Alumni Testimonials
Class of 2004
Ben Leibing - Hillsdale College
1) For what grades were you at Mars Hill Academy?
I first heard of Mars Hill Academy when I was in seventh grade, and Mr.
Bill Izzard, the then-headmaster, started attending our church on the west
side of Cincinnati. Two families in my general neighborhood sent their children
to MHA that year, and after visiting a few times, I started attending Mars
Hill in the eighth grade.
2) What were some of your favorite classes at Mars Hill Academy?
My most favorite classes by far were the Humanities classes, mainly taught
by Mrs. Morwood. In those classes, my writing and reading skills were
constantly expanded—and now in college, I am truly grateful for
those precious classes. Now that I have seen what kind of background other
students come from in High School, I can say with a good degree of confidence
that Mars Hill offers some of the best Humanities classes for which one
can ask.
3) How has MHA affected where you have chosen to attend college
and the areas of study you have chosen to pursue?
I am now at Hillsdale College, home of three MHA graduates. I chose this
place because it seemed to be the perfect next logical step after a Mars
Hill education. Hillsdale educates based on the same principles which Mars
Hill applies to the learning of the liberal arts. A strong college in the
areas of History and English, I think that I will most likely find myself
majoring in one of these two areas, with a possible minor in anything from
Political Science, to French, to Sociology—wherever the Lord guides
me.
4) What does Classical Education mean to you?
My time spent at Mars Hill was most enjoyable. I built incredible friendships,
and learned an incredible amount. I was daily encouraged in the way of
the LORD, and for this I am forever grateful. I think that Mars Hill is
a bright light in the dark days of education in this age. I always will
be proud to be an alumni of MHA!
