Awarded annually to a student/athlete(s) who exhibits a will to succeed and lead in academics, athletics, and citizenship. Someone who epitomizes the adage of “work hard and good things will happen!” This award is in honor of Bud & Ginny Milke, longtime supporters of St. Rose of Lima, Marian Catholic / Mater Dei Catholic High School.

This scholarship is typically awarded to a student who is a descendent of a Crusaders alumnus. Others may apply but priority is given to a descendent of a Crusader alumnus. Student must have demonstrated participation in community service or extracurricular activities.

• GPA: 3.75 or above
• Applicants in their Junior year become candidates for the scholarship once recommended by the Board Members of The Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Scholarship Foundation and approved by MDCHS Administration. Only those candidates who attend the required training and complete their Leadership Service Project will become Kassebaum Scholars.
• Priority is based on demonstrated excellence in scholarship, character, leadership and service.
• Award will be applied during the 2024-2025 school year.
• Projected award for the 2024-25 school year is $2,000.

Currently Enrolled at MDCHS
One-year participation either Track and Field, VAPA, Ambassador for Christ members, Drama club and/or Music.
Minimum GPA 3.0

Awarded annually to a student who exemplifies camaraderie and friendship in the classroom, on the track and in the community.

Dallas Freitas, Class of 2015, was a Merit scholarship recipient at MDCHS, who also excelled in athletics, especially track, cross country, and pole vaulting. Dallas held the 200m record at MDCHS from 2015 to 2019. He is currently second overall. In 2015, Dallas was the Mesa League Runner-Up in the 200m and finished fifth at CIF Finals. He is also 8th overall in the 100m record. He was a four-year varsity track runner at Mater Dei. Dallas was on the 4×100 relay all four years and participated in the 100m and 200m sprints. Dallas’ personal records include running a 11.33 in the 100m, 22.41 in the 200m and jumping 9’0 in the pole vault event.

Dallas was also very involved in various aspects of student life, such as Ambassadors for Christ, Yearbook editor, Band (steel and regular drums) and the Drama Club. Among his many accolades, he was a gifted artist, talented cook, classical pianist, and a Rubik’s Cube Society enthusiast who was able to solve any cube presented to him. One of his endearing and witty interactions with his close friends was the “Cooking with Dallas” show. He was deeply introspective and naturally philosophical, with the ability to discuss any topic in a comprehensive way. Dallas had a love for travel, with Spain and Morocco being the most culturally diverse and exciting destinations he visited. Having a genuine care for humanity that was evident with his EMT state certification, proficiency in Braille and St. Vincent de Paul volunteering, Dallas offered sincere efforts to help those in need. His continuous encouragement helped many to believe in themselves and to manifest their dreams. He exemplified the Crusader spirit on and off the Mater Dei campus with his camaraderie, authenticity, grace, and approachability. Dallas was a great friend in every sense; and was loved and admired by all who knew him.

• Applications will be reviewed by members of The Dallas Freitas Scholarship Trust and recipient(s) selected by MDCHS Administration.
• Priority based on financial need
• Application submission deadline: March 15th, 2024
• Award will be applied for the 2024-25 school year
• A letter of recommendation from a mentor (teacher, coach, or friend) is strongly suggested. The person writing the letter of recommendation must send it directly to Mr. John Joyner at scholarship@materdeicatholic.org.
• Projected award for the 2024-25 school year $1500.

This scholarship is awarded to an incoming Freshman student who has shown a positive impact in our community and has led peers by example. The candidate must exemplify Crusader School spirit. This award is in honor of Mario Fierro, Cathedral Catholic High School teacher, Coach and Uni Alum. Mr. Fierro was young, vibrant and a beloved educator, coach, and friend.

• GPA: 3.5 or above.
• Must participate in at least one sport.
• Must take a foreign language each year.
• Student must serve 25 hours of community service or volunteer 25 hours as a coach each year prior to application. These hours are in addition to Mater Dei’s requirement of 25 service hours each year.
• A letter of recommendation from a mentor (teacher, coach, or friend) is strongly suggested. The person writing the letter of recommendation must send it directly to Mr. John Joyner at scholarship@materdeicatholic.org
• Recipient(s) selected by MDCHS Administration.
• Priority is based on financial need. Candidate must prove financial hardship.
• Award’s first installment will be applied for the 2024-2025 school year.
• Application submission deadline: March 15th, 2024
• Projected award for the 2024-2025 school year is $8,000.

Note: The candidate must re-apply each year for the scholarship and meet eligibility requirements to continue to receive the annual tuition scholarship for each of the candidate’s 4 years.