When Dakota attended The ROCK as a teen, it was more than just a place to spend time. “It was the fun hangout place on Friday nights,” Dakota says. “It was the place to be.”

A student during the early 2010s, Dakota was recognized as Student of the Year in 2011. Looking back, he remembers The ROCK as a safe, positive place where students could just be themselves, relax, connect, and grow together. It was a place that helped solidify his faith and his values. He remembers attending different community events like “ROCK the Tridge,” including when he got to see Gladwin native NF perform live, long before he became a household name.

Dakota enjoyed the opportunities to give back to others in the program. He spent time tutoring younger students and pitching in on hands-on improvement projects. Among his contributions were helping to pour a concrete countertop in the teen space and building “the cage,” a dedicated gaming area that quickly became a favorite hangout spot. During these projects, he worked alongside Eric Forshee of Fisher Contracting Co., who supported many of the construction efforts at The ROCK during that time. This experience helped feed Dakota’s lifelong love of construction.

After graduating, Dakota took his passion into the professional world. Working with Three Rivers Construction, he traveled across the state on a variety of construction projects. The experience gave him exposure to different job sites, challenges, and skills, laying the foundation for his next step.

In 2018, Dakota joined Serenus Johnson Construction, where he now serves as a Project Manager and Estimator, leading projects throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.

One of the things he loves most about his work is the constant variety. “It’s always something different. It’s never the same thing all the time,” he says.

Today, Dakota is happy to be back in the Bullock Creek area, embracing the small-town community feel that first made The ROCK feel like home.

From Friday nights at The ROCK to managing construction projects across the region, Dakota’s story is an example of how a safe, supportive space helps young people in a community flourish. His story reflects the lasting impact of The ROCK: building confidence, skills, and connections that carry forward long after graduation.

We invite you to join our Annual Dinner on Thursday, March 12th. Hear stories of our students and alumni flourishing, and celebrate the community of support that makes our programs possible. Reserve your seat today!