Moderator: Mr. Scott Timmermann
The Academic Challenge for Science and Engineering (ACES) Team participates in competitive academic tests for which test material, written by teams of college and university faculty, is drawn from senior-level high school curricula and freshman-level college curricula. 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. Erika Knolhoff
The purpose of FFA is to provide opportunities for students who are interested in the various aspects of the agriculture field. Through agricultural education, FFA prepares students for leadership, personal growth, and future career success; and assists them in discovering and further developing their talents. As a result, students gain tools needed to achieve real-world goals.
During meetings, which are held during designated study hall periods and outside of school (occasionally), members prepare for a variety of events, including field trips and competitions, as well as fundraisers and community outreach opportunities. Finally, long-term members have the opportunity to participate in Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, which augment the agriculture courses by reinforcing academic concepts.
Per national FFA guidelines, for each year of membership, students must be enrolled in an agriculture course for at least one semester.
Moderator: Mrs. Emily Timmermann
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 holiday 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
Meetings The frequency of meetings, which are held during designated study hall periods, varies depending on the event for which members are planning.
Moderators: Mr. Scott Timmermann and Mrs. Emily Timmermann
Most Recent IHSA Accomplishments: 2023 IHSA Class 1A Mater Dei Regional Champion; 2022 IHSA Class 1A Elite Eight (State Finals), Mater Dei Sectional Champion, Mater Dei Regional Champion
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.
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, which begins in September and ends in mid-March. 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 | TIME | OPPONENT(S) | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 29 | 4:30 p.m. | Cumberland, Granite City, and Metro-East Lutheran | Metro-East Lutheran |
| November 12 | 4:30 p.m. | Highland, Litchfield, and Southwestern | Litchfield |
| November 19 | 4:30 p.m. | Granite City and Highland | Home |
| December 3 | 4:30 p.m. | Alton, Carlinville, and Staunton | Mater Dei |
| December 5 | 4:00 p.m. | Althoff and Fr. McGivney | Home |
| December 7 | 9:00 a.m. | South Central Scholastic League Tournament | Granite City |
| December 12 | 4:00 p.m. | Columbia, East Alton-Wood River, and Marquette | East Alton-Wood River |
| CANCELED January 9 | 4:00 p.m. | Belleville West, Central, and O'Fallon | Central |
| January 23 | 4:00 p.m. | Jerseyville, Mascoutah, and Triad | Home |
| January 25 | 8:30 a.m. | Catholic Schools Week Tournament | Home (online) |
| January 27 | 4:00 p.m. | Catholic Schools Week Tournament | Althoff |
| January 30 | 4:00 p.m. | Central, Highland, and Mascoutah | Mascoutah |
| February 1 | 9:00 a.m. | Mater Dei Junior High Scholar Bowl Tournament |
Home |
| February 6 | 4:00 p.m. | Alton, Civic Memorial, and Metro-East Lutheran | Civic Memorial |
| February 13 | 4:00 p.m. | Belleville East, Fr. McGivney, and Metro-East Lutheran | Metro-East Lutheran |
| February 20 | 4:00 p.m. | Collinsville, Granite City, and Highland | Granite City |
| February 22 | 8:30 a.m. | Masonic Academic Bowl Class 2A Greenville Sectional |
Greenville |
| February 26 | 3:30 p.m. | Clinton County Tournament | Home |
| March 10 | 4:30 p.m. | Central at IHSA Class 2A Mt. Vernon Regional |
Mt. Vernon |
| updated 3-1-25 |
Moderator: Mrs. Amparo Wolden
The purposes of Spanish Club are to promote interest in and knowledge of the Hispanic culture and to provide opportunities to speak Spanish in an informal setting.
During meetings, which are held once a month 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, Spanish Club hosts fundraisers to help families in need in our local communities.
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. Maria Zurliene
Student Ambassadors plays a vital role in promoting Mater Dei to prospective 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:
All Mater Dei students are eligible to serve as Student Ambassadors in the activities of their choice, except the roles of tour guide and presenter, which are limited to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. 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 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, cafeteria improvements, an outdoor nativity set, a stage curtain, water bottle fillers, an outdoor electronic message board, and logoed outdoor trash receptacles.
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, 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: Mr. Jordan Profitt
Concert Band and Jazz Band
Because Concert Band and Jazz Band are credited courses, their descriptions are provided in our Curriculum Guide via the following link: "Academics" menu, "Curriculum" page
Marching Band
The Mater Dei Marching Knights (MDMK) have a long-standing tradition of excellence in both Clinton County and the metro-east area. This success is a direct result of the dedication of our musicians and color guard.
All Mater Dei students are welcome to join marching band or color guard, as prior experience is not required. (Note that musicians in the marching band are required to enroll in concert band or jazz band. Also note that participation in marching band exempts a student from P.E.)
Parades: The MDMK participate in the Clinton County Fair Parade, the St. Louis VP Parade, the Mater Dei Homecoming Parade, and additional local parades (as applicable).
Field Show Performances and Competitions: The MDMK perform at all home football games, as well as competitions during the months of September and October (Saturdays).
Practice Schedule – Parades: In the summer, prior to the first parade, new members attend a training camp, during which they learn the skills of marching. Additional rehearsals for the full ensemble are also held prior to a parade.
Practice Schedule – Field Show: In the summer, all members attend a two-week band camp, during which they learn the field show music and drill. (Traditionally, this camp is held the last week of July and the first week of August, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.). Following band camp, rehearsals for the full ensemble are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through the conclusion of the marching season (late October). Additional rehearsals for the color guard and percussionists are held Mondays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Pep Band
The pep band provides spirit-filled entertainment at all home varsity boys basketball games.
Practices are held prior to each game.
To participate in pep band, a student must also participate in marching band. Additionally, all marching band members must participate in pep band.
Percussion Ensemble
The Mater Dei Percussion Ensemble (MDPE) is a high-energy ensemble that provides students with the opportunity to develop and to utilize percussion skills in an indoor setting. The MDPE performs at concerts, select home basketball games, and local elementary schools.
All Mater Dei students are welcome to join MDPE, as students are not required to possess prior percussion experience, prior marching experience, or the ability to read music. During their season (November through early May), the MDPE practices once or twice per week.
Director: Mr. Jordan Profitt and Mrs. Jamie Eros
The purpose of Chorus is to provide students the opportunity to sing a variety of literature in an ensemble setting without enrolling in chorus as a course in their schedule. The chorus performs four concerts per year (fall and Christmas during first semester, winter and spring during second semester).
Members meet every period 4/5 study hall.
Because 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
2023-2024 Fall Play: An Evening with Sherlock Holmes
November 3 and 4 at 7:00 p.m., November 5 at 2:00 p.m.
2023-2024 Spring Musical: Cinderella
April 5 and 6 at 7:00 p.m., April 7 at 2:00 p.m.
All Mater Dei students interested in the performing arts are encouraged to participate in the fall play and/or 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.
Students interested in serving in one or more of the roles described below should contact the director for additional specific information.
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 usually not 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.
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.”
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. The schedule includes both construction days and 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 oversees all props, scene changes, and curtain openings/closings. 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
Stage Crew As members of the stage crew, students are responsible for scene changes or movement of sets that are required during the performances
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 with cleaning and preparing the gym for the next performance.
Box Office As a member of the box office staff, students who possess strong organizational skills sell tickets in the box office for the performances.
Moderator: Mr. Cory Arentsen
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 for which members are planning. Members must pay national FBLA dues ($15); as well as area and state competition fees, if they choose to participate.
Professional Development Activities
Official FBLA Conferences: 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: Members possess the opportunity to attend field trips in order to learn the various aspects of successful businesses. Previously, members have visited Anheuser-Busch, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Build-A-Bear Workshop, The Maschhoffs, Inc., Southwest Airlines, and The Fox Theater.
Guest Speakers: Members possess the opportunity to attend presentations related to the various aspects of the business field.
Moderator: Mrs. Maria Zurliene
The purpose of Marketing Club is to provide students with the opportunity to explore the dynamic field of marketing and to actively participate in the development of various types of marketing campaigns. Specifically, students will have the opportunity to utilize and to further develop a variety of skills, including, but not limited to, creative writing, graphic design, photography, and video creation. Additionally, students will work with the Mater Dei Marketing Committee, whose members are Mater Dei alumni who are experienced marketing professionals.
Members meet during designated study hall periods. At times, members will also meet with the Mater Dei Marketing Committee in-person or via Zoom during additional study hall periods.
All Mater Dei students are invited to join Marketing Club at any time throughout the year.
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 periods 1 and 2.
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 with 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 operate the PowerPoint presentation and serve as sacristans and greeters.
Ministers of Hospitality Group: Members select students to serve as greeters; extraordinary ministers; ushers; and cross, candle, and gift bearers.
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 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, 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: Miss Miriah Harris
Sisters in Christ is a faith-driven activity that provides our female students with the opportunity to explore and to further develop their understanding of the many roles faith can play in their lives. As a result, the members will grow in both their faith and their personal lives. Additionally, members form a sense of sisterhood and learn to support one another in their individual journeys.
During meetings, which are held during designated study hall periods, members discuss the current readings, which include passages from Christian-based texts and the Bible.
All female Mater Dei students are welcome to join Sisters in Christ at any time throughout the year.
Moderator: Mrs. Celia Kannall
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 donate to crisis pregnancy organizations, create sidewalk art in celebration of Respect Life Month (October), and 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., or the March for Life held in Springfield.
All Mater Dei students are welcome to join Teens for Life at any time throughout the year.
Moderator: Mrs. Jodi Venhaus
The purpose of Art 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 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 Club at any time throughout the year.
