Where Are They Now?
Mustangs that graduate from Maranatha have a unique place in our history and shared memories that are special to their class. We pray we will always hold a special place in your heart as you make your way through the life God has in store for you.
Many who graduate high school and go off to college or the next steps remember their school years as they take those memories with them into the future. For others, however, God calls them back to where it all began. From the business office to student services, to the lower school to the College and Career Center, many of our beloved Maranatha staff are former alums!
Alumni that have Returned home and are working at Maranatha
Pictured: Jeff Thomas '05, Mikayla Huether '17, Ginger Kirschbaum '94, Jordon Harrison '08, Josh Kolb '14, Aleesha Levin '09, John Szwaja '98, Alexa Sanchez '18, Rachel Block '00, Anissa Clutter '89, Holly Zappia '01, Michelle Yackel '04
Not Pictured: Alyssa Vanderpool '23, Elizabeth Brandstrom '06, Rachael Kaiser '08, Owen Marvel '22, Jillene Nelson '08, Keshia Shepherd '10, Kennedy Ewefada '06
Once a Mustang, Always a Mustang
Maranatha hosts several events throughout the year that bring our alumni family back home to campus. From the annual Alumni Basketball Game to the Homecoming Mustang Meetup and our summer BBQ celebration, these gatherings are perfect opportunities to reconnect with fellow alumni, share memories, and see how MCA continues to grow and thrive. Your Maranatha story doesn’t end at graduation—we’re always excited to welcome you back home.
A New Chapter, Aaron Benny '23
Aaron Benny, class of 2023, currently lives in Hong Kong as a part of a study-abroad program with his college, the University of Minnesota, where he majors in finance. Aaron credits his current academic readiness to the Associate of Arts program at MCA, which allowed him to complete his generous courses while in high school.
Reflecting on his time at Maranatha, Aaron felt a close connection to the school, the teachers, and the community. “The teachers were great—how much they cared and wanted to pour into you.” Being a part of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Daily Bread, Aaron feels like MCA prepared him to be a leader outside these four walls. Aaron is still involved in leadership in “The Salt Company” through Redemption Church, Minneapolis, where he helps lead his peers in growing their faith and building each other up. 
Aaron sees Maranatha as a great launching point for him, not just for his college and career path but, most importantly, for his faith. When speaking about what he appreciates the most about MCA, Aaron said it was “a great place to be able to grow my faith, have questions, and get them answered.” Now, looking back, Aaron even spoke highly about the dress code! “I can understand why dress code is a thing,” Aaron laughed.
Aaron went on to talk about how presenting yourself appropriately each day does help to set yourself up for success. Taking the time and effort to present yourself well each day to your peers and teachers helps cement that mindset of doing everything with excellence. And no matter what you do and where you go throughout your day, Aaron emphasized “the importance of putting your best effort and giving whatever you’re doing your all unto the glory of God.”
