By Megan Erbacher
The Message editor
Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said her roots in her hometown of Evansville took hold in 1970 when she served as clerk of Mater Dei-ville. Looking back on her life, she said the values instilled in her at Evansville’s Mater Dei High School led her to public service.
On Aug. 26, Crouch was the guest speaker during the annual Mater Dei-ville Inauguration ceremony.
“It’s wonderful to be here with you,” she said. “A sincere congratulations to the mayor, clerk and judge for having the courage to step up and want to lead Mater Dei-ville.”
The high school’s Student Council is modeled after city government and is called Mater Dei-ville. The mayor, clerk and judge are the chief officers. The student police force and court system uphold the laws of Mater Dei-ville, which are written by the legislative branch. The school’s parks and recreation department handles the school-wide recycling program. Other appointed offices include fire chief, defense and prosecuting attorneys, clerk affiliates, public relations commissioners, service board, historian, comptroller and chaplain. And homeroom representatives are elected to represent each homeroom.
For the past 30 years, Jeanne Thomas, algebra teacher, has served as the sponsor for Mater Dei-ville.
Senior Chase Griese took the oath of office and was inducted as the mayor of Mater Dei-ville for the 2024-25 school year. Isaiah Schaefer was sworn in as judge and Hannah Sammet was sworn in as clerk.
Mater Dei President Deacon Dan Niemeier gave the invocation, which he modeled after the 1789 prayer by Archbishop John Carroll for the inauguration of President George Washington. He prayed, in part, “Let the light of your divine wisdom direct the deliberations of our Mater Dei-ville city government. May they seek and preserve peace, promote joy and continue to bring us the blessings of liberty and equality.”
Griese was chosen by the student body to serve as mayor of Mater Dei-ville for the 2024-25 school year. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish club and the lacrosse team. He is the son of Dan and Heidi Griese, both Mater Dei alumni. The family are parishioners of Resurrection in Evansville.
Griese began his address by thanking God for blessing him with the opportunity, his parents for nurturing him and his ambitious dreams, and others who encouraged him, including the citizens who “placed their trust” in him.
“As mayor of Mater Dei-ville, I pledge to uphold the values that make Mater Dei-ville a special place,” Griese said. “I will listen to the people and advocate for your needs in order to ensure every student feels valued.”
2024 marks the 75th anniversary of Mater Dei, he noted. Griese said a “proud tradition that defines Mater Dei, whether it's on the wrestling mat, fields, stage or classroom, Mater Dei students are always striving to be the best, and that’s what sets us apart from the rest.
“Let us move forward with optimism, determination and a commitment to make our school a better place for everyone … Here’s to a year full of promise and progress.”
Crouch explained public service is all about helping those who are less fortunate.
“(Leadership) is about inspiring and motivating people,” she said. “It’s about setting an example and being someone among the people and listening to them. As the elected leaders, you have to be sure that you're not only listening to the people who come to you but you’re seeking their input. … Because no one has all the right ideas. It’s the ability to be able to hear others that makes for good leaders.”
Crouch said the citizens of Mater Dei-ville also have an equal responsibility to give input, offer advice and share their opinions because it’s “truly about a partnership.”
“To you, young leaders, and to you, the citizens of Mater Dei-ville, congratulations, have a strong partnership and remember that God puts us in places and puts people in our lives for reasons and we’re all here where we need to be.”
