Alumni Newsletter 2026

ALumni Newsletter

MCS Happenings

fromthe Head of School Message

At Mariners Christian School, we speak often of our mission: building a firm foundation through Christcentered education While that foundation is laid during a student’s years here, it continues to grow through the lives of our alumni. MCS alumni are not only recipients of that foundation, each one is an important part of the legacy and ongoing story God is writing of MCS.

Our core value of Connected Community reminds us that MCS is not simply a community for students and parents in a moment of time, but one that lasts a lifetime. It is especially meaningful to see more and more alumni returning as parents, entrusting their own children to the same foundation that once shaped them It is a powerful reminder of the gift of this community and the enduring impact of Christ-centered education.

The 2026–2027 school year brings more than just new beginnings it also marks the start of a special milestone as Mariners Christian School celebrates its 40th anniversary. As we look ahead to this exciting year of celebration, let’s reflect on a few highlights from the past year:

Welcomed our first ever Director of Academics, Joshua Medrano, EdD

With great joy, MCS launched Firm Foundation: a campaign for the flourishing future of Mariners Christian School

Partnered with MCS grandparents to enhance our auditorium with two new 200" LED screens

The year ahead promises to be filled with memorable moments, and we always enjoy welcoming our alumni back to campus. Be sure to save these dates: Annual Teal vs. Black Turkey Bowl, November 20, 2027 & Read Across America Day, March 2, 2027

We look forward to celebrating 40 years of God’s faithfulness with our entire MCS community!

Classof2025

Mariners alumni of 2025 were truly a class full of bright, joyful hearts, each beautifully filled with unique, God-given gifts. When reflecting on this class, we can clearly see how every student brought something special to the MCS community whether as mathletes, inquisitive scientists, creative writers and poets, artists, or musicians. Their sharp minds and growing confidence in knowing who God is and who they are in Him was evident each day

Through this growth, we witnessed its many facets lived out in the ways they cared for one another This class has shown Christ-like character in quiet acts of service, in the way they encourage each other, and in their shared commitment to integrity and truth. Over the course of their final year at Mariners, they grew not just academically, but spiritually, each truly learning and applying what it means to forgive deeply, to show genuine compassion, and to take responsibility for their actions and learning

It was a privilege to watch them spur one another on, and there is so much hope and promise in the path that God has planned and laid before each of them.

Isaiah 58:11

“The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail ”

Middle School Principal, Jennifer Herrera & Middle School Vice Principal, Jordan Brown

Milestones & Moments

ALEX IANNI - CLASS OF 2016

It is truly a blessing to serve at Mariners Christian School, the very place that helped shape me as a student MCS has long held a special place in my heart and in the heart of my family As a student, I experienced firsthand the intentional love, encouragement, and discipleship of teachers who cared deeply about both my education and my faith.

Through the partnership between MCS and my parents, the foundation of my relationship with Christ was strengthened and nurtured I gained not only academic knowledge, but also an understanding of what it means to live with purpose, integrity, and a secure identity in Him. I remain incredibly grateful for the lasting impact this community has had on my life. My decision to become a teacher was deeply influenced by the example set by my own MCS teachers I admired the way they created classrooms where students felt known, valued, and challenged to grow. It became my hope to one day return and invest in students the same way they invested in me.

Now, as a teacher at MCS, my desire is that every student who walks through my classroom feels seen, supported, and encouraged to grow spiritually, academically, and socially Above all, I pray they leave knowing who they are and develop a genuine love for Christ. It is an honor to be part of this community and to partner with families in shaping the next generation

SARA BEASLEY - CLASS OF 2015

Hi! My name is Sara Beasley, and I attended MCS from kindergarten through 8th grade. MCS gave me a strong foundation of faith and a deep understanding of Christ’s love The kindness and care of my teachers left a lasting impact on me and inspired me to become an educator myself I wanted to be that same loving presence for students, and by God’s grace, I now have the privilege of teaching at

AMANDA JESUDASEN (SCHAEFER)CLASS OF 2007

Since graduating from MCS in 2007, I attended Biola University, where I met my husband, Jason We later served in youth ministry at Saddleback Church for eight years, and for the past two years have served as Campus Pastors at Free Chapel Orange County. Along the way, God has blessed us with three wonderful children MCS provided a strong foundation that has carried me through every season of life I am grateful for the foundational Biblical teaching and leadership skills that shaped my faith and continue to influence how I serve, lead, and invest in others today.

Joshua Wolfe Class of 2011

When Josh Wolfe '11 reflects on his time at Mariners Christian School, gratitude is the word that comes to the forefront

One of his most formative memories was the trip to Washington, D C This experience deepened his love for his country and for Christ Walking through the nation's capital and learning firsthand about America's history, paired with the Christian foundation woven into his education at MCS, left a lasting impression. "Experiencing history for itself," he shared, "solidified my awe for our nation and strengthened my faith." Middle school was especially influential. From sixth through eighth grade, in Bible classes Josh began to understand not just what he believed but why The ability to ask honest questions and wrestle with deeper answers built a foundation that continues to guide him today One moment that stood out to Josh and helped shape how he views his calling today was when a fourth-grade teacher once told him she could see Jesus in him "That was the first time I really thought about what that meant – that we ' re meant to reflect Christ and that people can actually see Him through us. "

After MCS, Josh attended Corona Del Mar High School and after that he attended the Virginia Military Institute. After Commissioning into the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, he served as a gunnery officer on a destroyer based in San Diego, with deployments to Hawaii and the Middle East, and later in Japan

His time in the Navy was demanding and refining – stretching him as a leader, challenging his endurance, and strengthening his dependence on God

Throughout every season, his faith in Christ has remained his anchor and provided steadiness in high-pressure environments and clarity when making major life decisions. "If I weren't a follower of Christ, I'd be in an entirely different place," he reflected. "At the end of the day, I don't want to be known for my accomplishments – I want to be known as someone who follows Him."

Eventually, feeling the pull toward family and a new chapter, Josh transitioned out of active duty and returned home He is now pursuing law school, with a desire to open doors that allow him to serve and advocate for others in new ways This fall, Josh returned to our MCS campus to speak at the Veterans Day event – this time not as a student, but as a guest speaker "It felt like going back to an old friend's house," he said Reconnecting with former teachers and seeing the school's growth was both rewarding and surreal. Faith and family have always gone hand in hand for the Wolfe family. Josh and his siblings are proud MCS alumni, and their shared foundation continues to shape their paths. His oldest sister, Jessica '05, is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the University o Oxford.

His second-oldest sister, Alyssa '08, completed her master's degree at Talbot School of Theology and continues to write music, lead worship, and develop children's books His younger brother, Noah '14, lives in Costa Mesa with his wife and is in the process of completing a degree in theology.

When asked what encouragement he has for today's students, his answer was to learn to care deeply, but wisely. "Know what's a glass ball and what's a rubber ball," he said. Some things matter greatly, while others can be released. Above all, he emphasized that life is about relationships – first with God, then with others. "What really matters," Josh shared, "is loving God and loving people If you give

LionsLifelong

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Turkey Bowl

For the second year in a row, we were thrilled to welcome our MCS Alumni back to campus for the annual Teal vs Black Turkey Bowl and what a gift it was to our community From helping lead the “flare up, ” to kicking off the Opening Ceremony with an alumni tugof-war, to serving as referees and cheering on students, our alumni jumped right in to support and encourage the next generation.

More than just a fun tradition, the day was a reminder that being part of MCS doesn’t end at graduation. It’s a community that continues showing up, serving well, and staying connected.

Annually, MCS alumni return to campus as guest readers for our beloved Read Across America Day. Once students who learned to read in these very classrooms, they now have the joy of reading to the next generation of MCS students It is a heartwarming reminder that while our alumni may leave MCS, they will always have a place to come home to and a new chapter to help inspire.

Top Photo Alumni and current teachers-Christina Penticuff ‘06, and Alex Ianni ‘16

Bottom Photo: Katie Circle ‘23

ALumniof theyear

ALumni Chapel

This year, we welcomed more than 120 alumni back to campus for our annual MCS Alumni Chapel, representing graduating classes from the early 2000s through the Class of 2025 The morning featured soul-stirring worship and an inspiring alumni panel, where former students shared their experiences and reflected on God’s faithfulness.

Through shared wisdom, testimonies of God’s faithfulness, and cherished memories from their time at MCS, our alumni enriched our campus in a profound way We were reminded of the beauty found in both hello and goodbye as students grow, graduate, and become alumni who carry MCS with them wherever they go. It was a powerful reflection of our connected MCS family rooted in love for Christ, strengthened by exemplary academics, and sustained by lifelong relationships

Alumni Chapel remains one of the most meaningful and ant

As a grounded Mariners Christian School alumnus Abraham Wood reflects what it means to live out the gospel and love Jesus in both word and action A faithful, humble, and joyful servant leader, he has remained deeply committed to MCS continually returning to serve, invest in students, and share his gifts, including playing drums. His loyal, servant-hearted spirit and life-giving presence point others to Christ, making him a meaningful and deserving recipient of the MCS Alumni of the Year award for 2026

ALumni Scholarships

Alumni Heritage Scholarship Winner

Alumni Heritage Scholarship Winner

Where are they now?

High Schools attended for Class of 2025:

Words from Alumni:

“Students that attend MCS are not treated as just students but as children of the Most High God who are to be invested in What makes MCS so special is the faculty and staff who appreciate the gift that it is to pour into God’s children. I didn’t realize how blessed I was to have access to such incredible human beings until later on in my high school career ”

“MCS was never just a school to me, it was a community that provided mentorship and helped shape my foundation in Christ. The school’s mission of building a Christ-centered foundation has had a lasting impact on my life and is a major reason why I continue to grow in my faith. “

“It is really amazing to always have the support and prayers of my MCS teachers years after they’ve been my actual teachers ”

In Loving Memory of Cherish Miles

We remember Cherish Miles, Class of 2015 a beloved daughter, sister, and friend She is deeply loved by her parents, Doug and Lindah Miles, her triplet sisters Farah and Mariah, and her brothers Trevor, Skylar, and Sterling Her memory will always be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

Heavenly Father,

TimBahadoor,8 GradeBibleTeacher th

We thank You for this amazing group of students. As they stand at the door of a new chapter, we celebrate the wonderful young men and women they have become and the work You have already begun in their lives.

Lord, bless them with courage to follow You when the path ahead is uncertain, wisdom to make choices that honor You, and strength to persevere through life's challenges. Remind them that their worth is not found in achievements, popularity, or success, but in being Your beloved children, created in Your image and redeemed by Your grace.

May they carry with them the lessons they have learned, the friendships they have formed, and the faith that has been planted in their hearts When they face difficulties, give them confidence that you are with them. When they experience success, keep them humble and grateful. When they are called to lead, help them serve with compassion, integrity, and love. Protect them as they go forward Guide their steps, shape their character, and draw them ever closer to You May they be lights in their schools, families, teams, churches, and communities, reflecting the love of Christ wherever they go.

We entrust their future to Your faithful hands, knowing that You have plans and purposes for each of them May they walk boldly in faith, love deeply, and live lives that bring glory to You In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray

Amen.

“When alumni come back to visit, we get a glimpse into what we always knew they could become. These kids come back and speak to the current 8th graders, and it means a lot because they were just in those same seats I love to see them back on campus, and having them share how God is using their gifts and talents to glorify Him.”

TamiThurston,MiddleSchool InstructionalCoach

“When students are sitting in our rooms, we tell them MCS is like home and they can always come back We also tell them that relationships are important to use beyond their years at MCS The proof of that is they come back.”