News and Features
Kennel Principal for Lancaster Campus
Beginning July 1, Elvin Kennel, a 1979 alumnus of Lancaster Mennonite, assumed the role of principal at the Lancaster Campus, which includes both Lancaster Mennonite Middle School and Lancaster Mennonite High School.
For the past 10 years, Kennel has served as principal at West Fallowfield Christian School. Prior to that he served two years as assistant principal at Christopher Dock Mennonite High School. He also taught science for 16 years at Christopher Dock, Penn View Christian and Linville Hill Mennonite.
Kennel says he is excited that LMS is part of his ongoing ministry in Christian education.
"I have found places like LMS to be wonderful grounds for dialogue and serious conversation as the intersection of social issues and faith come together naturally,” he said.
Kennel says academic excellence and the spiritual growth of students and adults are his top priorities in his new role.
"I have been blessed to have worked in schools where this uncompromisingly was the focus,” he said, “and I believe that this is already an established goal at LMS.”
Kennel received an undergraduate degree in biology education from Eastern Mennonite University and a master's in biology from Villanova University. He and Wendy and their two children live in Parkesburg and attend Parkesburg Mennonite Church. Son Benjamin is a junior at LMS and daughter Rachel graduated from the school in June.
Kennel says having two children at LMS has rekindled a deep appreciation for the school:
"I have been richly blessed by their friends and the wonderful families (these friends) represent. I have seen the LMS community in times of celebration—as Rachel played in the state championship games the last two years (soccer)—but also in times of tears as we grieved together the loss of life. My view of LMS has been shaped by both as we have experienced the highs and lows of life in a community of love.”
When asked what he is looking forward to the most in returning to his alma mater, Kennel said it is getting to know the larger LMS community, including its broad diversity.
"The cultural diversity of the school has increased since I have been there,” he said. "Diversity can bring community strength or division, and I look forward to working together in making sure that it continues to be part of our strength.”
Kennel replaces Miles Yoder who a year ago was named assistant superintendent for the Lancaster Mennonite School system. J. Richard Thomas remains as superintendent over all campuses of Lancaster Mennonite School, grades Prek-12.
Superintendent Richard Thomas says part of the discernment process in selecting a new principal was getting feedback from faculty. According to Thomas, Kennel meets the criteria the faculty listed.
"Elvin is called to this position with a proven track record and a passion for the way Mennonite Christian education transforms lives,” he said. “We are excited to welcome Elvin back to LMS as Lancaster Campus principal.”
Getting to know Elvin Kennel
- Students might be surprised to know - "I love sports of all kinds."
- Favorite subjects when I was an LMH student - "The biological sciences, especially anatomy and physiology."
- Favorite LMH memory - "Leading the senior class hoagie sale where we made over 9,000 hoagies."
- On leadership - "Leadership, in my view, is simply the empowering of excellent teachers and staff to do their work. I believe that things are in place for continued excellence here at Lancaster Mennonite."
