High School - 10/16

Dear High School Families,

Happy MEA, Mustang families! We pray you enjoy a restful break with your students. Today our staff is engaged in meaningful professional development through the MN Christian Schools United Conference—a rich day of learning, worship, and fellowship with Christian educators from across Minnesota. Thank you for your continued partnership as we equip students to grow in wisdom and in Christlike character.

A few quick highlights as you skim this week’s newsletter: Senior parents, please visit the Senior Section for the graduation to-do list and details on submitting senior portraits for the yearbook. Also, for families interested in exploring post-secondary options, check the College & Career Center (CCC) section for a late-breaking opportunity—a student tour of North Hennepin Technical College at the end of October. Technically, sign-ups close today, so if your student would like to attend, please register right away or reach out to Mrs. Shoup at andrea.shoup@mcamustangs.org

Sarah Rothstein, Ed.D.

High School Principal

This year, our theme in chapel is returning to the heart of our Father. The heart of our God. When we encounter Christ and make the decision to lay down our lives and follow Him, transformation takes place because we encounter His heart for us. Our desire is to see students proclaim their stories and tell their fellow classmates what it means to run to Jesus. Tori Van Essen did just that this week in chapel. She came to Maranatha a few years ago, hoping for a change. She did not know her value in Christ and yearned to know the truth. In the past two years, Tori has completely new person. She spoke to both High School and Middle School students about that transformation in her life and pointed all the glory to God. Tori returned to the heart of the Father.

Afterwards, our very own Mr. John Harshbarger, the 11th and 12th grade Bible teacher, read Matthew 13:44-46 and challenged the student body to reckon the value of Christ and ourselves. "Christ should not simply revolve around our lives; we ought to revolve around Christ." Powerful words from Mr. Harshbarger that "sang the same tune" as Tori's testimony. We have an immense amount of value. This is not because of ourselves, but because of God and God alone. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the heartbeat of MCA.

For His Glory!

~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!

On Tuesday, November 11, from 11:00 am–12:00 pm, our high school will hold a special Veterans Day Chapel in the Youth Space. We would love to invite any parent or grandparent of our high school students who has served—or is currently serving—in the military to join us for this meaningful time together.

We are excited to celebrate and honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed and served our country. It will be a special opportunity for our students to express gratitude and learn from those who have demonstrated courage and service in such significant ways.

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.

his is a life-changing journey designed to:

• Deepen your faith and understanding of the Bible
• Explore ancient and modern Israel—from Jerusalem to the Galilee
• Learn from on-site teaching, cultural experiences, and local voices
• Build lasting friendships and spiritual insight

Open to students, alumni, families, and community members
Spaces are limited—early registration encouraged!

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.

• Questions? Contact Pastor Deb Campbell (deb.campbell@lwcc.org)

To register, click here.

Attached Itinerary (And stay tuned—surprise stops and bonus experiences may be added to make this tour even more unforgettable!):

We have an opportunity for 20 students to take a tour of North Hennepin Technical College on Thursday, October 30th. We will walk there, leaving MCA by 8:45 and return around 10:45. Click here to sign up: Sign up Form *Deadline to register is Thursday, October 16th*

This is event is open to the public and is for students interested in exploring careers in Manufacturing. You'll get hands on experience, employers will be there to network with and learn more about their programs.

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

Diploma Name (DUE ASAP):

• If you haven't already done so, please fill out this form so that we have your child's name printed correctly on his/her diploma: Diploma Name & Years at MCA

Cap & Gown Orders (Due December 12)

• Every graduate/family needs to place an order through Herff Jones for their graduate's cap/gown/tassel set. All orders are sent directly to MCA and handed out during a rehearsal the week of graduation. Graduates keep their caps/tassels are theirs to keep; gowns are rentals and returned after the commencement ceremony.
• Here are the ordering instructions, that include a link directly to Herff’s website: Herff Jones Online Ordering.pdf

Below is the link to the MCA Senior Page with all to-do list items for the school year.

See below regarding information to submit senior portraits for the year - Due November 1!

• 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 2, 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.

• At least twelve (12) $25,000 scholarships
• Be a postsecondary undergraduate or graduate student or planning to enroll in undergraduate or graduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school.
• Be recommended by a teacher, coach, community leader or mentor, addressing the applicant’s personal and/or professional achievement. Up to three recommendation letters will be accepted.

• Show demonstrated care through community-service in the twelve (12) months prior to application. You will be asked to share in what ways you were able to make an impact on your community, friends and family.

• Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent). Academic awards and recognition will be considered. Applicants are required to upload a transcript that displays their name, school name, classes taken and GPA.

• Demonstrate financial need.

• Be 17 years old or older during time of application
• Be enrolling in an accredited post-secondary institution in the United States by the Fall of 2026.

• Be a graduating high school senior.

• Plan to attend college in Fall 2026.

Mrs. Laing is one of our amazing high school science teachers who brings energy and curiosity to every class she teaches. She currently teaches Earth & Space Science, Physics, AP Biology, and Environmental Science—each filled with opportunities for students to explore God’s creation through the lens of science.

Last week in Physics, students dove into how math and science collide. Mrs. Laing does a wonderful job connecting the course material to real-world jobs and helping students see how these concepts apply beyond the classroom. Her students are always engaged and inspired to learn more. We are so thankful to have her as part of our high school team!

• October 16-17: NO SCHOOL (MEA Break)
• October 20-24: College & Career Week
• October 23: Christian Apparel Day
• October 24: NACCAP Christian College Fair (Grade 9–2)
• October 24: All-School Pancake Breakfast
• October 24: HALF DAY (last day of Q1)
• October 24: Powderpuff Football Game (Inspire Field)