Successful SMASH Fundraiser Honors Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.
![Fr. Bob with SMPREP students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1718648221/stmonicachsorg/tpummm2lq1nms8uqa8af/Millspaugh_SMASH_2024-151.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1718648221/stmonicachsorg/tpummm2lq1nms8uqa8af/Millspaugh_SMASH_2024-151.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1718648221/stmonicachsorg/tpummm2lq1nms8uqa8af/Millspaugh_SMASH_2024-151.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1718648221/stmonicachsorg/tpummm2lq1nms8uqa8af/Millspaugh_SMASH_2024-151.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1718648221/stmonicachsorg/tpummm2lq1nms8uqa8af/Millspaugh_SMASH_2024-151.jpg","width":1280}])
Successful SMASH Fundraiser Honors Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C.
Our 31st SMASH Gala & Auction was held on May 11 and honored the president-elect of the University of Notre Dame, Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. "Father Bob" received the Heart of Monica Award for his lifetime in Catholic education from Mary and Jay Flaherty. Over 20 years ago, when Fr. Bob was priest-in-residence here at St. Monica, he helped launch our ministry with Holy Cross Parish in Africa. Next month, a contingent of about 10 rising seniors and faculty members from SMPREP will travel to Dandora, Nairobi, Kenya to continue our service.
SMASH featured Grammy Award-winning entertainment from the married duo Chantal Kreviazuk and Raine Maida, as well as performances by SMPREP student dancers and singers. Plus, guests enjoyed a culinary showcase from leading local restaurants Augie's on Main by Chef Josiah Citrin, Carbon Beach Club Restaurant | Malibu Beach Inn, Divino Brentwood, Lunetta, The MV Grab & Go and Pizzana. SMASH, co-chaired by SMPREP parents Darcy Cobb and Annie Belanger Wehrle, reached new heights in supporting the financial aid program for our Mariners. This annual event ensures the power of Catholic education is felt throughout our community, especially for families who otherwise could not be here.
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![Mariner Sports Highlights - Fall]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732572314/stmonicachsorg/pwvxrp9ye4nw2uvxpdiw/newspost12.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732572314/stmonicachsorg/pwvxrp9ye4nw2uvxpdiw/newspost12.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732572314/stmonicachsorg/pwvxrp9ye4nw2uvxpdiw/newspost12.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1732572314/stmonicachsorg/pwvxrp9ye4nw2uvxpdiw/newspost12.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732572314/stmonicachsorg/pwvxrp9ye4nw2uvxpdiw/newspost12.jpg","width":1280}])
Congratulations to all of our Mariner student athletes this Fall, especially our seniors competing for Saint Monica Prep for the last time. Mariner Football followed last year’s CIF Southern Section division title with another incredible season. Mariner Girls Tennis and Girls Golf also had strong season finishes. Varsity Cheer is headed to Nationals, while at the Lower School, records were set by Girls Volleyball, Fall CYO Golf Tournament and FIYA Cross Country competitors.
![Alumni Return Home to Saint Monica Preparatory]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732561130/stmonicachsorg/knjwzuulo2aeg6jvrypx/newspost11.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732561130/stmonicachsorg/knjwzuulo2aeg6jvrypx/newspost11.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732561130/stmonicachsorg/knjwzuulo2aeg6jvrypx/newspost11.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1732561130/stmonicachsorg/knjwzuulo2aeg6jvrypx/newspost11.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732561130/stmonicachsorg/knjwzuulo2aeg6jvrypx/newspost11.jpg","width":1280}])
Following October’s Homecoming at Home, when many alumni, current families and community members came together to celebrate our shared Mariner pride, the Saint Monica Classes of 1969, 1974 and 2014 celebrated their 55th, 50th and 10th reunions, respectively. SMPREP welcomed back a group of Visual & Performing Arts alumni for "One Last Curtain Call" before the closing performance of "Almost, Maine," the final play held in the over-90-year-old Cantwell Auditorium as we know it.
![SMPREP Named Reader Recommended Best High School AND Best Elementary and/or Middle School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1732054746/stmonicachsorg/kcbjx20l4w5slgkhjdsj/newspost8.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1732054746/stmonicachsorg/kcbjx20l4w5slgkhjdsj/newspost8.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1732054746/stmonicachsorg/kcbjx20l4w5slgkhjdsj/newspost8.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1732054746/stmonicachsorg/kcbjx20l4w5slgkhjdsj/newspost8.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1732054746/stmonicachsorg/kcbjx20l4w5slgkhjdsj/newspost8.jpg","width":1280}])
Saint Monica Preparatory is once again the Reader Recommended Best High School on the Westside, according to The Argonaut’s annual “Best of the Westside” polling. This year we added to that honor by winning Reader Recommended Best Elementary and/or Middle School as well – showing off our comprehensive TK-12 learning experience. Learn more about 2025-2026 application deadlines.