Moderator: Mr. Scott Timmermann
The Academic Challenge Team participates in competitive academic tests for which test material is drawn from senior level high school curricula and freshman level college curricula. Written by teams of college and university faculty, subjects include biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering graphics, English, mathematics, and physics.
The team consists of 14 varsity members and 14 junior varsity members. Students prepare by taking practice tests and reporting their scores to the moderator. Team members are then selected by their test scores.
To try out for the team, students must be a junior or senior. If the team rosters are not filled, freshman and sophomore students may try out by invitation only. An informational meeting, held during a designated study hall, will be announced.
Moderator: Mrs. Emily Timmermann
The purpose of Book Club is to encourage the reading and discussion of a variety of books. After Book Club members provide recommendations for and complete the selection of books, the books are ordered and delivered through the library. Thus, students are not required to purchase books.
At the meetings, which are held once a month during designated study hall periods, refreshments are often served and the discussions become quite lively!
All Mater Dei students are welcome to join Book Club at any time throughout the year.
Moderator: Mrs. Deb Foote
National Honor Society (NHS) promotes scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
Criteria The following criteria are used to determine membership in NHS:
Scholarship: Members must possess and then maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.6 (4.0 scale).
Service: Members perform voluntary work in the school or in the community each semester.
Leadership: Members demonstrate leadership skills in the school or in the community while working with or for others.
Character: Members uphold the principles of morality, integrity, and honesty; and demonstrate reliability, cooperation, and respect.
Induction Members are inducted in May of their sophomore, junior, or senior year.
Activities Members are involved in a number of voluntary activities throughout the year both in the school and in the community. Annually at Mater Dei, in conjunction with our St. Vincent De Paul Society, NHS sponsors a Thanksgiving Food Drive. The collected canned goods are distributed to local organizations that provide food for those in need.
Academic Letters Members are awarded an academic letter for maintaining a specific cumulative grade point average (gpa) each year as follows:
sophomores: a 4.0 gpa (4.0 scale) after the first semester of their sophomore year
juniors: a 3.8 gpa (4.0 scale) after the first semester of their junior year
seniors: a 3.6 gpa (4.0 scale) after the first semester of their senior year
Moderators: Mr. Scott Timmermann and Mrs. Emily Timmermann
Recent IHSA Accomplishments
2018 Class 2A Regional and Sectional Champions
2017 Class 2A Regional Champions
2016 Third Place in State
Scholar Bowl is an IHSA sanctioned activity for which all Mater Dei students are eligible. The Scholar Knights compete at the varsity, junior varsity, and freshman levels. A scholar bowl match consists of head-to-head competition between teams, who answer questions relating to various topics including English, history, mathematics, and science. The fall season culminates with the South Central Scholastic Conference Tournament; the spring season culminates with IHSA playoffs.
During the season, the team practices on Wednesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A student may join Scholar Bowl at any time during the season. While many students elect to play all year, other students elect to play during the off-season of the other activities in which they participate.
| DATE | OPPONENT(S) | TIME | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 27 | Scholastic Hi-Q (Rounds 1 and 2) |
6:00 p.m. | SIUC |
| October 26 | Granite City, Greenville, Staunton | 4:30 p.m. | Home |
| November 2 | Carlinville, Greenville, Mt. Olive | 4:30 p.m. | Greenville |
| November 9 | Bunker Hill, Gillespie, Mt. Olive | 4:30 p.m. | Bunker Hill |
| November 15 | Carbondale @ Scholastic Hi-Q (Quarterfinals and Semifinals) |
6:00 p.m. | SIUC |
| November 16 | Gillespie, Metro-East Lutheran, Southwestern | 4:30 p.m. | Metro-East Lutheran |
| December 2 | Civic Memorial, Freeburg, Mascoutah | 4:00 p.m. | Freeburg |
| December 4 | South Central Scholastic League Tournament |
9:00 a.m. | Mt. Olive |
| December 9 | East Alton-Wood River, Marquette, Metro-East Lutheran |
4:00 p.m. | Metro-East Lutheran |
| January 6 | Belleville East, Belleville West, Columbia | 4:00 p.m. | Belleville West |
| January 13 | Fr. McGivney, Mascoutah, O'Fallon | 4:00 p.m. | Home |
| January 20 | Alton, Collinsville, Triad | 4:00 p.m. | Triad |
| January 27 | Althoff, Belleville East, East Alton-Wood River | 4:00 p.m. | Belleville East |
| January 29 | Heartland Catholic Scholar Bowl Tournament |
tba | online |
| January 31 | Catholic Schools Tournament | 4:30 p.m. | Althoff |
| February 3 | Belleville East, Fr. McGivney, O'Fallon | 4:00 p.m. | Home |
| February 10 | Fr. McGivney, Freeburg, Granite City | 4:00 p.m. | Granite City |
| February 17 | Alton, Civic Memorial, Highland | 4:00 p.m. | Highland |
| February 19 | Masonic Academic Bowl Sectional | 8:45 a.m. | tba |
| February 23 | Clinton County Tournament | 3:30 p.m. | Home |
| March 3 | Metro East Quad League Finals | tba | tba |
| March 5 | Masonic Academic Bowl State Final | tba | Bloomington |
| March 7 | IHSA Regional | tba | tba |
| updated 11-17-21 |
Moderator: Mrs. Amparo Wolden
The purposes of Spanish Club are to promote interest in and knowledge of the Hispanic culture, as well as to provide opportunities to speak Spanish in an informal setting.
During meetings, which are held during designated study hall periods, members are exposed to various aspects of Hispanic culture, including cuisine, music and dance, and holidays. Moreover, when the opportunity arises, members attend an “off-campus” event to experience the culture firsthand. Finally, in accordance with the Works of Mercy, members will donate to a Hispanic family in need, usually near Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
All Mater Dei students, including those not enrolled in a Spanish course, are welcome to join Spanish Club at any time throughout the year.
Moderators: Mrs. Emily Timmermann and Mr. Scott Timmermann
The newspaper, The Mater Dei Lance, is a student-managed publication. The staff welcomes students interested in writing and reporting news, photographing events, or creating artwork for the newspaper, which is published five times during the school year. The Mater Dei Lance, which possesses nearly 350 subscribers, has continually received high ratings at the annual Southern Illinois School Press Association (SISPA) Convention, including receiving the prestigious “Blue Banner” award for overall excellence.
During meetings, which are held during designated study hall periods, the staff prepares the plan for and the layout of the next issue. In addition, participation in “publication week” is required one week per issue.
All Mater Dei students are welcome to join the staff of The Mater Dei Lance at any time throughout the year.
Moderators: Mrs. Melissa Kunkle and Mrs. Pam Zurliene
The yearbook, The Knight, is a student-managed publication. The staff members are responsible for taking pictures, designing layouts, and writing articles and captions. The Knight has received awards at the annual Southern Illinois School Press Association (SISPA) Convention, including receiving the prestigious "Golden Dozen" award.
The staff holds meetings one week per month from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. In addition, because students complete the pages online, they are able to work both at school and at home.
All Mater Dei students are welcome to join the staff of The Knight in September, when an organizational meeting is held for both “veteran” and new members.
Moderator: Mrs. Tammy Carroll
The mission statement of Mater Dei stresses the importance of a caring environment that is also respectful of all students. Thus, the purpose of the Peer Helpers program is to ensure that all students feel welcome, confident, and capable.
The activities for which our Peer Helpers are trained include, but are not limited to, the following:
All junior and senior students are welcome to serve as Peer Helpers.
Moderator: Mrs. Maria Zurliene
Student Ambassadors play a vital role in promoting Mater Dei to prospective students and their families, current students and their families, and alumni. In their role as ambassadors, students share not only their knowledge of Mater Dei, but also their “spirit” for Mater Dei.
The activities in which our Student Ambassadors participate include, but are not limited to, the following:
In the spring, freshman, sophomore, and junior students apply to serve as Student Ambassadors for the following school year. Before serving at an event, students must attend meetings and training sessions, which are held during designated study hall periods.
Moderators: Mrs. Christine Gramann and Mrs. Pam Zurliene
Student Council represents the student body in bringing forth ideas, projects and school improvements that enhance the mission of Mater Dei. Members are elected by their peers and serve as positive role models for their fellow students. While participating in Student Council, representatives learn parliamentary procedure, leadership responsibilities, and decision making skills. They also learn to serve as a voice for their fellow students and to initiate change for the betterment of the school. Serving on Student Council allows members to use their time and talents to represent Mater Dei’s mission and students, while also gaining valuable leadership experience.
Student Council members are responsible for planning and executing homecoming activities, sponsoring concessions at various academic and sporting events, and working in conjunction with the American Red Cross and the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center to host two annual blood drives. They also organize and contribute to various fundraising activities on a local and national level. Finally, Student Council provides financial support for various school projects, which have included purchasing patio tables, benches, cafeteria improvements, sinks for the restrooms, an outdoor nativity set, a stage curtain, water fountains, and paper recycle bins for classrooms.
Student Council members are expected to attend meetings, which are held during designated study hall periods; help decorate during the weekend before major events; assist in the execution of homecoming activities (shirt orders, parade, bonfire, coronation, lip sync/talent contest, and dance); and work at the concession stand at home boys basketball games and the Mater Dei Junior High Scholar Bowl Tournament.
The Student Council membership includes both homeroom representatives and at-large representatives from each grade level. Elections for senior, junior, and sophomore representatives are held in the spring for the following school year. Elections for freshman representatives are held after the first quarter of the new school year. All students with a qualifying grade point average are eligible to run for Student Council.
Director of Bands: Mr. Alex Normansell
Marching Knights 2020-2021 Competition Schedule
The Marching Knights will perform their field show at the following competitions:
Metro East Marching Classic (O'Fallon Township H.S.): September 11
Tiger Ambush Classic (Edwardsville H.S.): September 18
Clinton County Marching Band Exhibition (Wesclin H.S.): September 25
Effingham Hearts Red Regiment Invitational (Effingham H.S.): October 16
Illinois Marching Band Championships (University of Illinois): October 23
In addition, the Marching Knights perform at half-time of home varsity football games.
Director: Mr. Blake Korte
The purpose of Noon Chorus is to provide students with the opportunity to sing a wide variety of literature in an ensemble setting without enrolling in chorus as a course in their schedule. The chorus performs four concerts per year in conjunction with the band concerts (fall and Christmas first semester, winter and spring second semester).
Members meet three times per week for fifteen minutes, a small portion of which occurs during their lunch period, and every period 4/5 study hall.
Because Noon Chorus is a credited course (0.25 credit per semester), students are welcome to join at the start of each semester.
Director: Mrs. Donna Goetz
2019-2020 Fall Play: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
November 1 and 2 at 7:00 p.m., November 3 at 2:00 p.m.
2019-2020 Spring Musical: Cinderella
April 3 and 4 at 7:00 p.m., April 5 at 2:00 p.m.
All Mater Dei students interested in the performing arts are encouraged to participate in the fall play and spring musical. The fall play performance weekend occurs in late October or early November. The spring musical performance weekend occurs in late March or early April. Staging a theatrical production requires a variety of both on-stage and off-stage commitment. Thus, students possess a wide variety of opportunities to participate with the play and the musical.
Performers As on-stage performers, students will both utilize and further develop their acting ability. Roles vary in size and number, depending on the selected play or musical. The musical usually includes a chorus of singers and/or dancers; as a result, students who audition are not normally cut from the musical. Auditions, which are announced at school, occur six to eight weeks prior to the performance. Rehearsals take place after school and/or in the evenings.
Musicians (Musical Only) As members of the pit orchestra, students will both utilize and further develop their musical ability. Instruments vary in type and number depending on the selected musical. Rehearsals take place after school and/or in the evenings, usually beginning four to five weeks prior to the performance. Students interested in serving as a member of the pit orchestra should contact the director or the music director.
Lighting and Sound Technicians As members of the tech crew, students will both utilize and further develop theatrical lighting skills and/or theatrical sound skills. The two weeks prior to a performance are usually reserved as “tech weeks.” Students interested in serving as a member of the tech crew should contact the director.
Set Crew As members of the set crew, students will both utilize and further develop theatrical carpentry skills and/or theatrical painting skills. The sets range from simple to elaborate, depending on the selected play or musical. Students interested in serving as a member of the set crew should contact the director for the schedule of “set construction days” and “set painting days.”
Stage Manager and/or Student Director As a stage manager, a student who exhibits exceptional leadership and organizational qualities will possess the opportunity to utilize these skills in order to ensure a smooth-running performance. Specifically, the stage manager is in charge of all props, scene changes, and curtain opening/closing. Occasionally, a director will also select an additional student to serve as a student director. Both the stage manager and student director are required to attend rehearsals and performances. Students interested in serving as a stage manager or student director should contact the director.
Stage Crew As members of the stage crew, students are responsible for scene changes or movement of sets that are required during the performances. Students interested in serving as a member of the stage crew should contact the director for a schedule of rehearsals they are required to attend.
Ushers As ushers, students will not only welcome and provide programs to patrons, but also assist them in finding their seats. Ushers are required to arrive one hour prior to the performances and remain one hour after the performance to assist in cleaning and preparing the gym for the next performance. Students interested in serving as an usher should contact the director.
Box Office As a member of the box office staff, students who possess strong organizational skills sell performance tickets at school during lunch periods two weeks prior to the performances, as well as in the box office during the performances. Students interested in serving as a member of the box office staff should contact the director.
Moderator: Mr. Jared Green
Since starting in the 1969-1970 school year, FBLA has continually possessed a strong tradition. The FBLA members are students in grades 9 through 12 who are interested in the varied and numerous aspects of business careers. The frequency of meetings, which are held during designated study hall periods, varies depending on the event members are planning. Members must pay national FBLA dues, which are $15; and if participating, area and state competition fees.
Fund Raising Activities
Buzz Book Sales: The sale of the Buzz Book is a fundraiser from which both the FBLA and the Mater Dei student body benefit. Specifically, FBLA members create a phone book which includes the names, birthdays, telephone numbers, addresses, and parents' names for each student; as well as the names, birthdays, telephone numbers, and addresses of the administration, faculty and staff. Students may then purchase the Buzz Book.
Candy Cane Sales: The sale of candy canes, a very popular project, is a fundraiser from which both the FBLA and the Mater Dei student body benefit. For two weeks in December, FBLA members receive orders, during the lunch periods, for candy canes, which are then delivered to the recipient the next week.
Professional Development Activities
Official FBLA Conferences: FBLA members possess the opportunity to attend the Southwestern Area Leadership Conference, the Illinois State Leadership Conference, and the National Leadership Conference. At these conferences, members both compete in business-related competitions and learn business skills that will aid them in their future business careers.
Field Trips: FBLA members possess the opportunity to attend field trips to businesses in the St. Louis area in order to provide members with the opportunity to learn the various aspects of successful businesses. Previously, members have visited Anheuser-Busch, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Build-A-Bear Workshop, The Maschhoffs, Inc., Southwest Airlines, and The Fox Theater.
Moderator: Mr. Rodney Beckmann
The purpose of the bass fishing team is to utilize and to further develop the skills of students interested in competitive sport fishing. Additionally, students develop an awareness of the benefits of outdoor recreation and the importance of preserving our natural resources.
Weather permitting in the spring, one or two practices are held each week after school. The team then participates in the IHSA regional competition, from which the top three teams advance to the IHSA state competition. Students are responsible for providing their own equipment (fishing gear and life jacket).
All Mater Dei students are welcome to join the bass fishing team in the spring.
Moderator: Mr. Doug Denaro
The purpose of Chess Club is to develop both the understanding of and the enjoyment of the game of chess. Thus, all students, regardless of skill level, may participate in Chess Club, which meets in the library during designated study hall periods. Chess sets and instruction are provided at no charge.
All Mater Dei students are welcome to join Chess Club at any time throughout the year.
Moderator: Ms. Miriah Harris
The Liturgical Music Group (LMG) is a dedicated and talented group of musicians who plan and lead the liturgy music at all-school Masses. In addition, LMG has provided music for Masses held for the Mothers and Friends organization, for our Graduation Mass, and for special events held for the Mater Dei community.
On the day of an all-school Mass, LMG practices during first period and second period.
All Mater Dei students are welcome to join LMG at any time throughout the year.
Moderator: Ms. Colleen McDermott
Liturgical Planning Team provides all students the opportunity to utilize their gifts and talents to make each all-school Mass “their own” by planning and actively participating in the Mass.
The planning meetings are held during designated study hall periods.
All Mater Dei students are invited to join Liturgical Planning Team at any time throughout the year by contacting moderator Ms. Colleen McDermott or their theology teacher.
Volunteer Opportunities For each Mass, students may volunteer for one or more of the following groups:
Environment Group: Members design a plan to creatively “transform” the gym into a sacred place of prayer according to the liturgical season or theme of the Mass, arrive before school to set up the gym, and remain after Mass to clean the gym.
Word Group: Members select student lectors and create the petitions.
Actions Group: Members prepare the PowerPoint presentation and serve as sacristans and greeters.
Ministers of Hospitality Group: Members select students to serve at the Mass as greeters; extraordinary ministers; ushers; and cross, candle, and gift bearers.
Moderator: Mrs. KK Schneider
The purpose of Sacred Brothers Sacred Sisters is to provide students with an opportunity to engage in meaningful prayer for children in need.
During meetings, which are held during designated study halls throughout the year, members pray for their specific brother or sister, who is a child living in a Daughters of Charity orphanage in either Haiti or Venezuela. (Each member’s child also receives his/her name and prays for him/her.)
All Mater Dei students are welcome to join Sacred Brothers Sacred Sisters at any time throughout the year.
Moderator: Mrs. KK Schneider
As members of St. Vincent de Paul Society, our students, in a spirit of justice and charity, help those who are most in need. No work of charity is foreign to the society, for its ministry, through person-to-person contact, encompasses every form of aid that alleviates suffering and promotes the dignity and integrity of humankind.
During meetings, which are held during designated study hall periods, members discuss a variety of topics, including, but not limited to, the aspects of St. Vincent de Paul Society listed below.
All Mater Dei students are invited to join St. Vincent de Paul Society at any time throughout the year.
Aspects of St. Vincent de Paul Society
Prayer: Members are invited to attend morning prayer, which is held daily in the chapel at 7:55 a.m.
Missions: Members promote, collect the envelopes for, and assist with counting and recording the donations to our weekly mission collections; select the recipients of special mission collections (for individual or group causes); and host bake sales during lunch periods to raise funds for future donations.
Toy and Winter Clothing Drive: In December, members promote and assist with collecting and delivering the new toys, coats, gloves, and hats that are donated to BCMW Community Services for the Christmas season.
Warm Hearts Campaign: In February, members host and promote the Warm Hearts Campaign, which raises funds to pay the utility bills of local families in need. Specifically, students, administration, faculty, and staff who donate to the campaign receive a heart, on which they write their name, to display in the cafeteria.
Catholic Relief Services: As part of Catholic Relief Services’ Global High School program, members distribute and collect Rice Bowls during Lent, which raises funds to help families and communities move from poverty to stability. In addition, members raise money for disaster relief in the United States and other countries.
Moderator: Mrs. K.K. Schneider
The purpose of Teens for Life, a pro-life organization, is to provide students with the opportunity to express their belief in and to participate in activities that promote protecting, supporting, and sustaining all life from conception to natural death.
During meetings, which are held during designated study hall periods, members learn about and discuss pro-life issues and related current events, such as abortion, euthanasia, war, poverty, and genetic cloning. In addition, members sponsor a child in the Food for the Hungry program, donate to crisis pregnancy organizations, create sidewalk art in celebration of Respect Life Month (October), attend prayer vigils at the Clinton County Courthouse and a local abortion clinic. Members host various fundraising events to support their activities. Finally, many Teens for Life members attend the annual March for Life held in Washington, D.C. each January.
All Mater Dei students are welcome to join Teens for Life at any time throughout the year.
Moderator: Mrs. Vicki Moylan
The purpose of Art and Photography Club is to encourage students to utilize and to further develop their artistic abilities.
At the meetings, which are held during designated study hall periods, students plan and execute art and photography projects. They then present their projects and explain the skills utilized to create the projects. In addition, students have opportunities to participate in art displays and contests in the local area.
All Mater Dei students are welcome to join Art and Photography Club at any time throughout the year.
