2020-21 Alumni of the Year

Learning that leads to lives of purpose

Dock Mennonite Academy is pleased to announce our awards for Outstanding Achievement, Distinguished Service, and Young Alum of the Year for 2020-21. These graduates embody the significance of learning that leads to lives of purpose.

 

The Award for Outstanding Achievement

Beverly Lapp '87

 

Beverly is currently Vice President and Academic Dean of  the Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) in Elkhart, IN.  She works with a dynamic team of faculty to deliver graduate level theological education in-person and online, including the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts degrees in theology, peace studies, Christian formation, and global Anabaptism.

Beverly was previously on the music faculty at Goshen College from 1995-2018, where she taught piano and chaired the Music Department, served as Core Curriculum director for four years, and led Study-Service terms in the Dominican Republic, Peru and China.

An active church musician, Beverly received her master's and doctoral degrees from Westminster Choir College of Rider University and Teachers College of Columbia University. She is secretary for the board of trustees for the Frances Clark Center of Keyboard Pedagogy based in Kingston, NJ. 

John L. Frankenfield '64

John founded and was an owner of Franconia Insurance & Financial Services (FIFS), an independent insurance agency, where the focus is business and personal insurance, individual and group insurance programs and financial services. During his insurance years he was instrumental in the development of the Yoder Road campus occupied by Mennonite Heritage Center and Peaceful Living. 

Prior to entering the insurance business, John worked as Director of Alumni Relations and Community Relations at Goshen College, Business Manager at Christopher Dock and Director of Development at Penn View Christian School. 

John serves the community on a variety of boards, including the Lower Salford Township Zoning Hearing Board. He is a member of Blooming Glen Mennonite Church and serves currently on the Board of Trustees for Dock Mennonite Academy.

The Award for Distinguished Service

Laura (Gaugler) Lazic '04

 

Laura spent her Dock Senior Experience in Honduras serving with the MAMA Project.  This trip made a big impact on her life, fostering a desire to serve. For several years, Laura served as Healthy Ninos Honduras team leader.

"I cannot say enough about the Healthy Ninos Honduras organization," she says. "If you've ever considered participating on a mission trip, check out this organization. They are making a huge impact in the health and wellness of children and families across rural Honduras in the name of Jesus." 

Laura relocated to Pittsburgh last year and currently is a registered nurse with Aledade, Inc., serving as a Clinical Performance Specialist. She plans to continue serving in Honduras with the Healthy Ninos Honduras organization.

Dustin Leatherman '02

 

Dustin serves as the Director of Eagles Wings Disc Golf ministries, a division of Push the Rock. He coordinates national and international events, recruits staff and leads fundraising. Dustin started children's and family programs to teach the game of disc golf and has built courses in Zambia and Costa Rica. Before joining Push the Rock in 2008, Dustin gained invaluable sports management experience as an intern with the Philadelphia Phillies and full-time positions with the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia Phantoms. Dustin earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Exercise at Messiah College and a Master of Arts in Missional Theology from Biblical Seminary. 

Young Alum of the Year Awards

Maura Hanlon '07

 

 

Maura serves as a Forensic Psychologist at Norristown State Hospital, writing assessments for the Courts and serving as an expert witness. In a part-time capacity, she works as a certified School Psychologist in private practice doing educational assessments. 

Maura completed her undergraduate degree at American University in Washington, D.C., a master’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Healthcare Management at Widener University, and a Doctorate of Psychology at Widener University. 

Outside of work, Maura coaches intramural and travel basketball for Plymouth Jr. ABA and serves as a leader in Children's Ministry at LCBC-Branch Creek in Harleysville, PA. 

 

Benjamin Bergey '07

Benjamin serves as assistant professor of music at Eastern Mennonite University, where he directs the choirs and orchestra and teaches courses in music theory and conducting. He also conducts the Rapidan Orchestra, a community orchestra in Central Virginia.

He completed his undergraduate degree at Eastern Mennonite University and his masters and doctorate in Orchestral Conducting at James Madison University.

Benjamin serves as Music Editor for Voices Together, the new hymnal for Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada.  He also serves as Director of Music at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church.    

Do you know someone who deserves to be Alumni of the Year?