Kentwood graduate Mykala Benjamin was accepted into the University of Mary, starting fall semester 2012.

“We are pleased and grateful to welcome these new freshmen to our growing University of Mary family, and are proud to have them  
participate in the innovative, values-based learning experience that distinguishes a Mary education,” says President Father James Shea. “Our programs prepare students to be competent, courageous, ethical  
leaders in their professions and their communities. The university’s setting in the thriving North Dakota capital of Bismarck offers abundant opportunities for students to complement their academics with hands-on experience and network with businesses and organizations. The joy and perspective they gain and relationships they establish will benefit them for a lifetime.”

Benjamin, a graduate of Kentwood High School, is active in soccer, basketball, track and field and Conk Crew. She has earned recognition as a member of the 2012 Soccer 4A Washington state championship team and the 2011 track 4A state championship team, is a 4×100 and 4×200 meter state champion, the 20110 soccer offensive MVP, first team All-League, and honorable mention for the All-State team.

She will be joining the Marauders track and soccer teams under coaches Mike Thorson and Sarah McNulty respectively.

The Marauders are part of one of the premier NCAA Division II conferences — the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Benjamin plans to major in athletic training while attending the University of Mary in Bismarck. She is the daughter of Horace and Angelina Benjamin of Kent.

Mary was founded in 1959 by the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery in Bismarck and is North Dakota’s only Catholic university.