Valedictorian | Outstanding Christian Service Award | AP Scholar | Seal of Biliteracy in Latin | Monarch of the Month
University of Notre Dame: Neuroscience & Behavior
With a 4.83 GPA, 727 hours of Christian service, and the honor of delivering the 2025 Valedictory Address, Fionan Cervenak exemplifies the best of what it means to be a Monarch—living a life of Honor, Glory, and Love with integrity, intellect, and heart.
A graduate of St. Edward the Confessor Parish School in Dana Point, Fionan chose Mater Dei in search of a fresh start—and found not just a new chapter, but a lifelong community. “When I shadowed at Mater Dei, I felt an immediate sense of compassion and belonging,” he says.
That same sense of belonging led Fionan to step outside his comfort zone. With the encouragement of his parents, he joined Scarlet Ambassadors and Monarch Connection, eventually becoming a lead student tour guide and representative for the school. “Being a Scarlet Ambassador helped me develop confidence and public speaking skills I never thought I had,” he reflects.
Fionan’s contributions to Mater Dei span academics, faith, leadership, and service. He is an AP Scholar, received the Seal of Biliteracy in Latin, served as an altar server for four years, was named Monarch of the Month in November, and played a key role as a member of the Boys Lacrosse team—helping lead them to a historic win over Santa Margarita and a spot in the CIF Southern Section Championship.
His passion for service, especially through altar serving at his parish, helped earn him the Outstanding Christian Service Award. “Faith has always been at the center of my life,” Fionan says. “Serving at Mass brought me closer to God while allowing me to give back to my parish.”
This fall, Fionan will attend the University of Notre Dame, majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior with a minor in Compassionate Care in Medicine. “My experience at Mater Dei showed me how service and science can work together,” he says. “I want to dedicate my life to helping others through a faith-informed medical career.”
When asked what he’ll miss most, Fionan smiles: “Lunchtime with friends. The laughs, the conversations, just being together—it was the heart of my day.”
One word to describe his experience? “Fulfilling.”