2 Senior
Experience
12 Alumni
of the Year
DOCK Mennonite Academy WINTER 2020
The World as
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CLASSROOM
Dock’s new Mini-Term provides transformational learning opportunities
CONTENTS WINTER 2020
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Senior Experience: Shaping the future
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Mini-Term: Academics off the beaten path
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Homecoming 2019
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2019 Alumni of the Year
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Fall Musical: Newsies!
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Campus Happenings
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Around the world in 11 months
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Alumni Notes
ON THE COVER: Junior Casey Harper made some new friends during Dock’s Mini-Term mission trip to Jamaica. Read more starting on page 6.
RIGHT: Taking a break from the hard work of painting and home remodeling in Jamaica are Dock students (l to r) Kate Landis, Lydia King, Rebecca Crissman, and Isa Rodriguez. Read more about their Mini-Term trip starting on page 6.
Dr. Conrad Swartzentruber Superintendent Dr. Sharon Fransen Assistant Superintendent Martin Wiens Principal, Grades Nine to Twelve Bronwyn Histand Principal, EC to Grade Eight
Patti Baker Director of Finance and Operations Robert Rutt Director of Advancement Douglas Hackman Director of Admissions Kathleen Gordon Director of Marketing
BOARD OF TRUSTEES James Gunden, Chair Scott Heckler, Treasurer Rina Rampogu, Secretary Natasha Alderfer (’97) Mark Bergey (’88) Suzi Berry Meredith Ehst (’99) Beny Krisbianto Chad Lacher (’93) Scott Landis (’82) Sonya Stauffer Kurtz
Lamplighter is published by Dock Mennonite Academy 1000 Forty Foot Road Lansdale, PA 19446 Jay Gordon, Editor Mike Landis, Photography Leinbach Design, Design www.dock.org
Superintendent’s
MESSAGE
Making a Difference! Dock students and alumni are making a difference in our world! Our mission statement and graduate profile articulate our goal of preparing students to make a difference. This issue of Lamplighter contains stories giving evidence to the impact students and alumni are having in our community and around the world. In fifth grade, my teacher asked each of us to write about what we wanted to be when we grew up. I wrote that I wanted to be a missionary (later in life I served 11 years with the Mennonite Central Committee in Indonesia and Bangladesh). Part of my drive as I grew up was to make a difference around me. As I thought about career choices, my father’s simple advice was to make sure I was always helping other people. I will suggest three ways I see our students and alumni making a difference.
Dock’s focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, active listening, and collaboration helps develop skills needed for a life of impact and purpose.
1. When a student’s gifts and passions intersect an area of need, that student is well positioned to play a significant role in his or her community. Each year, a Dock committee reviews an extensive list of alumni who deserve to be Alumni of the Year recipients. Unfortunately, we can only recognize a few people each year. Each person on that list has made a significant impact in the world around them. Young Alum of the Year, Danielle Gallaher ('06), recalled how the exploration of topics in Social Issues class helped guide her to a legal career dedicated to protecting victims of sexual violence and child abuse. She currently serves as Assistant District Attorney in the Special Victims and Domestic Violence Division for Delaware County. Read the stories in this issue of other alumni who were recognized for the ways they are making a difference. 2. Understanding existing needs and discovering potential solutions are fundamental in making a difference. Dock’s focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, active listening, and collaboration helps develop skills needed for a life of impact and purpose. In our new Middle School model these skills are fostered more intentionally. Middle School students participate in service opportunities each Friday. Mini-Term classes gave high school students the opportunity to explore possible ways of connecting academic learning with real life application and service to others. For example, a number of students considered how working in the medical field might connect with their gifts. A group traveled to Jamaica to experience another culture and ways of making an impact far from their own familiar community. 3. Students discover a deeper meaning in life when they consider how they can make a difference in the lives of others. Sixth grader Sophia Veltre understands this deeper meaning as a result of her Genius Hour project. Sophia researched homelessness and wanted to find ways to help. She raised nearly $1,200 for Keystone Opportunity Center as a response to her research. I encourage you to read her story on page 18. Each student can make a difference! We celebrate our alumni and current students who step outside their comfortable settings and embrace experiences that shape their own lives and make a difference for others. These stories encourage our resolve to carry out the mission of Dock! Dr. Conrad Swartzentruber, Superintendent
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SHAPING THE FUTURE Dock seniors headed out this fall for a week of job shadowing and service opportunities that will help many discern their college and vocational interests.
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or Dock senior Cedar Smith, spending a week shadowing a lab technician at Axcentria Pharmaceuticals in Telford was like being able to study one of her favorite subjects all day.
“I was introduced to the two types of chromatography, gas and liquid, and learned how the tests work and what they are used for,” she wrote in her Senior Experience journal. “I was allowed to weigh different substances, find relative gravities, and take gases out of liquids.” At the end of her first day, she said, “part of me wanted to go back to school to see my friends—but the other part of me wants to stay and do this forever. It’s like taking a science class for six hours a day—I love it!” Smith’s enthusiasm for her job shadowing assignment is typical of what many Dock seniors describe after a week in the working world. It doesn’t matter whether the experience confirms a vocational interest or points in a different direction: being in a work setting and observing professionals doing their jobs is a tremendously insightful experience. Seniors also learn what it means to take on new responsibilities—from getting to work on time to completing assignments and projects. “After I calculated the dilutions, [my supervisor] Grant left the lab and expected me to finish the job,” Smith wrote in her journal. “When he came back I was both nervous because I was second-guessing my abilities, and proud because of what I accomplished. Together we studied the graph created by the samples, and they came out almost perfect!” The more time she spent in the lab, she added, “the more I become sure this is what I want to pursue in the future. I have never been more excited to do something for six hours every day. I constantly find myself looking up at the clock and realizing it is time to leave. I really don’t want this week to end. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to explore my passions, gain more clarity on the future, learn, and jump out of my comfort zone. This was a great week for me and I am excited to see where God takes me and my passions.”
Here are some Senior Experience journal excerpts from other Dock students: Sydney Leaman Berkshire Hathaway, Oak Ridge Elementary School, Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart I had an amazing two days at Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart. Unless something changes, I want to be a dental hygienist in the future. I loved all the people you meet in a day, and you never know what’s coming at you next. I like that you get to work on kids and adults—the best of both worlds. If I do this in the future it would be great to work at Weaver, Reckner, because they were all so awesome and kind. It was helpful to experience all the jobs in an actual workplace. It gave me a better look at each job. I have already started looking into [college] dental programs. Alison Keach Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, Core 3 Physical Therapy This past week has been filled with long hours, happiness, excitement, and lots and lots of learning. I affirmed my passion for physical therapy. I had no clue what a physical therapist does; I had only read about it in books or online. This week I learned about the many types of physical therapy there are. The experience helped me make new connections with people, get out of my comfort zone and ask questions. The week also increased my selfconfidence, as I am more knowledgeable about what I want to do. Top: Lynn Liu, Jessica Zhao, and Zoe Li, enjoyed their time serving at Care and Share Thrift Shoppes, thanks in part to Volunteer Manager Suzanne Kratz; Middle: Micah Kratz (left) gets some hands-on learning in the office of cardiologist Dr. Todd Alderfer (right). Bottom: Madelyn Bergin shadowed Dr. Emily Souder (‘01), a Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. Many thanks to Dr. Rick Kratz (‘87) for helping to make this opportunity happen! WINTER 2020 Lamplighter
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Senior Experience
Elizabeth Davidar (1) Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, Special Victims Unit I was surprised to see the ineffectiveness of rehab programs across the board. This makes me question how we can contribute tax dollars with a positive effect. What measures can be used to assure that these crimes won’t be committed by the same offenders? How can we incorporate Christian values without pressing religion on anyone? I believe Christianity can benefit others, but I wonder how we can spread the good news without being judgmental or forceful. I felt accomplished helping Danielle Gallaher recap case files and learning the importance of these documents. Reading victim’s testimonies was an emotional and mental challenge for me. I also felt accomplishment weighing in with my view in a meeting with the judge, defense attorney, and prosecutors.
1 Danielle Gallaher (’06, right) was nominated by Elizabeth Davidar for the Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce Mentor Award. Read more on page 20.
I felt satisfied throughout this experience because it only confirmed my hopes of pursuing law. As cliché as it sounds, I felt that this experience confirmed God’s plan for my life. It was exciting because I now know that I want to be a lawyer. Elle Bergey (2) Doylestown Hospital, Bergey’s Automotive I am interested in nursing, but still grossed out by some of the experiences they encounter. I was nervous but excited going into this shadowing experience. I had no idea what to expect. Rachelle [Trauger] showed us around the cardiac unit. I was surprised at how many nurses there are in just that one section of the hospital. I experienced two stent procedures, where the doctor inserts a wire through the wrist or groin of the patient and looks to open up blockages. I was surprised I was allowed to be in the operating room and see these surgeries up close. This experience was informative and interesting. I realized I enjoy the nursing field. I’m considering nursing for a career to pursue.
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McKade Trauger (3) Lare Law Firm Mr. Lare showed me that what he does 90% of the time is research. The lawyers you see on TV go to court so often that you might expect a lawyer to simply be a professional arguer. This is not true. Mr. Lare said that arguing a case has little to do with his job. Rather, through research, arming your case with logical evidence that supports your client is much more helpful than debunking the opposing side. Getting a realistic sense of the lawyer’s job was quite helpful for me.
Where students got their Senior Experience
Here is a partial list of the places Dock students spent their week of Senior Experience:
Access Services Allebach Communications Allerton Equine Veterinarian Axcentria Pharmaceuticals Bergey’s Automotive Bergey’s Electric Best Buy Beth Holland Real Estate Appraiser Blooming Glen Mennonite Church Brandywine Realty Trust Care & Share Thrift Shoppes Cascadia Publishing Central Schwenkfelder Church Child Inc. 4
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Chiropractic & Rehab Center Clemens Food Group Cold Spring Elementary School Communication Associates Community Energy CSL Behring Delaware County District Attorney Delaware North Sportservices DeLuca and Levine Detweiler, Hershey & Associates Dock Mennonite Academy EC-8 Campus Dock Village Doylestown Hospital
Easter Seals Eastern Mennonite University Everence Financial Faith Christian Academy Franconia Insurance & Financial Services First Baptist Church of Perkasie Flying Together Inc. Grand View Hospital Guth Elementary Gwyn Nor Elementary Hands in Service, Inc Husky Entertainment J.B.R. Associates Inc.
3 Jamaica Jansen Pharmaceuticals Katzman Law Office, PC Lacher Insurance Lafayette College Langan Engineering Last Chance Ranch Living Branches Master’s Design Build Group
Andrew Cope (4) Revivals Outreach Center Adam showed me around the places I would be working each day. We went up to the second floor and walked into a room filled with tables and chairs. Most of the day I moved tables and stacked chairs. I also wiped down every table and chair, but easily my favorite part was scraping gum off the bottoms of tables. After I finished that I washed every window upstairs, mopped the floor of the upstairs kitchen, and vacuumed the floors. Then from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. I served in my church’s soup kitchen. I felt good knowing I was contributing to something bigger than myself. By helping others in this way, I knew that it would be appreciated. Makenna Rodriguez (5) Access Services
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As a mobile crisis worker, your job is to answer phone calls from people in Montgomery County who are in crisis. While on the phone, it is your job to write down important information, assess the situation, and then discharge crisis workers to the individual if needed. While I shadowed this worker, we got phone calls from two schools with students exhibiting reckless behaviors, a parent worried about their child, who was possibly suicidal, and a woman with multiple personality disorder. We discharged four mobile crisis teams to meet with these people. The job of these teams is to talk to the individual and offer immediate support. They can then find more permanent solutions for the individual, such as psychological testing, therapy, counseling or other services. After QPR training Hunter and I went back to the office and reviewed some suicide statistics. I learned that suicide rates are highest from March to May. I observed graphs on the most common ways people die by suicide, and the years that suicide rates have been the highest. Looking at these graphs opened my eyes to realize how many people in our country are suffering.
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Looking back on this week I can say it was one of the most beneficial times in my high school career. I knew that Senior Experience was going to shape some of what I decided to do with my future. I started out the week with an open mind and enjoyed every part of the experience. It proved to me that so far, I am on the right track. It has inspired me to work hard at all that I do, so that someday I can help others through a career such as this. Christian Rush (6) Pfizer Jeff Jagiela gifted me with lessons about the workplace, and about life. Coming out of Senior Experience, I feel a drive not only to be a leader, but someone who stands for the Lord always, no matter the crowd. Throughout my experience multiple people at both sites were willing to help me, no matter how much they had on their plates that day. I realized that God has placed so many people in my life to help guide me along this journey. I also learned that the journey is a winding road, not a straight path. Alyse Sobetsky Victory Bible Camp Looking back, this experience seemed like a dream. I valued my time in Alaska and I feel accomplished after traveling to a faraway state without my parents, arriving at a place I didn’t know with people I didn’t know, working for four days and turning it all into a worthwhile experience.
6 Maylath Valley Health Systems Inc. Mennonite Central Committee - DC Office Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services (Early Intervention) Montgomery County District Attorney Nathanael and Spring Davis (Belize)
The workload was not easy. I cleaned inflatables, worked on the ranch, and unloaded a hay truck. The experience helped me grow spiritually and take on more responsibility, and grow as a person. National Equity Fund NBC Sports Boston North Wales Library PBR Productions Penn Foundation Perkiomen Valley Library Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Phoenix Rehab Group Plumstead Christian School
River Valley Waldorf School Rothman Institute Royce Yoder Pottery Schwenksville Elementary Souderton Area Charter School Pennsylvania Special Olympics St. Luke’s Health Network Swartley Brothers Engineering Temple University
The Salvation Army Toll Brothers Univest Veterinary Medical Center of Lebanon Victory Bible Camp Weaver Reckner & Reinhart Dental ZD Associates LLC Zyla Life Sciences WINTER 2020 Lamplighter
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ACADEMICS BEATEN PATH off the
Mini-Term is a new element of the Dock curriculum designed to offer learning opportunities outside the classroom. Dock’s Senior Experience (see page 2) is a week full of hands-on experiential learning opportunities that are difficult if not impossible to duplicate in the classroom. For many Dock seniors, the week can be transformational, helping to discern college and vocational goals and interests. Now, Dock is providing similar learning experiences for students in grades 9, 10, and 11. During the 2018-19 school year, Dock held its first-ever “Experiential Day,” offering students a variety of half-day and full-day options for on- and off-campus learning experiences. This year, “Experiential Day” was expanded to a week-long “Mini-Term,” with students pursuing elective learning opportunities in line with their passions and curiosity. These learning opportunities ranged from Russian culture immersion to tours of Philadelphia museums, sustainable agriculture, photography, video production, textiles and fabrics, medical career exploration, and many more (see the list, below). Career exploration at St. Luke’s One Mini-Term group spent their week at St. Luke’s Hospital in Quakertown and in the Harmony House dementia care unit at Dock Woods Community. Students appreciated the opportunity to investigate potential career paths in the medical field. “We had a great experience and I got to witness things that I never thought I would,” said Elyssa Bochnowicz, a junior, of her experience at St. Luke’s. “I got to see more of what happens in an ambulance, and how much work [the EMTs] actually have to do. I realized right away that I want to be involved in that kind of work. It made me feel like I could be part of the hospital staff. Even though they have to work long shifts, it’s worth it because you are working to save lives.”
Mini-Term 2019
Students could choose from a wide variety of Mini-Term options, including:
Above: Students in the “All Things Textile and Fiber Arts” Mini-Term class get some hands-on learning about fabrics from Ten Thousand Villages Store Manager Bonnie Moyer. Opposite page: Students in the “Working World of St. Luke’s Hospital” Mini-Term class experience the working end of an ambulance.
The Working World of St. Luke's Hospital Russian Literature and Culture Things That Fly: Rockets, Drones, RC Airplanes Golf for Life Taking Care of Yourself Makin’ Movies Adventures in Living Lightly & Learning from the Land Fishing & Conservation
Discovering Your Family Story All Things Textiles and Fiber Arts Mass Incarceration George Washington Slept Here! Philadelphia Museums Film Appreciation, Production, & Storytelling Extreme Photography Rag Quilting Wilderness Expeditions
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Mini-Term 2019
“The whole experience was amazing, and I especially loved the ambulance station and the clinicals we got to observe,” said junior Samantha Osborn. Junior Marciella Shallomita said that her Mini-Term experience confirmed her desire to pursue a career as a heart surgeon. She also enjoyed seeing a practical application of her Dock courses. “Did you know that ultrasounds are all about physics?” she said. “They measure the speed, direction, and acceleration of blood flow. I’m in AP Physics now, and I am glad to see that it is useful. After the technician learned that I was interested in cardiac surgery, she offered to explain the echocardiogram to me. Then one of her colleagues volunteered to have an echo done on her. That was such a great experience!” Exploring social issues Other Mini-Term options helped students explore social issues more deeply, such as mass incarceration. “We made some great connections with community organizations, who loved hosting students—a group that does not typically engage with this topic,” said Dock librarian Laura Martin. Students in her Mini-Term class visited Mennonite Resource Center in Harleysville to assemble prisoner care kits. “That was a highlight for the group,” said Ms. Jordan Kolb, the other faculty advisor for the group. “It was active, tangible, and meaningful for students—a good way to end the week, and a great opportunity for students to experience service.”
Visit our Mini-Term web page at dock.org/miniterm to learn more.
“I would go back tomorrow!” Students who served in Jamaica for Mini-Term grew their faith and friendships Traveling to serve in another country is almost always an eye-opening experience, and the group of 18 students from Dock that traveled to Montego Bay, Jamaica for Mini-Term in October was no exception. The group traveled with an organization called Bold Hope, based in Doylestown, and served at an orphanage where they played with toddlers and held and fed infants. The group also served at a home for the disabled, where they visited, sang, and danced with residents, and helped staff with chores. The group also helped build an addition on a man’s home so that he could keep his children (they had been removed from the home because its condition was deemed unsafe). The group also played with children each afternoon at a local boys and girls club. “The students did a great job serving. By the end of the trip they had really grown, both as a group and spiritually,” said faculty advisor and chaperone Mrs. Kellena Smith. “This trip was worth every hour of prayer and prep work I put into it. As is often the case with what we do for God, He took what I had to offer and used it for His Glory. I am ready to go next year!” Sophomore Abby Smith said much the same thing. “One thing I learned from this trip is how awesome God is and how He works in insane ways,” she said.
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“This trip gave me more than I could ever give. I would go back tomorrow.” Other students had similar impressions of the experience. “Something that surprised me on this trip was how much my heart was changed. I now have a huge longing to help others.” — Casey Harper, junior “I have grown to know myself and my classmates better. I have seen sides of them that I would never have seen at school. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and learned that I can do things I didn’t think I could.” — Katherine Wenzel, sophomore
“Our visits to the Mennonite Heritage Center and local cemeteries went well,” said Dock faculty member Mr. Dana Gehman, who led a Mini-Term course entitled, "Discovering Your Family Story." Some students were able to make significant progress on creating a family tree, he added. Hands-on learning The experiential learning that students enjoyed in Mini-Term is an extension of the project-based learning (PBL) that Dock is embracing as a model for its Middle School students (see Learning gets personal, Spring 2019, p. 2). PBL is not a replacement for classroom teaching, but offers enhanced learning opportunities based on the idea that students learn and retain more through hands-on learning in areas they are curious and passionate about, rather than by listening to a lecture or taking a test. A great example of this is the Mini-Term group, "Adventures in Living Lightly and Learning from the Land," which visited a farm in Virginia where students learned about sustainability and living simply. Students engaged in learning about food processing, meal prep, gardening, and produce packaging, among other topics. “The variety of activities that students were able to participate and stretch themselves in was a definite positive of this trip,” said faculty advisor Ms. Emily Rush. “This was a memorable trip that students will continue to learn from after the experience is over.” Opposite page—Top: Students in the “Fishing and Conservation” Mini-Term class pose with their catches after a day of deep sea fishing. Bottom: EmmaRose Thompson works on her quilt during the “Rag Quilting” Mini-Term class. This page—Top right: Ainsley Moyer works on her lighting technique during the “Extreme Photography” Mini-Term class. Far right: Students in the “Extreme Photography” class got some extreme camera angles on the roof of Detweiler House. Right: Haley Harper helps package some greens for market at Second Mountain Farm.
“I was able to see some of my flaws and what I needed to do to change them. I was truly touched by everything that happened on this trip. I learned not to take things for granted, to be thankful, and that being kind and welcoming to people means a lot.” — Megan Wenzel, Freshman
to us and is always loving us, always guiding us, always with us.” — June Park, sophomore
“I learned a lot about God and how faithful He is. I also saw how He can move in people and change lives.” — Isa Rodriguez, junior
“One of the best things this week was when I saw the smiles of the children. The whole time, the smiles never left their faces.” — Songheon Kang, junior
“It was so perfect. I loved everyone in our group. They are all loving people, have faith on God, and respect others. To be honest, my family is not Christian. I trust God but my faith was not really deep. After this trip, I feel like God is really close
“I learned to not let the little things in life bother me. This trip was truly lifechanging.” — Isabella Benner, junior
“I had my eyes opened to another culture on this trip. I have grown spiritually and emotionally.” — Lydia King, junior
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Non-Stop Fun! Homecoming & Family Weekend 2019 offered something fun for everyone
2019
HOMECOMING & FAMILY WEEKEND
Homecoming 2019 was the first musical event of the school year, the Fall Concert, and the 2019 Alumni of the Year Awards. It was a bright, crisp fall Saturday for disc golf and a Color Fun Run. It was the intensity of our first-ever 3v3 basketball tournament. It was STEM Fest, with more than a dozen options for handson learning, from electrical circuits and environmental science to robotics and drone demonstrations, to 3D printing and the science of bubbles. Homecoming 2019 was a chemistry-themed road show from the Franklin Institute, field hockey and soccer action, a big Homecoming Reception, and class reunions. Homecoming 2019 was stimulating, educational, heartwarming, fun. See more photos and coverage of Homecoming 2019 online at dock.org/alumni
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2019 Evon (Swartzentruber) Bergey
Henry (Hank) Landes
Our 2019 Alumni of the Year award winners embody the significance of learning that leads to lives of purpose. Outstanding Achievement Award Evon (Swartzentruber) Bergey, Class of 1977 Evon is Vice President of Community Initiatives for Landis Communities in Lititz, PA, where she leads their work to develop affordable housing and community-based services that allow adults to thrive in community. Evon serves as Executive Director for Landis Quality Living and Landis HCBS, two non-profits that deliver a comprehensive array of integrated services to allow individuals to age with dignity and affordability wherever they call home. Evon is passionate about developing housing and services that support individuals who want to live meaningful lives and remain in the homes of their choice as long as possible. Evon has a Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, a BA in Psychology/Sociology from Gwynedd Mercy College, and an AA in Business from Eastern Mennonite College. Prior to coming to Landis Communities, Evon worked for Magellan Health for 16 years, most recently as Vice President of Operations. Evon serves on the Board of Trustees for Eastern Mennonite University and the Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership. Henry (Hank) Landes, Class of 1964 Growing up in a successful family business provided Henry a first-hand appreciation for the special opportunities and heartaches facing business families. As the founder of the Delaware Valley Family Business Center, Henry now has more than 30 years of experience guiding family businesses through transitions. Since retirement, Henry is now living his Next Chapter, which includes part-time advising at the Center. He
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particularly enjoys guiding senior generation family members through the uncharted territory of generational transition and supporting the development of a Next Chapter, which is energizing and contributes to the business, the family and the community. Henry received his master’s degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and has served as management consultant, behavioral health executive, board member, and partner of an international tour company. A former contributing editor of Family Business magazine, he is a founding member of the Kaleo Network of Family Business Advisors, a group of premier family business advisors from around the U.S. who learn and collaborate together in service to business families. Henry is also a former administrator of Penn Foundation.
Distinguished Service Award Krista (Moyer) Snader, Class of 1993 Krista is currently serving as a Water and Hygiene Advisor with Mennonite Central Committee in Kenya, Africa. She serves with her husband, Brian, and their two children. Krista graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a degree in biology and international agriculture, and received a master’s degree in rural extension studies from the University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada). She worked in Haiti with MCC managing safe drinking water projects, and has also developed and installed gravity-fed water systems in Bolivia. Krista has also worked for Church World Service in a refugee settlement project.
Accepting the award for Krista Snader were her parents, Myrna and Dave Moyer
Gerald A Benner
Gerald A Benner, Class of 1959 Gerald served Christopher Dock Mennonite High School from 1965 to 1991 as an outstanding English instructor, teaching courses in literature, public speaking, language, and creative writing. He graduated from "CD" in 1959 and Eastern Mennonite College in 1965, with degrees in Bible and English. He also received a master’s in English from Temple University. In addition to his teaching career, Gerald served as pastor of Ambler Mennonite Church for seven years (1965 to 1971). In the fall of 1991, he was named Director of Development at Dock, leading a team that worked in fundraising, alumni relations, admissions, and publications. Over the next 15 years, this team helped raise $5 million for the Dock annual fund and $20 million for three capital campaigns, including $6 million for Longacre Center, $2 million for the turf stadium and Clemens Center classrooms, and $12 million to replace Grebel Hall with Rosenberger Academic Center, a new arts building, a new custodian/guest house, maintenance building, and renovation of Dielman Hall. Gerald retired in December 2006, and later finished the Rosenberger Campaign by raising the final $1 million. Gerald has always served the Dock community with dedication, compassion, and competence.
Young Alumni of the Year Danielle Gallaher, Class of 2006 Danielle is an Assistant District Attorney in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, working in the Special Victims and Domestic Violence Division. As a Special Victims Unit prosecutor, she prosecutes crimes involving sexual offenses, child abuse and domestic violence. She received her law degree from Regent
Danielle Gallaher
Josh MacNeill
Law School in Virginia Beach and her bachelor’s in political science from Eastern University. During law school, she had the opportunity to work in Washington D.C. with Shared Hope International and the National District Attorneys Association. In both positions, she dealt with issues related to domestic sex trafficking of minors. Danielle recently received an award from the Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce for her mentoring work with a current Dock student, Elizabeth Davidar. Read more on page 20 or online at dock.org/alumni Josh MacNeill, Class of 2004 Josh began his career as a high school English teacher at Lakeside, an alternative school for students who are not successful in traditional schools. Early in his career, Lakeside began adding trauma-informed interventions to meet the needs of students, and Josh was an early adopter of these strategies. He quickly saw the impact they made in his own classroom and began to advocate for their utilization across the school, training and supporting his fellow teachers. They formed the NeuroLogic Initiative, which works with schools to train and coach staff to meet the needs of students through brain-based, trauma-informed strategies. While the primary focus has been to support local schools in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania, Josh has had the unique opportunity to support schools in other parts of the world, including Norway and Israel. In addition to serving as the Director of the NeuroLogic Initiative, Josh wrote and published the book, 101 Brain Breaks and Brain-Based Educational Activities, which provides brain region-specific activities educators can use to help their students become regulated.
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NEWSIES ENTERTAINMENT More Than
Through Dock’s fall musical, Newsies, we learn that we have the opportunity to write, and rewrite, our stories.
Theater is more than entertainment. Through story we ask the hard questions in relative safety. We have the opportunity to write and rewrite while exploring the possible answers. The cast and I named many important themes that shaped our production. The most difficult is this: “What might happen if we accept that we have power?” Newsies is based on the historic New York newsboys strikes of the late 19th century. In this era before child welfare laws, the labors of ‘the least of these’ fueled the economic growth that created a class of new super rich. Among these were the media moguls of the day: newspaper owners. In response to injustice, the newsies organized, and by interrupting distribution of the product, this group of mostly children forced the owners to compromise. Yet it would be decades before exploitative child labor stopped being the accepted norm in New York. Many children in the world still wait for this change. While stories on stage have a clear beginning and end, our real stories are always somewhere in the middle. And this should give us hope: from the middle of the story we have the power to change what happens next. This ‘David and Goliath’ story reminds us that despite our fears, some injustices must be challenged; that doing nothing is itself a choice; and that using power can be as frightening as challenging it. Thankfully, because this is musical theater, we get to laugh and dance and sing while we consider our place in the power structure. We get our clear beginning and end. We all have the power to change the world. We are in the middle of our story. I encourage you to embrace this truth—and just watch what happens. — Ms. Karen Johnston, Director
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Visit the theater page on dock.org for more photos and videos of the performance.
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EC to Grade 8
CAMPUS HAPPENINGS
Glory to God in the Highest! CHRISTMAS BENEFIT CONCERT Our EC-Grade 8 Christmas Benefit Concert on December 7 featured performances by the Middle School Choir, Orchestra, and Band, Select Strings, Advanced Handbells, Jazz Band, Third Grade Choir, and of course, our Kindergarten students reciting Luke 2. It was a wonderful evening full of the arts, and we raised almost $26,000. A special thanks to our musical directors, Mrs. Shelley Berg, Mrs. Laura Landes, and Mrs. Katie Litzenberger for a wonderful concert! See more photos and video at dock.org/music
EC CHRISTMAS PROGRAM Our Early Childhood Christmas program on December 4 was a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season, as parents, grandparents, relatives, and friends were treated to a spirited Christmas presentation by our EC students. See more photos and watch the video at dock.org/earlychildhood
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DOCK Mennonite Academy
CRAZY, BUSY, PEACEFUL, HOLY NIGHT Our Elementary Christmas Concert and 4th Grade Musical, Crazy, Busy, Peaceful, Holy Night, was held on December 17. See dock.org/4thgrademusical for more photos and video
A BIG THANK YOU FOR #PIONEERSGIVE Our students say a huge THANK YOU to our superhero supporters who contributed over $17,000 to #PioneersGive on #GivingTuesday, December 3. #GivingTuesday is an international response to the “me-focused” Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping days. It was a busy giving day all around the world, but Dock students deeply appreciate the generosity and support that you poured into our school. We are also grateful for a generous group of Dock parents and alumni who matched the first $5,000 donated to #PioneersGive. What an amazing community we are part of! See a video of our enthusiastic students saying “thank you” at dock.org/supportdock
DOCK GOES GREEN AT SOUDERTON PARADE The crisp winter weather on Saturday, December 7, was perfect to debut our new Dock knit hats for the Souderton Holiday Parade! Dock teachers and students greeted families from the community along the parade route and gave out recyclable shopping bags to all attendees as part of our “Green” holiday theme! See more photos and a video at dock.org/parade
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EC to Grade 8
CAMPUS HAPPENINGS
The Joy of Giving DOCK 6TH GRADER SOPHIA VELTRE WANTS EVERYONE TO KNOW HOW GOOD IT FEELS TO HELP OTHERS. Remember that feeling when you opened a big present on Christmas morning? Or better yet—the feeling when you gave someone else a really great gift? That’s the feeling Dock 6th grader Sophia Veltre had when she delivered a $1,200 donation she raised largely on her own to Keystone Opportunity Center. “I learned how much I want to give, and I would love for others to follow that lead,” said Sophia. “I want people to feel what I got to feel when I went to drop off this big bag of money. It’s a really good feeling, like when you open up a big present, or give someone a big present for Christmas—only times ten!”
Sixth grade student Sophia Veltre with the Powerpoint she made for her Genius Hour project. Her project was so successful that her teacher, Mrs. Laura Landes, asked her to put together a “howto” manual for fundraisers. Sophia is already busy planning and researching her next Genius Hour project: designing new toys for the children in Franconia’s nursery.
Sophia has always enjoyed helping others—a value she learned by being part of a big family. “I help my mom and dad out by watching my little brother, who just turned two,” she said. “They’re busy, so I babysit. I love to help out in the nursery at church, too.”
learning curriculum where students are encouraged to pursue learning about things they’re passionate about, and work at issues where they want to see change. “I wanted to help with the homeless, and I also love baking, so it was kind of a winwin,” she smiled.
When it came time to develop a project for her Genius Hour class, Sophia knew she wanted to do something to help others. Her church, Franconia Mennonite, supports Keystone Opportunity Center, and her grandmother volunteers there, so it seemed like a good fit. She began doing some research about the homeless in our area, and was surprised to learn there are homeless people not that far from her church.
Sophia organized a bake sale, promoted it from the pulpit at Franconia, and baked every muffin, cookie, and Rice Krispy treat that she sold (OK, her grandmom helped a little with the peanut butter cookies). There were no prices on the items; buyers could pay what they wanted. The sale, held after church on an October Sunday, netted nearly $1,200.
“I never knew that,” she said. “I didn’t realize there were people way less fortunate than me so close by.” Genius Hour is part of Dock’s Middle School project-based
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What was the big takeaway for her? “It really put into perspective how many people do not have basic things like a home or food to eat,” she said. “You don’t realize how blessed you are. I have so much, and I want to do my part to help others.”
Grades 9 to 12
CAMPUS HAPPENINGS
140.6 MILES TO AMAZING 2.4 mile [swim], 112 mile [bike], 26.2 mile [run]
IRON WOMAN DOCK ALUM AND CURRENT FACULTY MEMBER MRS. DARLA BERGEY RAN HER THIRD TRIATHLON BACK IN AUGUST. IF YOU’RE DETERMINED AND WILLING TO PUT IN THE WORK, SHE SAYS YOU COULD RUN ONE TOO. The IronMan/IronWoman triathlon at Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, was a race that Mrs. Darla Bergey (’88) has had on her “bucket list” for most of the nine years she has been participating in triathlons. “It was my third full-distance triathlon,” says Bergey, a health and phys ed teacher at the Grades 9-12 Campus. “The setting was beautiful.” Bergey began training for MontTremblant as soon as school finished last June. A typical week of training includes about 15 hours of work—two workouts per day—alternating between the swim, bike and run portions of the race. She is already a healthy eater, so during training, she just needs to take in more calories than normal. “I am always hungry and tired—just ask my husband or kids!” We asked Bergey about her MontTremblant race experience: What is your mental and spiritual state as you prepare for and run the race? I love long bike rides and long runs when I can just be by myself and think. I often spend time in prayer or think of my week ahead.
Was there anything about the race that was scary for you? I was sick and on antibiotics for a week before the race, so I did not feel 100%. I was especially nervous for the swim portion. Did anything funny happen during the race? I was passed by a 60-year-old female on the bike portion. She flew by me! That taught me that age is NOT a factor! This triathlon was a bucket list check mark. Will you run another? Funny you should ask!
Darla Bergey (’88) waves to a supporter during the biking leg (above left). The feeling crossing the finish line, she said, is amazing.
I told my husband (Mark ’88) this was my last full. However, I could be easily convinced to do the races in Whistler or Santa Rosa! What message do you have for others as a result of your experience? If you put your mind to something, you can do it! IronMan training is hard. The race is challenging, BUT… if you decide to do it and put in the work, you will succeed. The feeling crossing the finish line is amazing!
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Grades 9 to 12
CAMPUS HAPPENINGS
LOCAL AUTHOR VISITS ENGLISH CLASSES Tiffany Schmidt, a Doylestown-based author with six published novels (and more to come), shared with Dock students recently about the process of writing a book. Schmidt spoke about the process of writing (and rewriting), the inspiration and research required to write a book, and the working relationship between writer, editor, and publisher. She answered questions about book contracts and how she gets paid, the importance of the cover—and whether the author has any influence on the cover illustration.
DOCK ALUM RECEIVES MENTORING AWARD At the very least, spending a week shadowing Delaware County Assistant District Attorney Danielle Gallaher (’06) was an eye-opener for Dock senior Elizabeth Davidar. It’s possible, though, that the experience may even dramatically alter her future path. “I was excited to shadow Danielle during my Senior Experience week for a variety of reasons,” said Elizabeth. “Her work in the Special Victims Unit and her passion for justice is what I strive for in my future. I was also impressed by her devout faith, and how it caused her to show kindness toward victims, co-workers and defendants.” While she has had the sense that law school could be part of her future, the week spent with Gallaher confirmed Elizabeth’s desire. “I felt that this experience confirmed God’s plan for my life,” she said. “I now know that I want to be a lawyer.” For her investment in mentoring students, Gallaher was recently honored with the Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Mentor Award. She was nominated for the award by Elizabeth. Gallaher says it was the influence of mentors in her own life that has prompted her to share her experiences with others. “I would not be a prosecutor in the Special Victims Unit if it wasn’t for mentors selflessly giving me the opportunities and investing in my life and career,” she said. “It had such an impact in my career that I feel a responsibility and joy to do the same for other young people. I love to see the same spark in others that I had when I was discovering my passions and gifts at Dock.” Davidar (top left) with Danielle Gallaher, and accepting the mentor award with Dock Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Sharon Fransen.
Read more about the award at dock.org/newsroom
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DOCK Mennonite Academy
MENNONITE COLLEGE DAY Dock hosted Mennonite College Day in October, with representatives from four of the Mennonite colleges on campus to spend the day with students. The college reps led chapel, where they played a game show with students designed to inform them about the academic and cocurricular opportunities at each school. Students were then invited to visit with the reps at tables set up outside the cafeteria and in Rosenberger Commons throughout the day. Participating colleges included Bluffton University, Eastern Mennonite University, Goshen College, and Hesston College.
HALLELUJAH! Dock’s Christmas concert on December 12 featured performances by our Concert Band, Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Chorale, and Concert Choir. The concert ended with the traditional singing of the Hallelujah chorus from Handel’s Messiah, with alumni and friends joining the combined choirs and an array of accompanists. Thank you for supporting the arts at Dock Mennonite Academy!
Dock’s Chamber Choir entered the B-101 Christmas Choir Contest again this year with a beautiful rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Listen online at dock. org/music.
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AROUND THE WORLD in 11 Months After a dizzying trip, Brie Rotelle (’12) says it’s amazing what God will do as we say yes to Him daily.
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n August 2018, I started a journey of sharing the Gospel in 11 countries over the course of 11 months. It’s called the World Race, and I met someone who did it when I was 15; ever since then it was in the back of my mind as “something super cool that I probably won’t ever get to do.” After graduating college and working full-time with a local children’s ministry for a few years, I felt God rekindling the passion I had for the world to know His love. The World Race seemed like the perfect opportunity to be a part of sharing His Kingdom all over the world, so I applied! I knew that if this was something God was calling me to, He would provide all that was needed for me to go—and He did! My church, family, and friends were so supportive, and I was fully funded and had an army of prayer warriors a month before I left. What a gift! The World Race has amazing partnerships with pastors and missionary organizations all over the world, but because of my love for Latin culture and the Spanish language, I signed up for the route that spent the last four months in South America. We had a squad of 25 participants between the ages of 21 and 35 that were split into teams of 5-7 people. Each team would stay in different locations within each country for a month at a time, then gather together and head to the next country. Don’t even ask how many hours I spent on a bus! I was asked to be a squad leader, so each month I got to join a different team and try to encourage them as we served together. Every few months, we would have a 4-day debrief, where we worshiped and prayed, had fun together, shared our experiences, and learned from each other. Over the course of the year, we worked to focus on mission (serving the Lord and His people), intimacy (growing in our relationship with the Lord), and community (serving, encouraging, and pointing each other to the Lord). Being able to travel with a group of people with the common purpose of sharing the good news of Jesus was one of the most meaningful opportunities I’ve had in my life.
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The What and the Where Each month, I got to work with inspiring hosts that found us a place to stay (even if it was crammed into their own apartment) and let us join in the work God is doing through them. Each country and ministry brought about its own unique blessings, challenges, and funny, sad, or mind-blowing moments. I got to be a part of: • Teaching English at a kid’s camp in Ukraine • Evangelism and church planting in Romania • Serving at a Christian retreat center in Bulgaria • Teaching English to students and helping to put on a Christmas play for 2,700 people in Vietnam (a closed country) • Squad leader training and ATL ministry (Asking The Lord each day what He had for us to do) in Cambodia • Painting and pouring cement for an international school in Thailand • Teaching English to seminary students and orphans in Myanmar • Joining a YWAM base and serving in an orphanage in Colombia • Teaching children and adults living in vulnerable situations in Ecuador • Serving with CRU at two universities in Peru to evangelize and start sustainable ministry • Serving at a rehab center for teens struggling with drug and alcohol abuse in Bolivia There was never a dull moment, from trying to communicate with tuk-tuk drivers or figuring out what I was eating, to laughing with kids to translating for my teammates. The year was filled with amazing God moments and days of just trying to figure out how to get groceries. I learned that going, serving, and loving other people must come from a deep relationship with Jesus. I learned that people, no matter where you are, want to be known and seen, and I saw first hand that God is not boxed in by culture. I got to share the hope of Jesus with people who didn’t know it, and encourage and be encouraged by the body of believers in places I never imagined I’d be. Living in such close community taught me to be vulnerable and let others care for me when I needed help, and to compromise and learn how to sacrifice and best work together as a team. Countless times I was pushed out of my comfort zone, like leading worship for bilingual churches, or running a kid’s club in Spanish, or trying to figure out how to get to a new city using local transportation. But there also were many times where I got to share my passions, like teaching mentally handicapped men how to play the guitar, making flower crowns with kids, or having a picnic with friends who we got to share the Gospel with.
Thanks to Brie for writing this summary of her World Race experience for Lamplighter. For additional content, including what it was like for Brie to celebrate major holidays in foreign countries, go to dock.org/alumni
There were times where I could obviously see God working through us, like seeing Him heal a woman in Bulgaria, or hearing the Gospel shared with thousands of Vietnamese who have never heard it. And there were times where I had to trust that He would use the work I did for greater purposes that I couldn’t see, like painting and caulking and painting and caulking some more in Thailand, or loving children by playing with them or helping them with their homework, or by peeling and slicing hundreds of potatoes to feed the guests at a retreat center in Bulgaria. I saw that the Kingdom of God is so much bigger than I can imagine, and that He is using all things for His purposes. It’s hard to sum up a year of hopping from country to country, learning to follow God’s direction, serving people in new ways, and loving others deeply, but I hope that as I continue, He uses all that He showed me to draw me closer to Him and point others to the Truth. It’s amazing what God will do as we say yes to Him daily. WINTER 2020 Lamplighter
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ALUMNI
NEWS
ALUMNI NOTES
Send us your News If you have a new Spouse Baby Degree Job/Promotion Award/Recognition we’d love to share your news! Drop us a line at alumni@dock.org
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2011
2018
Janine (Powis) Geddis launched a food truck, the WinniWagon, to serve residents of the Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, area. Janine and her husband Eric live in Gilford, NH, where she also coaches the Gilford High School track & field team. You can check her out at winniwagonfoodtruck.com or follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Look for a full story in the next issue of Lamplighter!
Sammy DiLoreto is a member of the Washington College (Chestertown, MD) trap and skeet team, which completed its first season of competition last year. Now a sophomore, DiLoreto was in the top 30 in Class C in both American Skeet and American Trap as a freshman, and received Most Improved honors for Washington’s team.
2015
Ashley Mellinger received her Emergency Medical Technician certification and is now an EMT for both Acute Medical Transports and the Upper Gwynedd Fire Department. With Upper Gwynedd, Ashley is part of the Quick Response Service, whose members respond to 911 calls before the ambulance gets there. QRS techs do most of what EMTs on the ambulance do except transport. Ashley is also attending fire school through the UGFD.
Kirsten North and Evan Trauger were married July 7 at Neffsville Mennonite Church. Kirsten graduated from Warwick High School in 2014 and Eastern Nazarene College in 2018 with a degree in elementary education. She is a 4th grade teacher with Success Academy Charter Schools. Evan graduated from Princeton University in 2019 with a degree in operations research and financial engineering. He is an associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers. They reside in Manhattan.
2019
See dock.org/alumni for links to more photos and information from Homecoming & Family Weekend 2019, including class reunions.
CLASS REUNIONS Class of 1959 The Class of 1959 gathered in the Conrad Grebel Library during Homecoming & Family Weekend 2019 for their 60th reunion. Seated (l to r): Rhoda (Bergey) Nissley, Ruth Ann (Rush) Moyer, Ruth (Shisler) Bunton, Geri (Derstine) Sell, Carol (Swartley) Longacre, Lorraine (Clemmer) Zook, Sara (Frederick) Gehman, Dave Landis. Standing (l to r): Abe Rittenhouse, Gerald Derstine, Dan Yoder, Don Hedrick, Henry Longacre, Abe Kratz, Harold Gahman, Gerald Benner, Rhoda (Alderfer) Benner, Willi Meyers. Class of 1964 The Class of 1964 didn’t have an official reunion this year, but quite a few members of the class attended the alumni reception and other Homecoming 2019 events, including (l to r): Faculty member Lee Yoder, Ruth (Hersh) Delp, Lee Delp, Jane (Clemens) Landes, Dave Kindy, Dwight Stoltzfus, Mary Derstine, Jim Rosenberger, and Rich Leatherman. Class of 1989 The Class of 1989 gathered for their “totally rad” 30th Reunion at the Mainland Grille in Harleysville on October 19. Front, l to r: Jina (Leatherman) Reinford, Karen (Kratz) Gyimesi, Rory (Gahman) Kolb Row 2, l to r: Jen (Clemmer) Gahman, Wanda (Clemmer) Freed, Kristina (Godshall) Whetzel, Trina (Kratz) Stewart, Jody (Sensenig) Detweiler, Sue (Nice) Blum, Aimee (Scheetz) Anderson, Nicole (Vasey) Peck, Pam (Landis) Brunner Standing: John Vasey, Joel Derstine, Steve Bauman, Charlton Wolfgang, Jeff Reinford, Randall Moyer, Steve Freed, John Frederick, Keith Reim, Scott Kratz Class of 2009 Members of the Class of 2009 gathered for their 10th reunion during Homecoming & Family Weekend 2019, including (l to r) Scott Long, Bryan Myers, Curtis Denlinger, Heejung Kim, AJ Long, Collin Moyer, Maria Diodonet, Brittany (Moyer) Cutarelli, Breanna (Stillman) Hesser, Stephanie Smith, Amanda (Schneider) Gross, Jocelyn (Hickey) Stauffer, and Tannia (Nieto) Petit.
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NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE
PAID
DOYLESTOWN PA PERMIT NO 640
EARLY CHILDHOOD TO GRADE EIGHT
420 Godshall Road Souderton, PA 18964 215.723.1196
GRADES NINE TO TWELVE
1000 Forty Foot Road Lansdale, PA 19446 215.362.2675
WWW.DOCK.ORG Dock Mennonite Academy inspires and equips each student to serve with a global perspective by integrating faith, academic excellence and life-enriching opportunities in a Christ-centered community.
UPCOMING EVENTS EC to Grade 8 Calendar FEBRUARY 2020
February 6 - Early Dismissal, Mennonite Educators Conference February 7 – No School, Mennonite Educators Conference February 11 – Early Childhood & Kindergarten Admissions Open House, 8:45 a.m. February 17 – No School, Presidents Day MARCH 2020
March 4 - Hoagie Day March 14 – Early Childhood to Grade 8 Admissions Open House, 12:30 – 3 p.m. March 16 – No School March 17 – Family Service Night March 30 - No School, Faculty In-Service
Grades 9 to 12 Calendar
PASTORS' DAY
ARTS DAY
FEBRUARY 2020
February 6 - Early Dismissal, Mennonite Educators Conference February 7 – No School, Mennonite Educators Conference February 14 – Arts Day 2020 (public performance 7 p.m.) February 17 – No School, Presidents Day February 19 – Grades 9-12 Pastors’ Day MARCH 2020
March 4 - Hoagie Day March 16 – No School March 17 – Family Service Night March 21 – Grades 9-12 Admissions Open House, 12:30 – 3 p.m. March 30 - No School, Faculty In-Service
SPRING GOLF TOURNAMENT MAY 11, 2020 Shake the rust off and get back in the swing at Dock’s Spring Golf Tournament at Indian Valley Country Club. Learn more and register to sponsor or play at dock.org/golf.
