The apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonian church and said, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

For parents who wonder how they can help our school and faculty prepare for a new year, then, we have a suggestion: Pray.

So please pray for our students. Pray for our teachers, staff, and administrators. Pray for our community. Pray without ceasing. We are thankful for parents and friends of our school who come alongside us in prayer—especially at the start of a new school year!

There are a ton of reasons you should have our 2022 Homecoming Weekend on your calendar, but here's one of the best: Live music on the Detweiler House lawn featuring the Willow Run Band. This group has roots in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia but also has a distinctly local flavor with Jon ('13) and Megan ('14) Bishop. Their music dances between country, folk, and indie rock with a minimalist approach. Come hear them perform on Saturday, October 15 from 4-5 p.m. Check out our Homecoming 2022 page for lots of other reasons to join us on campus that weekend!

Follow Willow Run Band:

Dock Mennonite Academy held its 67th Annual Commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 11. Dr. Joseph Manickam, president of Hesston College, gave the commencement address, inviting students to get into "the right kind of trouble" in their lives—the trouble that inevitably comes as a result of a vital faith in Jesus Christ. A total of 81 graduates received their diplomas, including four in absentia. We invite you to watch the commencement ceremony and view photos, including students receiving their diplomas, on our Commencement 2022 web page.

Commencement 2022 web page

We are so grateful to the Mennonite Heritage Center in Harleysville for the Whack & Roll Nonprofit Croquet Tournament they hosted on Saturday, June 4, and to all the sponsors who contributed prize money. We have a special spot in our hearts for three teams who played well and won some of that prize money for Dock: Representing the Dock Board of Trustees, "Team Hope," Paul and Rina Rampogu (below), finished in 2nd place and won $2,000 for Dock courtesy of Detweiler Hershey & Associates. "Old and in the Way," a team consisting of Tim Fenchel and David Fenchel, finished 7th and won $250, and "The Whackmen," Daryl Hackman and Doug Hackman ('03), finished 8th and also won $250. The first place winners? The "Imperial Hotels," Andrew Derstine ('07) and Justin Burkholder ('17), who played for the Material Resource Center and won $4,000, with the prize sponsored by Bergey's Inc.. Thanks to the MHC and all the sponsors who contributed to the $10,000 total prize purse.

Dock's Senior Recital had a little bit of everything—piano, violin, new songs and old hymns, comedy, beauty, and, of course, kazoos. Thanks to our seniors for sharing their gifts and talents, and to Music Department Chair Mrs. Michelle Sensenig for organizing and accompanying.

See all the performances on our YouTube playlist 

As part of the requirements for their Communications class, each graduating Dock senior prepares and delivers a 20-minute public presentation reflecting on the ways they have grown academically, socially and spiritually during their years at Dock. These Senior Presentations will be next week, June 6, 7 and 8, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. in three locations: Clemens Auditorium (chapel), Clemens Theater, and L-214 (a classroom in Longacre Center). Please see the schedule for details.

2022 Senior Presentation schedule

Congratulations to students in Dr. Annabella SilverMoon's Spanish 3 and AP Spanish classes, who recently "published" their Spanish language version of Dock's Lamplighter magazine—El Farolero en Espanol—to the Dielman Hall display case. Be sure to stop by and have a look!

Felicitaciones a los estudiantes de las clases de Español 3 y AP de la Dra. Annabella SilverMoon, quienes recientemente "publicaron" su versión en español de la revista Lamplighter de Dock—El Farolero en Español—en la vitrina de Dielman Hall. ¡Asegúrate de pasar y echar un vistazo!

Dock 5th grade writers triumph! Even though it is late May, 5th graders and their teacher, Ms. Alice Wolfgang, are still excited about the writing process. Students recently researched chocolate milk, conducted surveys, and also interviewed their parents about strawberry milk and lemonade. They strategized and wrote letters to Chef Bill Lorah in the hopes of bringing back the strawberry milk that they remember from their early school years, and/or possibly even lemonade. Chef Bill graciously read the letters, and the hall was filled with excitement when word got out that lemonade was in the cafeteria for the end of the school year! Students “ran” all the way back from the cafeteria to report this excellent news to Ms. Wolfgang! Congratulations, students, for finding yet another way to make learning fun! #persuasivewritingrocks 

Dock Mennonite Academy's 61^st Annual Country Fair and Auction was held on Friday, May 13. The rain held off, and this much-anticipated community event delivered lots of good food, fun, and entertainment for the entire family. Thanks for helping us make some memories!

Visit the Country Fair & Auction web page for more photos!

Two Dock alumni—Isaac Martin ('05, above) and retired faculty member Jerry Yoder (below)—dropped by Mrs. Michelle Sensenig's Guitar class on different days recently to share their love of music and give students some tips for improving their guitar playing. More photos on our Facebook page!