Harper O’Hara ’26 chose Mater Dei for its strong culture and commitment to both academic and athletic excellence. Since arriving on campus, he has embraced the opportunities to grow as a student leader, athlete, and member of the Monarch community, forming lasting friendships along the way.
Before coming to Mater Dei, Harper attended Manhattan Beach Middle School and is an active member of American Martyrs Parish. At Mater Dei, he serves as President of the ALS Club, is a member of Model United Nations, and is a captain of the Varsity Boys Lacrosse team, leading both on and off the field.
Harper has earned a 4.54 GPA and has been recognized as a USA Lacrosse Academic All American, in addition to earning Principal’s List honors for seven semesters. His commitment to excellence in the classroom reflects the same discipline and leadership he brings to athletics.
His Mater Dei experience has been shaped by both service and global perspective. Harper has dedicated time to the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, where he helped introduce individuals to the beach and the sport of surfing, creating meaningful connections and shared experiences. He also counts the Model United Nations trips to Ireland and Switzerland among his favorite memories, where he had the opportunity to compete internationally and represent Mater Dei abroad.
Harper describes his Mater Dei experience in one word as culture, reflecting the environment that has helped shape him into the person he is today.
After graduation, Harper plans to attend UCLA to study economics while continuing to play lacrosse at the club level.
Outside of school, he enjoys playing volleyball and hockey, as well as spending time perfecting his skills with kendama.