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Saint Monica Preparatory Welcomes Dr. Erin Luby as New President

Saint Monica Preparatory Welcomes Dr. Erin Luby as New President

We are excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Erin Luby as the next President of Saint Monica Preparatory, effective July 1, 2025. After an extensive nationwide search, the School Board and Msgr. Torgerson are confident that Dr. Luby’s broad leadership experience in Catholic education, combined with her passion for faith, community and innovation, will be transformative for our school and its mission.

Dr. Luby’s journey in Catholic education spans the globe. Dr. Luby began her career as a teacher in the University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education Program, where she taught at a high school in Phoenix and then a K-12 school in Santiago, Chile. She went on to serve in various leadership roles at St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago, including Director of Student Activities, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal. Since 2016, Dr. Luby has served as the Principal of Seattle Preparatory School, where she has been instrumental in advancing the school’s mission and strengthening its academic and spiritual foundation. Additionally, her work as a faculty member and executive coach with the University of Notre Dame’s Remick Leadership Program and as a Board member of the Jesuit Schools Network has further deepened her commitment to developing future leaders in Catholic education.

With a deep personal faith and commitment to Catholic values, Dr. Luby will continue to build upon Saint Monica Preparatory's strong foundation of Catholic identity and academics, placing Saint Monica Preparatory as one of the most innovative and engaging learning environments in Los Angeles. Msgr. Torgerson shared his enthusiasm, “This marks a new and grace-filled chapter for Saint Monica Preparatory. Erin will help us shape a school that not only serves but leads—one that prepares young people for a life of faith, learning and service.”

Dr. Luby shared her excitement in accepting the role, “It is truly an honor to serve as the next President of Saint Monica Preparatory. I am inspired by the transformational mission and vibrant culture of this community. Together, with the School Board, faculty, parents, alumni and students, we will build upon this school’s nearly 100-year history and look forward to a future full of possibilities.”

Dr. Luby holds a Doctor of Education in Administration and Supervision from Loyola University and several degrees from the University of Notre Dame, including a Master of Arts in Educational Administration and a Master of Education. Her academic credentials, paired with her extensive leadership experience, make her a dynamic and visionary leader for Saint Monica Preparatory.

This is an exciting time for Saint Monica Preparatory, and we are grateful for the dedication and thoughtful engagement of the search committee and our entire community throughout this process. We also extend our deepest gratitude to Deacon Kevin McCardle for his steady leadership and unwavering commitment during this transitional period.

As we enter this new chapter of growth and innovation, we look forward to Dr. Luby’s leadership in guiding Saint Monica Preparatory into our next century of excellence, faith and service. The future is bright, and we are excited to embark on this journey together!

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Leading by Example: Dino Hidalgo Earns Scholarship Through New SMPREP-Portland Partnership

For Saint Monica Preparatory senior Dino Hidalgo, the road to graduation has been marked by resilience, determination and a commitment to helping others succeed alongside him.

This fall, Dino will attend the University of Portland to study Electrical Engineering, as the first student to participate in the University's new pathway partnership with SMPREP, earning guaranteed admission and a four-year scholarship in recognition of his academic achievements and the rigor of his Catholic education. Behind this achievement is a story of perseverance. Having faced significant personal loss and adversity during his high school years, Dino remained focused on his education while embracing opportunities to serve his school community. Rather than allowing challenges to define him, he chose to invest in others, becoming a dedicated student leader in SMPREP's growing peer tutoring program.

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Sophomore Anna Moore Finds Her Passion on the Water

Nine months ago, Saint Monica Preparatory sophomore Anna Moore knew virtually nothing about rowing. Today, she's preparing to compete on one of the sport's biggest stages.

On Monday, Anna will travel to Sarasota, Florida, for the USRowing Youth National Championships, where more than 4,000 qualified junior athletes from across the country will compete on a world-class 2,000-meter course. Representing her Marina del Rey-based club team, RowLA, Anna and her doubles partner will be one of just 20 boats competing in the Women's Youth Double event.

"I love being on the water; the peace of an early morning row is something that cannot be described and brings me so much fulfillment," Anna shared. Her story is a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities begin with the willingness to try something new.

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SMPREP Names Bryan Bartley Head Coach of Varsity Boys Basketball

Saint Monica Preparatory is proud to announce the naming of Bryan Bartley as the new Head Coach for Varsity Boys Basketball. With more than 25 years of experience across high school, collegiate and elite grassroots basketball, Coach Bartley brings a wealth of player development expertise and program-building success to the Mariners basketball program.

Coach Bartley has built a distinguished career developing student athletes both on and off the court. Most recently, he served as the Associate Head Boys Basketball Coach at Windward School, while also serving as Campus Coordinator for Core Prep Academy at SMPREP. Coach Bartley will continue in his role with Saint Monica’s Core Prep program. 

“Coach Bartley brings substantial experience, energy and passion to our program,” said Jason Bowers, SMPREP Athletics Director. “Beyond his success on the court, he is a relationship-builder and mentor.”

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