUSADER CONNECTION

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 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES
Air Force Academy University of California, Berkeley
Boston College University of California, Davis
Colgate University University of California, Dominguez Hills
Cornell University University of California, Irvine
University of Southern California University of California, Los Angeles
New York University University of California, Merced
University of San Diego University of California, Riverside
San Diego State University University of California, San Diego
Ohio Wesleyan University University of California, Santa Barbara
Arizona State University University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Colorado, Boulder California State University, Fullerton
Baylor University California State University, Humbolt
University of Nevada, Las Vegas California State University, Long Beach
University of Nevada, Reno California State University, Monterey Bay
California Lutheran University California State University, Northridge
Northern Arizona University California State University, Cal Poly Pamona
Drexel University California State University, Sacramento
Metropolitan State College of Denver California State University, San Bernardino
Cobleskill University California State University, San Francisco
St. John’s University California State University, San Marcos
University of Albany, NY California State University, Sonoma
The Art Institute of San Diego Sterling College
Universal Technical Institute New School of Architecture & Design
Devry University Point Loma Nazarene University
Johnson & Wales University Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute
Pima Medical Institute Manhattan College
Di Medici School of Art CETYS University
Pepperdine University Universidad del Valle de Mexico
Norwich University Universidad Anahuac
Westminister College Tecnologico de Monterrey
Menlo College Universidad de Monterrey
Chaminade University Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon
Loyola Marymount University Universidad de las Americas Puebla
Marist College 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 re-
ceived the Rotary Youth Leader-
ship Award. Laura was also very
involved at Mater Dei. She was a
member of the basketball, track
and swimming teams, along with
FRANK HUERTA
being an Ambassador for Christ
and joining numerous clubs on Watch for Frank playing football for Ohio
campus. Laura feels her faith has Wesleyan University next year! He plans to
grown deeper in God through her major in Communications and Journalism,
time at Marian/Mater Dei. And pushing towards his goal to work for ESPN
it has taught her that she doesn’t as a sports broadcaster. Although Frank was
have to see to believe. When very active in sports, he was also a leader on
asked what she will miss most campus and received the Pope Benedict XVI
about Mater Dei, she said, “I will Community Service Award, along with other
miss all the people that taught me leadership awards. One of Frank’s favorite
to believe in myself.” things about Mater Dei has been the family he
has developed with the students and teachers,
LAURA FABIOLA WATTS-CESENA and says that is what he will miss the most.

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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 Engineer-
ing 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.

KAMELA JACKSON
TONI VASQUEZ
Kamela will be continuing her edu-
cation at UCLA, where she has re-
Toni will be attending the University of Cali-
ceived an academic scholarship and
fornia Irvine next year, where she plans to ma-
plans to walk on to the basketball
jor in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in
team. At this time, she plans on
Neuroscience. From there, she plans to begin
majoring in Pre-Global Studies.
her education in pre-med and further become
Kamela was a member of the State
a neurologist. Toni was the ASB President,
Champion Varsity Basketball Team,
an Executive Ambassador, a member of the
where she received the State Wom-
National Honor Society, a member of the
en’s Sportsmanship Award, and was
Campus Ministry Team, played with the Steel
a member of the varsity softball and
Drum Band and was a member of many nu-
track teams.
merous clubs. With her involvement in so
Kamela was also a member of the
many avenues on campus, Toni was named
Ambassador For Christ Corps and
Lady Crusader of the Year, along with being
Campus Ministry for 3 years. She
honored with the 4-Year First Honors Aca-
feels these clubs have given her “the
demic Excellence Award and ASB Executive
sense of security knowing God will
President Award. Toni feels that her involve-
guide me through life.” Kamela feels
ment in Campus Ministry helped strengthen
her faith has strengthened through
her faith and helped her build her own. Be-
her involvement in these clubs at
fore Mater Dei, she feels that she followed
Mater Dei and will deeply miss the
what her parents believed and now she can go
relationships she has created over the
out on her own with what her own faith has
past 4 years.
taught her.

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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 soc-
cer 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 plan-
ning 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,
AXEL GONZALEZ
Yearbook, ASB and was an Am-
Axel was offered full scholarship to both UCSD
bassador for Christ. She received
and UC Berkeley in San Francisco. He has yet
an Academic Excellence Award
to decide which to take, but plans to major in
for her 4.0 GPA and two others
Biochemistry and will attend Medical School
for Chemistry and English. She
afterwards to push toward his career goal of
says she will miss the beautiful
becoming a Pediatric Surgeon. Axel was a
campus next year, along with all
member of the Ambassador for Christ Corps,
the nice and caring teachers.
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.”

20 CRUSADER CONNECTION

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 THE CLASS OF 2009
BECOME REALITY
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 spe-
cial 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 Diane will be attending the New
in Business Administration and Marketing. School of Architecture and Design
He had a few other scholarship offers to play in the fall where she will pursue her
at UNLV and Baylor University, but decided dream of becoming an architect.
that Kent Prep School was the right place She was an active member of the
for him. His career plans include finishing ASB, Campus Ministry, National
school with a Master’s and then market- Honor Society and an Ambassador
ing urban clothing and music. Marcel also for Christ. Diane is a 5th genera-
played baseball, basketball and ran track at tion graduate of Marian/Mater Dei
Mater Dei. In football, he was named team and she says she will miss her fam-
captain, Team MVP, 1st Team All-League ily commute the most every morn-
Offense for both his junior and senior years, ing she attends college. When asked
along with being named to the San Diego how her faith will help her in the
Scholar-Athlete and Leader Hall of Fame future, she said, “The retreats have
and the San Diego Union Tribune All-Aca- helped me grow closer to God and
demic Team. Marcel feels he has grown dra- I have learned that in the future I
matically in his faith while attending Mater need to always keep my faith first.”
Dei saying, “I began to pray more and thank
God for the things in my life.”

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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. High-
lights of the season included a 3rd place finish
in the Imperial Tiger Desert Classic and wins
WRESTLING
over league rivals Chula Vista, Bonita Vista, and This is the 2nd year that Wrestling has been of-
Hilltop. Senior RJ Rowan received first team all fered at Mater Dei and the program is making great
Mesa League honors and was also chosen as a strides. Under the leadership of Scott Ullsperger, the
first team All CIF Division IV team member. Crusader grapplers have shown great improvement.
Senior De, Anthony Tobe was a 2nd team all Highlights of the season were the dual meet vic-
Mesa Leaguer. The Crusaders will return a solid tory over San Diego High, hosting of soon to be
nucleus of underclassmen so the future looks annual Mater Dei tournaments, and competition in
very bright for the program 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.

22 CRUSADER CONNECTION

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 SPRING SPORTS

SWIMMING MEN’S VOLLEYBALL

The Mater Dei Swim Program has made great strides since coach The Boys Volleyball Program, led by Coach Brian Ritz, is mak-
Kevin Smith took the helm. The Crusaders have consistently ing great strides in the South Bay. Highlights of the season
placed swimmers in the CIF championships and this year was included wins over Sweetwater, Olympian, Chula Vista, and
no different. Sergio Fourzan and Gisselle Suarez were among a CIF Quarter-Final appearance. Post-season honors went to
the section’s elite this past season and both will return next year. Aldo Loera who was named to the All Mesa League First team.
There were 46 total swimmers which made for the biggest team The program is gaining steam and the future looks very bright.
in school history. The highlight of the season was the meet vic-
tory over the Chula Vista Spartans. We all look forward to big
things from the program in the future. SOFTBALL
The Lady Crusaders softball program is definitely on the rise.
The Lady Crusaders finished the 2009 campaign with an over-
all 17-15 record and a semi-final appearance in the CIF Di-
vision 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

BASEBALL don’t be surprised if these girls are competing for a CIF cham-
pionship next Spring.
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 Pa-
triots. 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.

TRACK MEN’S GOLF

The Mater Dei Track program is getting stronger every year. The 2009 Golf Season was a great one. Led by Coach Bill
The program fielded a large number of athletes and had numer- Gerken, the Crusaders finished near the top of the Mesa League
ous league finalists. Led by coach Carla Martinez, the program Standings. Highlights of the season included the annual trip to
is in good hands. The main highlight of the season was the suc- Pahrump (Nevada), two all-league players (David Moreno and
cess of long jumper Jackae Bridges. Jackae was the 2008 CIF Cesar Ybarra), and a 7th consecutive trip to the CIF champi-
Champion and she returned to State Track meet for the second onships in Warner Springs. The Crusaders return four of their
consecutive year. With the high number of athletes returning top six players next year which should put them in position to
for the 2010 season, the future looks very bright. compete for a Mesa League championship.

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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 vic-
tory 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

24 CRUSADER CONNECTION

SummerCrusadertoprint.indd 24 9/1/09 1:59:45 PM

 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 on-
coming 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 play-
off run. Coach Jorge Zavala stated it perfectly, “It’s not how you

It’s how you finish it.”

start a season.

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 WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
C A P T U R E S T H E

STATE TITLE

26 CRUSADER CONNECTION

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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 27

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 ALUMNI NEWS
Pictured above: The Marian/Mater Dei Catholic Alumnni vs. the 2009 Boys Golf Team.
Stephanie Cortez ‘03 John-Paul Bruno ‘05
After graduating from Marian, I attended SDSU and majored in psy- Started working for The District Attorney’s office as a student worker in
chology. I graduated in May of 2008 and received my BA in Psychol- Cold Case Homicide Dept. for almost 3 yrs, from 06’-08. I worked with
ogy. Up to this date I have been working for two in a half years as a be- Deputy District Attorneys and Paralegals and helped them prepare their
havioral therapist for autistic children in san diego area for a company cases for court. I took classes at Mira Mar & City College and received
named Aces. I am currently engaged to my boyfriend of six years and my AA in Psychology and Fire protection. I was a volunteer Fire Fighter
planning our wedding for summer of 2010. 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
Viviana Narvaez ‘03 Full time Fire fighter for San Diego City and started their academy in
Alejandro Valenzuela ‘03 Sept. of 08’ and graduated in Dec. I am now a Career fire fighter work-
After high School, Viviana attended CETYS Universidad in Tijua- ing for San Diego Fire Dept. and I couldn’t ask for anything more
na, and graduated with a bachelors degree in Psychology, and several
months later I married Alejandro Valenzuela ‘03, he graduated with a Daniella Ruiz ‘06
bachelors degree in Business Administration in Universidad Autonoma I am currently enjoying my summer in San Diego but come September I
de Baja California, and he is currently in charge of his family business will be a senior for San Francisco State University and I will be gradua-
in the construction field in Tijuana. We are currently living here in San tion with a degree in Broadcasting and Electronics with an emphasis on
Diego, we’ve been together since we were sophomores, that’s almost 8 video production. I will also graduate with a minor in Drama and have
years next month, and married for two years. We have a 1 year old son, been going to many auditions and actually booked a few fun jobs
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 Yong-bin Kim (a.k.a. sam) ‘07
attending a Golf Academy in Carlsbad this upcoming fall. 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
Mariana Esparza Alford ‘04 next year to take my next step to become a professional pilot. Currently
In early 2006 I enrolled in UEI-Chula Vista Campus to study as a holding PPL(Private Pilot’s License), I’ll start my sophomore year in
medical assistant. While I was in school I was going through my first college next summer.
deployment with my fiance. I worked in the medical field for 2 years
To be displayed in the next Crusader Connection, please email
then realized it was not for me. In November 2006 my fiance returned
Bill Gerken at [email protected].
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
50th Year
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
Anniversary
makeup but will do for any special occasion. I travel to the locations of Starting in the fall of 2010, the Crusaders will celebrate a
the clients or they come to my home. I also have a part-time job in my school year long series of celebrations for the 50th Year An-
father’s company which is still growing at the moment. My position niversary of start of Marian High School. If you are interest-
here is Executive Assistant/ Accounting Assistant. On July 21st of this ed in participating on this 50th Year Anniversary committee
year will be our 2 year wedding anniversary. So that is it for me. That is please contact, Bill Gerken, Director of Alumni Services at
what I have been up to. [email protected]. In conjunction with the 50th
Anniversary Celebration, a Distinguished Alumni Honor Roll
will be started which will recognize those alumni who have
Mo Alcock ‘06 distinguished themselves in the community or in their contri-
Entering my senior year at UCLA with an Anthropology Major, B.S., butions to Marian/Mater Dei Catholic High School. Stay tuned
and a pre-optometry focus. After graduation, I hope to attend the for future information regarding The Distinguished Alumni
Southern California College of Optometry. Honor Roll.

28 CRUSADER CONNECTION

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 ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI EVENTS

2009 HOMECOMING: HALL OF FAME INDUCTION:

Homecoming this year will be on Friday, November 6 with our This years Crusader Sports Hall of Fame Induction will be on
Crusader Football Team taking on Hilltop High School at 7 Thursday, November 5 at 6:30 PM. A wine and cheese social
p.m. in Crusader Stadium followed by an alumni social in the will be held before the induction. This year’s inductees are:
gym. You can get more info on the post game alumni social
on the alumni portal on the Crusader Web Site at www.mater- Team Selection: 1966-67 Boys’ Basketball Team
deicatholic.org. This years graduation of the Crusader Class of
Coach/Teacher Selection: Karen Klein Day Cravens ‘71
2009 featured members of the Pioneer Class of 1964 sitting on
the Dais with the graduates. Next year the Class of 1965 will be Individual Crusader Selection: Bob Maruca ’67
invited to sit on the Dais and join the Class of 2010 in celebrat- Jim Grady ‘73
ing their graduation. This is becoming a tradition with the 45th
Anniversary Class participating in the graduation of the new More information on this event can be found on the alumni
Crusader graduates until 2014 when the 50th Anniversary Class portal of the school’s web site.
will be the invited class.

2009
Career
Day
Natalie Gerken, Class of
2000, an HR Specalist at
Booze Allen Hamilton,
a world wide consulting
company was one of the 2009 ANNUAL CRUSADER
presenters at Career Day.
GOLF TOURNAMENT
As the new school begins you need think about getting your
MDCHS would like to thank the following alums for partici- golf clubs ready for the 33rd Annual Crusader Golf Tourna-
pating in this years Career Day for the junior Class of 2010. ment on Sunday, October 11 (A Charger Bye-Weekend). This
John Poole ’66, Patty Saminiego Robles ‘75, John Landicho ’81, year the tournament will be at Eastlake Country Club with a 1
Natalie Gerken ’00, Vanessa Gonzales ’03 and Bernando Lara PM shotgun start. This is a four person best ball scramble for-
’07 helped make this an informative and rewarding day for our mat so golfers of all level are invited to participate. Cost is $125
future Crusader Alum. This event is held each spring for the which includes lunch, dinner, goodie bag and much more. You
junior class to help them prepare for college selection and career can download a copy of the registration form at the school web
opportunities. site or go to http://www.materdeicatholic.org/Docs/golf.pdf .

MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 29

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 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? MDCHS: Since you graduated from Marian, what career oppor-
Mr. Quesnell: The world that I knew all of a sudden became bigger. tunities have you had?
Imperial Beach at that time was a small community. Television was Mr. Quesnell: Out of San Diego State, I went to work at the
in its infant stage and so the world was as big as one could ride his Navy Electron Laboratory Center at Point Loma where my first
bicycle. This was usually to the beach and back. hardware project involved being part of a team developing the first
At Marian, there were groups of students from National City, Chu- digital military fiber optic link. The link was part of an upgrade to
la Vista and the San Ysidro/Tijuana area. I had been through those NORAD in Cheyenne Mountain near Colorado Springs. Fiber
areas and knew the geography but never met the people who lived technology was still in its infant stage and there were signal disper-
there. I realize it is hard to believe in today’s society but back then sion, jitter, drift and stability problems. I developed a digital writ-
there were actually different cultures within the counties so at Mar- ing technique, which latter was patented by the Navy, which took
ian I experienced a different and diverse world and it changed my these signal degradations into account and reproduced an in-sync
social consciousness. To have had this positive encounter would replicate of the transmitted digital waveform. From the success of
be very important in my life because later in the mid 60’s, I would this project, I was given a more complex problem in switching net-
spend a year in Mississippi exposed to a completely different and works. I was fortunate to be able to publish papers on the design
hostile culture. concept, system and component level testing techniques. From this,
MDCHS: What is the importance of Catholic education? I was assigned to develop the Navy metrology (scientific study of
Mr. Quesnell: I believe its greatest value is providing a safe envi- measurement) research and development program. The purpose of
ronment with shared values, beliefs and faith for the formative years the program was to develop techniques and technology to measure,
of your life. In High School, when one starts taking responsibility test and validate performance of new technology systems in the ar-
for the decisions they make in life, it is such an enormous boost to eas of new infrared imagining systems, Fiber optic communication
be validated in a Catholic environment. In today’s society, where systems, the emerging very high speed microelectronic and Satellite
there is constant stimulus, a Catholic education helps develop a communication systems.
framework to make choices with a more in-depth perspective on One of the program’s major accomplishments was the devel-
life; looking at our choices in an eternal sense, not as short-term opment of testing and validation techniques and standards for the
solutions. military’s emerging use of millimeter wave spectrum. From this

30 CRUSADER CONNECTION

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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 inte- Admissions Process
grated circuits (MMIC) and identify friend or foe systems. During
operation Desert Storm, we build a field repair kit for wave guides Mater Dei Catholic High School
punctured by missile shrapnel. We had to look at the signal deg- Admissions for the School Year 2010-2011
radation caused by holes and sharp edges in the waveguide, then
come up with materials and techniques to repair the damage. 6 Steps to becoming a student at Mater Dei Catholic
The branch’s successes opened the door for my next career op-
1-Call or email Roy Vasquez, Admissions Office to get on our mailling
portunity. I was offered a position as a consultant for a technology
planning company. It entailed leaving the government and entering list. (619) 423-2121 ext 106 or [email protected]
private industry and a new area of cyber space technology. One of 2-Visit our campus - Come to an Admissions Event,
the technology areas was in information management and high as- schedule a Personal Tour or schedule a Shadow Day.
surance systems. George Mason University was building up their (to RSVP for an event, contact the Office of Admissions)
center of excellence in Command, Control, Communication, Com- 3-Complete an application (application fee $50)
puting and Intelligence, established in the late 80’s, and offered me 4-Take the High School Placement Test.
a position on the research faculty. I was interested in getting back (This test is only for applicants for 9th grade)
to the academic community and so took the position and eventually 5. Turn in Official Transcripts
retired. 6. Interview - Parents and student meet with a member of MD faculty
MDCHS: What would you say is your proudest accomplishment
so far in your career?
Mr. Quesnell: All things considered, my proudest achievement in 2 0 0 9 - 2 010
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 Admissions Calendar
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 RSVP’s are required for all of the following events. Please contact
time with God and myself. My need for mental challenge is not Roy Vasquez in the Admissions Office at (619) 423-2121 ext 106
directed by engineering problems but by the discovery of who I or email [email protected]
am. My need for physical challenge is not controlled by a morning
and evening commute to work but by leisure walks observing and 8th Grade Visitation Day
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
admiring God’s creation. I have more time to address my need of
9:00 am - 11:45 am
companionship by volunteer work, spending time with Mary Mar- Prospective 8th Grade Students
garet and my sons and their families in San Diego and Kansas City. Begins and ends in the Lima Center - Lunch included
I never have to postpone living until the weekend because each day
is a weekend. Open House
MDCHS: As a member of the pioneer class of Crusaders at Mar- Saturday, September 26, 2009
ian, is there any advice that you would give to current Crusaders at 10:00 am - 12 Noon in the Lima Center
Mater Dei Catholic? All prospective families welcome
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 Prospective Parent Information Night
the depth of the down part of the ride. So my advice would be a Wednesday, January 20, 2010
suggestion on how to prevent those tremendous falls in your life. 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm in the Lima Center
Do not measure success in life by the number of bricks you have on All prospective families welcome
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 impor- High School Placement Test
tant to you that you cannot walk away from it. That one thing will Saturday, January 23, 2010
be your god. When I was young, my god was a material god and it 7:45 am - 11:30 am
Test and Application Fee $50
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
Freshmen Interview Night
is making that the one thing you can never walk away from to be
Thursday, February 4, 2010
the God that loves you for who you are and what you are. When 4:30 pm - 8:00 pm in the De Paul Center
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 Letters of Acceptance will be mailed February 26, 2010
will reflect, “how did it help me get to heaven? Freshmen Registration Night will take place on March 9 & 11, 2010

MATER DEI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 31

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 2009-2010
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
september november
10 Back to School Night 6:30 p.m. 5 Hall of Fame Induction 6:30 p.m.
22 New Parent Meeting 6:30 p.m. 6 Homecoming Football Game
23 8th Grade Visitation Day 7 Homecoming Dance at Seaworld
26 OPEN HOUSE 10:00 a.m. 14 Westwind Brass 7:00 p.m.
20 2nd Grading Period Ends
20-21 Student Drama Production
october 21 Girl’s Parochial Volleyball Tournament

7
9
Ambassador’s Induction 6:30 p.m.
1st Grading Period Ends
december
17 Mainly Mozart 7:00 p.m. 4 Christmas Choral Concert 7:00 p.m.
20 Parent Meeting 6:30 p.m. 5 California Ballet “Nutcracker” 7:00 p.m.
30 Student “Walk-a-Thon” 12 JV Parochial Football Championships

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

Non-Profit Org.
Mater Dei Catholic High School U.S. Postage
1615 Mater Dei Drive PAID
Chula Vista, CA 91913 San Diego, CA
Phone 619.423.2121 Permit No. 51
www.materdeicatholic.org

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