Outstanding Parents/Sponsors Recognized at Spring Family Weekend
On Sunday, April 11, several outstanding parents/sponsors were honored with the 2021 Parent/Sponsor of the Year Award in recognition of their exceptional commitment and dedication to their students and Milton Hershey School (MHS). These parents/sponsors have been great examples for the entire MHS community as the school has united to meet and overcome the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The award recipients will be announced on Mother’s Day during Virtual Spring Family Weekend.
The award was developed by The Family Gratitude Foundation in Honor of Gertrude Gurt, an organization that annually recognizes parents/sponsors for their strength and resiliency in the face of adversity, as well as their great love and dedication to Milton Hershey School as modeled by Mrs. Gertrude Gurt—a former parent/sponsor herself.
This year’s honorees included Jacqueline Jah, mother of Bernard Kamara and Juanne Pyne; Kelly and Robert Dunaway, grandparents of Ayden Dunaway; and Lauren Delzell, mother of Sophia and Xander Lozada-Delzell.
About the honorees:
Jacqueline Jah is fully committed to her children’s success. Her demonstration of Milton Hershey School’s Sacred Values is undeniable and unwavering. She is very engaged with her children’s houseparents and is steadfast and strong in her support to them and the success of her children at MHS.
Kelly and Robert Dunaway are fully committed to the mission of MHS. During the past year, they remained consistently connected to both Ayden’s teachers and houseparents, and provided constant support and guidance along the way.
Lauren Delzell is extremely supportive and appreciative to Milton Hershey School and all it has done for her two children; in fact, she has offered to speak on behalf of the school to provide positive comments and affirmations on how MHS benefits students.
“Gertrude Gurt loved her children so much that she endured extraordinary sacrifice to give them their best chance at success. She did all she could to support and partner with the school to ensure they would thrive at MHS. The foundation serves to honor parents and sponsors with the same values as Gertrude Gurt,” said President Pete Gurt ’85 and wife, Jane Gurt.
The Family Gratitude Foundation in Honor of Gertrude Gurt is committed to celebrating current parents and sponsors for their courage, strength, and resiliency.