Admissions

Minimum Requirement: TBA
Currently Enrolled at MDCHS

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.

• Recipient(s) selected by Administration
• Priority based on financial need
• Applications for 26-27 school year opens: February 1st, 2026

Minimum Requirement: TBA
Currently accepted/enrolled student at MDCHS.

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 2.5 or above
• Recipient selected by Crusaders Alumni Association and approved by the MDCHS Administration.
• Priority based on financial need.
• Applications for 26-27 school year opens: February 1st, 2026

Minimum Requirement: TBA
Currently be an enrolled junior at MDCHS

The Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Memorial Scholarship is now open to juniors. Applications are available in Mrs. Puschendorf’s office and are due by information coming soon. Incomplete or illegible applications will not be accepted. Completed applications should be sent via email to The Dr. Estelle L. KIassebaum Memorial Scholarship at drkassebaumscholarship@gmail.com (PDF files only). Please direct questions to Mrs. Puschendorf, MDCHS School Counselor, at apuschendorf@mdchs.net

This prestigious scholarship is awarded annually to qualified members of the Junior Class of Mater Dei Catholic High School. Candidates must exemplify excellence in scholarship, character, leadership, and service and are interviewed by board members of The Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Scholarship Foundation.

Upon selection, candidates are required to complete an approved leadership service project through the Pay It Forward Leadership Service Project Program. After completing their projects, candidates will be fully vested as Kassebaum Scholars. Besides receiving a scholarship to be applied to their tuition in their senior year, the scholars and their families will be honored at The Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Annual Celebration of Life Event. Forever a part of the Kassebaum Legacy, the Kassebaum Scholars’ names will be commemorated on a memorial scholarship plaque that is in The Dr. Estelle L. Kassebaum Theater.

• 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.
• Applications for 26-27 school year opens: February 1st, 2026

Minimum Requirement: TBA

• 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 is 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
• 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.
• Applications for 26-27 school year opens: February 1st, 2026

Minimum Requirement: TBA
Incoming Freshman Currently Accepted at MDCHS

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.
• Applications for 26-27 school year opens: February 1st, 2026

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.

Minimum Requirement: TBA
Students with at least one-year participation on Frosh, Junior Varsity or Varsity football team are eligible to apply.

The recipient of the Richard G. Balelo Memorial Scholarship epitomizes leadership, sacrifice and resilience in the classroom, the community and on the field.

• GPA: 2.5 or above
• Recipient chosen by Administration
• Priority based on financial need
• Applications for 26-27 school year opens: February 1st, 2026

Minimum Requirement: TBA
Sophomore or Junior Currently Enrolled at MDCHS

Awarded annually to recognize and celebrate a student’s achievement in the theatre. This award is in memory of Mr. Kevin Brown, a longtime supporter of Marian/Mater Dei and the Arts.

• Member of the National Thespian Society
• Minimum GPA 3.0
• Recipient(s) selected by Administration
• Priority based on financial need
• Applications for 26-27 school year opens: February 1st, 2026

Minimum Requirement: TBA
Currently accepted/enrolled student at MDCHS who have lost a parent.

Scholarship awarded to a student or students (accepted) who have experienced the death of a parent. The award is in honor of triplets, Tom, Jim, and Claire McNamara (born in 1932) who were blessed to have both parents along with their other eleven siblings, well into adulthood. It is also in the memory of Timothy J. Hilgeman, whose family is part of the Mater Dei community.

• Recipient chosen by Administration
• Priority based on financial need
• Applications for 26-27 school year opens: February 1st, 2026

Minimum Requirement: TBA
Currently be enrolled at MDCHS

The St. Ignatius of Loyola Scholarship Endowment is a dedicated scholarship fund established by the San Diego Jesuit community based on the belief that a Catholic education should be within reach for all who seek it.  More than just financial support, it represents a shared commitment to nurturing young people in the Ignatian tradition - students who strive not only for excellence, but also for purpose and compassion in all they do. Through this scholarship, the spirit of St. Ignatius of Loyola continues to inspire by calling us to love deeply, serve selflessly, and seek God in all things.

Preference is given to alumni of Our Lady’s School, a Jesuit ministry that has served the community since 1912.  Each recipient carries forward that legacy, becoming part of a story that celebrates faith, education, and the transformative power of opportunity.