High School - 10/2

Dear High School Families,

One of the best parts of our community is seeing students use their gifts to glorify God. With the introduction of Chapel Leaders this year, we are excited to continue creating opportunities for more student voices in chapel. Whether it’s leading in prayer, sharing a testimony, or helping guide worship, we want students to know they are welcome to step forward and be involved. If your student is interested in speaking in chapel in any way, please encourage them to fill out the form linked in this newsletter.

This edition is also filled with important College and Career Center updates for all of our high school families. From scholarship opportunities to college to-do lists, and from ACT/PSAT prep resources to planning tools, there is something here for every grade level to take advantage of. We encourage both students and parents to read through these updates carefully and stay on top of the opportunities available.

As always, our goal is to equip students both spiritually and academically for the next steps God has for them. Thank you for walking alongside us in that mission!

Sarah Rothstein, Ed.D.

High School Principal

This week in chapel, we were blessed to hear first from our High School Principal, Dr. Rothstein, who shared part of her own story of struggling with comparison.

She talked about what she called the “comparison trap,” explaining how for years she battled feelings of envy and believed she was never enough. Using personal examples, she pointed students to the truth of God’s Word—verses like Psalm 139:13–14 and Ephesians 2:10—which remind us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, created in Christ Jesus for the good works He prepared in advance. She challenged our students to flip moments of comparison into prayers of thankfulness, learning to celebrate how God has uniquely created each one of us.

Following her message, senior Eli Ahrends shared a powerful word from Luke 22:31, where Jesus tells Peter he will be sifted. Eli reminded us that God doesn’t always take away trials but uses them to grow us. He encouraged students to keep seeking God even when His voice feels distant and to remember that scars are not ugly but can be powerful testimonies of God’s faithfulness. At the close of his message, Eli invited several seniors to come forward and be available for prayer. The response was incredible—students prayed over one another, and many lingered even after chapel ended, not wanting to leave the moment.

Together, these two messages painted a beautiful picture of God’s goodness. Whether in seasons of comparison or in times of trial, we were reminded that Jesus has created each of us on purpose, with purpose, and for a purpose. Seek the King—He is so worth it.

~Mr. Agrimson

We have been very intentional this year about giving students the opportunity to share/speak during Chapel. If your student in interested in getting on stage and sharing their testimony, opening up Chapel in prayer, etc...please have them fill out the form below. The Chapel Committee will be in contact with them!

Unfortunately, due to low interest, we will not be moving forward with the Orlando Mission Trip that was originally planned for June 1–5, 2026. While we are disappointed that this opportunity will not take place, we are excited to share that in January 2026 we will release details about an international mission trip planned for 2027.

We encourage you to begin praying with us as we prepare for this future trip. Our heart remains the same: to see our students grow in their faith while reaching people for Christ through meaningful service.

Step into the pages of Scripture on this unforgettable journey through the Holy Land! From sailing the Sea of Galilee to walking the ancient streets of Jerusalem, every moment will bring the Bible to life. We will celebrate Palm Sunday in Jerusalem and share in Communion at the Garden Tomb, retracing the steps of Jesus and experiencing His story in powerful ways. Deepen your faith, build lasting memories, and experience Israel in a way you’ll never forget. The tour highlights biblical history—from the ancient world to the modern fulfillment of prophecy in Israel today—and includes Palm Sunday in Jerusalem and Communion at the Garden Tomb.

Please note: any student wishing to participate in the Israel Tour must be accompanied by a parent both at the meeting and on the tour.

• Informational Meeting:
• Thursday, September 25 at 6:30 pm
• Location: Upper School Library (or Zoom—https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88964946601?pwd=IZ7TL0QxaP9KHHxKJh1p90uG9eD4Ca.1)
• Questions? Contact Pastor Deb Campbell (deb.campbell@lwcc.org)

• Wednesday, October 8: Juniors will be taking the PSAT from 8:00 am–11:30 (estimated end time)

• Thursday, October 9: Sophomores will be taking the PSAT from 8:00 am–11:30 (estimated end time)

Please come prepared the day of the test!

• Be on time! (Testing will begin promptly at 8:15 am after everyone is checked in. Students arriving to school late will not be allowed into the testing session once the directions have begun.)
• Check in directly at Fellowship Hall upon arriving (unless you've been notified by LSS of a different location—do not go to your 1st hour class)
• Bring a #2 pencil

• Bring your device (fully charged)

• Calculators are embedded into the test, but you can bring one if you want

• Leave your backpack, phone, smartwatch, and food in your locker

Below is a link to an overview of the PSAT, a practice test, as well as an attached parent's guide to the PSAT.

On Tuesday, October 7, Juniors & Seniors will be at the National College Fair at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Students will be back on campus around 11:15 am.

Come for pancakes, stay for the fair! The NACCAP Christian College Fair will be hosted by Maranatha on Friday, October 24 from 9–11am in the Fellowship Hall (LW).

This event is open to the public, including all local churches, youth groups, schools, and co-ops. Over 20 local and national college and universities will be in attendance.

Please see the ACT website below for information on ACT testing dates. All Juniors and Seniors will be invited to take the ACT at Maranatha on April 21st, 2026. We strongly encourage all juniors to take this opportunity to take the ACT this coming April on campus. More information will be coming out in the coming months.

• Deepen your commitments to your favorite community activities, seeking leadership positions as appropriate

• Meet with college admission officers when they visit MCA to learn about your college options and which campuses you would like to visit

• Attend National College Fair Minneapolis Convention Center: October 7

• PSAT Testing: October 8

• Attend College and Career Week at MCA: October 20-24

• Attend NAACAP Christian College Fair: October 24

• Meet with your college counselor in the Spring to discuss your letter of recommendation

• Ask 1-2 teachers to write a letter of recommendation for you in the Spring

• Finalize the list of colleges you will apply to

• Begin applying for scholarships and create application templates for various scholarship databases (check weekly)

• ACT Testing: April 21

• Complete college applications with the help of your college counselor
• Work with your college counselor, as needed, to finalize your application essay(s) and supplemental resources
• Check early action application deadlines for your college(s) of choice

The Common App is live for students to begin submitting their college applications. Beginning Tuesday, September 2nd, students can stop by the CCC if they need help navigating the common application website. Mr. Jensen has a practice account that he can walk them through. Feel free to email Mr. Jensen (jacob.jensen@mcamustangs.org) with any questions or to make an appointment.

Kevin McMullin, founder of Collegewise, is taking the mic to share expert advice on what truly matters in college applications. From crafting standout essays to understanding what admissions officers value most — this session delivers clarity and actionable insights.

If you have any questions or would like additional support in the scholarship process, please don’t hesitate to connect with Mr. Jensen.

• All scholarships are renewable, up to $11,000 per year, up to four years.

• Awarded to Minnesota residents with financial need who have faced challenges and learned from them.

• Will attend a 4-year public college in Minnesota.

• ACT of 24 or higher.

Create a Greeting Card Scholarship

• Scholarship of $10,000.00.

• Submit original artwork or photo for the front of a greeting card. AI submissions are prohibited.

• Must be 14 years or older at time of entry.

• Open to all high school, college and university students.

Wallin 2-year Scholarship

• The 2-year program supports students headed to community college in the Twin Cities.

• Opportunity Pathway - Up to $6,000 for students who plan to attend a partner community college.

This week I am excited to highlight Mr. Matthew, our MCA Drama teacher!

In class, students are preparing for their very first group performance of the year. Each group has been assigned a script and is hard at work rehearsing their lines, building characters, and preparing to bring their stories to life on stage. Over the next week, they will also be incorporating props and costumes to make their performances even more engaging.

It has been fun to see every student actively involved and enjoying the process of stepping into the world of acting. Mr. Matthew’s passion for theater is contagious, and his creativity has made the classroom a lively place where students can learn new skills, build confidence, and have fun while doing it. I am thankful for his leadership and the way he is inspiring students to discover the joy of drama!

• October 6: Bonfire Worship Night (6PM at Inspire Field)
• October 7: National College Fair (Grade 11–12)
• October 8: PSAT Grade 11 (8:00 am)
• October 9: PSAT Grade 10 (8:00 am)
• October 15: Picture Re-take Day (9-11AM)
• October 16-17: No School - MEA Break
• October 20-24: College & Career Week
• October 22: Intramural Championship (W.I.N. Time)
• October 23: Christian Apparel Day
• October 24: NACCAP Christian College Fair (Grades 9-12)
• October 24: All-School Pancake Breakfast
• October 24: Half Day - Last Day of 1st Quarter
• October 24: Powderpuff Football Game (Inspire Field)