High School - 9/25

Dear High School Families,

Fall Fest is in full swing this week, and it has been a joy to see the energy and creativity our students have brought to each themed dress-up day. One highlight was the much-anticipated Ironman volleyball game during W.I.N. Time, where the sophomore class claimed victory! Their next challenge will be facing off against our staff team during Friday's all-school pep fest—an event that always brings lots of fun, school spirit, and friendly competition!

As a reminder, W.I.N. Time is a valuable opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning. Grades are pulled at 8:00 am every Monday, and students with a grade below 70% in any class (including PSEO courses) will be placed in mandatory study hall for the week. Students with all grades above 70% should log in to select their W.I.N. Time location starting Friday prior, with the goal of having a choice made by Sunday night. If a student is placed in mandatory study hall, that placement will override their choice in the system. Thank you for helping us ensure students are set up for both accountability and success each week!

Sarah Rothstein, Ed.D.

High School Principal

This week in chapel, we were blessed to hear from our very own, Mr. Jake Kerschner.

Mr. Kerschner is our Grade 9–10 Bible teacher, and he demonstrates a sincere desire for all of us to experience the transformative power of Jesus Christ. He spoke on the importance of slowing down and taking the time to intentionally hear from the Lord. Referring to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:11-13, Mr. Kerschner showed that God often speaks to us in a gentle whisper, and it is imperative that we prepare our hearts in such a way to hear His voice. Our theme in chapel this year is returning to the heart of the Father, the heart of our God. Messages like Mr. Kerschner's remind us that when we hear from God and experience His heart, it transforms us to become more like Christ and to be a witness in our community.

It has also been such a blessing to see members of our chapel committee, which consists of four of our seniors, in front of our students sharing the Word and encouraging High School and Middle School students to bring their Bibles! Big shoutout to Eli Ahrends, Emma Greenwood, Olivia Lanari, and Grace Krieg! Our students are playing an active role in our community, and it is awesome to watch!

~Mr. Agrimson

Dance passes are LIVE on our website. Click the image or scan the QR code for more information and to purchase dance passes for the 2025–2026 school year.

Below is specific information for the Fall Daze Dance this Saturday night in the MCA Gym.

High school students have the chance to participate in a mission trip to Orlando, Florida, from June 1–5, 2026! In partnership with Joshua Expeditions, students will engage in hands-on ministry in the heart of the city—serving through food distribution, assisting at local food pantries, participating in light construction and beautification projects, and sharing the love of Christ with those in need. This trip is designed to deepen students’ faith while giving them the chance to serve others in meaningful and impactful ways.

More information about the mission's trip is found in the attached document below. To sign up, or ask questions, please contact Mr. Agrimson.

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.

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

The John Lewis Good Trouble Scholarship will be awarded to NSHSS high school members graduating in 2025, 2026, 2027, or 2028. Please visit the scholarship’s website or contact the National Society of High School Scholars for more information.

NSHSS Passion for Public Service Scholarship

The NSHSS Passion for Public Service Scholarship will be awarded to NSHSS high school members graduating in 2025, 2026, 2027, or 2028. Applicants must submit an educator recommendation letter. It is optional but students may submit pictures, videos or media showing their leadership in action. Please visit the scholarship’s website or contact the National Society of High School Scholars for more information.

NSHSS Artificial Intelligence Innovation Scholarship

The NSHSS Artificial Intelligence Innovation Scholarship aims to recognize and support students with a passion for artificial intelligence and its applications, fostering their growth as future leaders in this rapidly advancing field. Applicants must be NSHSS high school members graduating in 2025, 2026, 2027, or 2028. Applicants must submit an educator recommendation letter.

The HS Band hard at work playing "Carry on Wayward Son."

• New this year — launched by our Advancement team — meet once per week
• Club members help with social media, reels, and YouTube shorts.
• Apply if you are:
  • interested in pursuing a career path in marketing
  • in Grade 9–12

Spots are limited–apply today!

• September 26: All-School Pep Fest (1:30 pm–2:10)
• September 27: Fall Daze Dance
• October 6: Bonfire Worship Night
• October 7: National College Fair (Grade 11–12)
• October 8: PSAT Grade 11 (8:00 am)
• October 9: PSAT Grade 10 (8:00 am)