Monarch of the Year | Catholic Young Man of the Year | Performing Artist of the Year | AP Scholar | Outstanding Christian Service Award
University of Southern California: Political Science & Pre-Law
Few students leave as wide-reaching an impact on the Mater Dei community as Lucas Cruz. A gifted scholar, servant leader, artist, and advocate, Lucas graduates as Monarch of the Year, Catholic Young Man of the Year, and recipient of both the Outstanding Christian Service Award and Performing Artist of the Year—a testament to a high school career that touched nearly every corner of campus.
A proud graduate of St. Margaret Mary Catholic School (Chino), Lucas chose Mater Dei for the opportunities and the people. “It’s the amazing community that drew me in and what I’ll miss the most,” he says. “Mater Dei gave me a place to grow.”
And grow he did. With a 4.4 GPA and recognition as an AP Scholar, Lucas was active in Campus Ministry, Model United Nations, ASB, Mock Trial, and Theatre Arts—where he brought characters to life and earned Performing Artist of the Year honors. He also served as an exemplary member of the Scarlet Ambassadors, working alongside the admissions team to conduct campus tours, visit feeder schools, and welcome prospective families to the Monarch experience.
In the classroom, Lucas developed a passion for civic engagement and plans to study Political Science and Pre-Law at the University of Southern California, with a goal of becoming a government official. “I want to serve others through leadership,” he says. “Mater Dei helped me see how faith and public service can work together.”
A campus leader and retreat team member, Lucas completed over 400 hours of Christian service—most through Campus Ministry. He faithfully served as an Altar Server all four years of high school, embracing opportunities to grow in faith while helping to lead others spiritually. “Campus Ministry offered me the most opportunities for growth and service,” he says. “It allowed me to deepen my faith while helping others do the same.”
Lucas credits Social Studies teacher and Model United Nations (MUN) advisor Mrs. Kitsinis with having a profound impact on his journey. “She helped me overcome the nervousness of freshman year and encouraged me to step into leadership,” he says. “Her guidance helped shape who I’ve become.”
When asked to describe his Mater Dei experience in one word, Lucas doesn’t hesitate: Community. And if he could relive one moment? The MUN trip to London during his freshman year—a journey that set the stage for the four meaningful years that followed.