Milton Hershey School Students and Staff Celebrate Founders Feast and Senior Milestone
On Sunday, Nov. 13, Milton Hershey School students and staff gathered at Hershey Lodge for the annual Founders Feast. Since 2014, Founders Feast has been an opportunity for more than 2,000 MHS students and staff to come together in reflection of the impact the school’s founders, Milton and Catherine Hershey, have had.
During this unique and special meal, students and houseparents were served by school administrators and volunteers from across MHS and its subsidiary, Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning. Everyone attending the Feast also enjoyed a special rendition of the song “Candy Man” from New Horizons.
Additionally, President Pete Gurt ’85 shared a message—including a classic cheer—with those in attendance.
“Tonight is a time for celebration and to express our appreciation for our founders,” Gurt said. “The entire school family comes together—as a family—to celebrate the legacy of our founders.”
Prior to the Founders Feast, members of the senior class took part in the time-honored tradition of receiving their senior pin—one of many milestones during their final year at the school. MHS Alumni Association President John Foley welcomed the seniors: “The senior pin is awarded to you to mark a milestone in your lives—your senior year.”
During the Senior Pinning Ceremony, current alumni and select members of the Class of 2023 shared words of encouragement as each senior prepares for the next leg of their journey—with many more milestones to come.
Both the Senior Pinning Ceremony and Founders Feast ended with the MHS community singing the Alma Mater.