High School - 9/18

Dear High School Families,

This week’s newsletter is full of exciting updates from life at MCA! You’ll find highlights from both the Senior Retreat and the 40:31 Retreat, including pictures that capture the fun, fellowship, and meaningful moments our students shared together. These retreats are a special way to begin the year, giving students opportunities to grow closer to one another and to the Lord.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to share details about a unique opportunity for our community—an Israel trip over spring break. Even more meaningful, the group will be in Israel on Palm Sunday, walking where Jesus walked as He entered Jerusalem. You won’t want to miss the details below if you’re interested in being part of this unforgettable experience.

And don’t forget—Fall Fest is right around the corner! Next week will be packed with activities, dress-up days, Fall Daze, and plenty of school spirit. Be sure to check the schedule and get ready for a week of fun as we celebrate together as a school community.

Sarah Rothstein, Ed.D.

High School Principal

This week in Chapel, our Upper School Theater teacher, Mr. Wayne Matthews, shared a powerful one-person production on the story of the Prodigal Son. His performance brought the parable to life in a moving and memorable way, leaving us with a beautiful reminder of our Heavenly Father’s unfailing love for each of us. Students were able to see the gospel truth of grace and forgiveness in a fresh and creative way.

Last Thursday, September 11, our seniors left after lunch for their Senior Retreat. They kicked things off with an afternoon at the ropes course, where they had the chance to challenge themselves, encourage one another, and build deeper connections as a class.

After dinner, the evening shifted to a powerful time of worship, prayer, and testimony. Seniors gathered together to lift one another up in prayer and were encouraged as Mr. Thomas shared his personal testimony of God’s faithfulness.

The retreat was filled with both fun and meaningful fellowship, setting a strong foundation for the year ahead as our seniors step into their final year at MCA.

On Friday, our high school students spent the day at Camp Ihduhapi in Loretto, MN for the 40:31 Retreat. The day began with students divided into their D-Groups for an “Amazing Race” competition, where they worked together to complete challenges and build stronger community. After lunch, everyone joined in for a crowd favorite—slip-n-slide kickball—bringing plenty of laughter and energy.

On Friday, our high school students spent the day at Camp Ihduhapi in Loretto, MN for the annual 40:31 Retreat. The day began with students divided into their D-Groups for an “Amazing Race” competition, where they worked together to complete challenges and build stronger community. After lunch, everyone joined in for a crowd favorite—slip-n-slide kickball—bringing plenty of laughter and energy.

Fall Fest is next week! We are excited for a fun week which will include Dress Up Days, See You at the Pole, Ironman volleyball, and our Fall Daze Dance.

Please see the attached flyers that are around school on information about these fun events!

*A quick note about Ironman Volleyball - Students who are in Mandatory Study Hall will not be able to play as this falls during W.I.N. Time.

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.

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 — Email: deb.campbell@lwcc.org

• 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!

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

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

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

Come for pancakes, stay for the fair! The NACCAP Christian College Fair will be hosted by Maranatha on Friday, October 24 from 9011am 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.

DefensiveDriving.com Scholarship

The Defensive Driving Scholarship is a scholarship awarded to a high school senior or college student, to assist tomorrow’s leaders with their financial responsibilities with regards to furthering their education. Students must enroll in the semester beginning no later than Fall 2025. Home-schooled students may apply so long as their course of study is equivalent to a high school senior. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.

Building Bridges Scholarship

Each year NPVA offers merit-based scholarships for students who are committed to volunteering and making a difference in their communities. The Building Bridges Scholarship helps students who are involved in their communities. Applicants must be currently enrolled or plan to be enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university. They must be a high school junior or senior, undergraduate student, or graduate student. Recipients must provide an official transcript confirming their reported GPA and proof of enrollment. No transcript or proof of enrollment is required until after students are selected as winners. Please visit the scholarship’s website or contact NPVA for more information.

College JumpStart Pay It Forward Scholarship

The College JumpStart Pay It Forward Scholarship allows you to share a time that you have paid it forward. In other words, has there been a time that someone has done something kind for you and this has motivated you to do something kind for someone else? We’d love to hear about this experience and how it has affected you. If this topic doesn’t speak to you, you may also write about any topic of your choice. Applicants must be current students (high school 10th-12th or college) or planning to enter college within the next 12 months, and U.S. citizens or legal residents. Financial need is not considered nor are grades or test scores. Please visit the scholarship’s website for more information.

Each week we’ll be featuring a snapshot from one of our classrooms to celebrate the incredible teaching happening at MCA. This week’s highlight comes from Mrs. Eibes’ AP Seminar class.

This week during class, students read a book written from four different perspectives. To deepen their understanding, they were tasked with reconstructing the timeline of events based on those varying viewpoints and then discussing their findings as a group. This activity challenged students to think critically, analyze complex narratives, and collaborate with their peers—an excellent example of how we encourage deep learning and meaningful discussion in the classroom.

• September 15–19: NWEA/MAP Testing (Grade 9 only)
• September 20: All-School Fall Festival
• September 22–26: Fall Fest Week
• September 23: See You at the Pole (before school)
• September 24: Ironman Volleyball (during W.I.N. Time)
• September 24: Freshman Blessing (after lunch)
• September 26: All-School Pep Fest
• 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)