Hershey Bears Support Milton Hershey School Students In Many Ways

The Hershey Bears and Milton Hershey School students are strong supporters of each other.

During the team’s annual Teddy Bear Toss on Jan. 7, fans tossed 74,599 stuffed animals onto the ice following the first goal of the game. The Bears distributed the items to children throughout Central Pennsylvania and surrounding areas, including MHS and Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning.

Before MHS Elementary Division students received their special gift, they gathered in the Memorial Hall auditorium to learn about the Bears Breakthrough 2022-23 season. The Bears captured their 12th Calder Cup Championship in overtime of game seven. They stressed to the students the importance of never giving up, having a positive attitude, and setting stretch goals.

“It’s important to recognize that everyone makes mistakes,” defenseman Chase Priskie said. “When you make mistakes, you have an opportunity to learn and grow.”

One day later, the Bears returned to the MHS campus. This time, they laced up their skates and took to the ice with Middle Division hockey players. The professional athletes helped the students refine their skills on the campus’ outdoor rink.

The Bears visited MHS again the next week and joined MHS student-athletes for lunch and conversation. They shared a meal followed by a special Bears team practice held at the outdoor Spartan ice rink.

“MHS ice hockey players have a unique opportunity to question professional hockey players about what it takes to excel at the professional level,” Vance Cole, MHS ice hockey coach and alumnus, said.

The Bears concluded the special day with a tour of the MHS campus. A week later, Elementary Division students toured the GIANT Center to learn about the many career opportunities available in the Hershey Bears organization. Hockey players, coaches, and marketing professionals explained to the students how their role is important to the overall experience on game day.

The Bears and Spartan athletes interact annually, and students often visit GIANT Center to cheer on their local AHL team. Earlier this school year, students in the MHS Visual and Performing Arts Program helped the Bears kick off their 2023-24 season by singing the national anthem.

The Hershey entity partners and the greater Hershey community provide exciting new opportunities for MHS students. They can learn beyond the borders of the MHS campus—and with these resources, no dream is too big.

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