Milton Hershey School Raises the Bar at the 2024 Founders Day Assembly

The overcast morning hardly matched the sense of anticipation held within the walls of Founders Hall on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. One by one, Milton Hershey School students filed into the Founders Hall Auditorium, ready to once again honor the school’s founders’ legacy at the annual Founders Day Assembly.   

Throughout the assembly, students were reminded to Raise the Bar, the 2024-25 school year theme. This theme was designed to inspire the community to build on their own successes, much like Milton and Catherine Hershey did 115 years ago. 

On Nov. 15, 1909, the Hersheys signed the Deed of Trust, a legal document that would transform the lives of generations they would never meet. This annual assembly honors their vision and the lasting impact they continue to have through Milton Hershey School.  

President Pete Gurt ’85 welcomed everyone in attendance by asking them to consider what they would do with $60,000—preparing them to truly weigh the impact of the $60 million investment Milton and Catherine Hershey made on their behalf.  

“Does this financial, educational, and emotional investment in you cause you to want to Raise the Bar for yourself?” said President Gurt. “If so, what are you choosing to do about it?”

Fourth grade student Eden Stover shared how she hopes to Raise the Bar in her life, such as getting through all her books this year and being a leader for others. 

“I am here to help others just like Mr. Hershey was here to help us, even though he was going through some tough times,” she said. “Even though you can’t see him, he is here with us in our hearts forever.” 

Like Eden, seventh grade student Zarabelle Wiliams, shared how important it is for her to Raise the Bar not only for herself, but so that others would want to do the same.

“One of my weaknesses may be another’s strength. The beauty of this diversity is that we can all learn from each other and also give each other a boost. Overall pushing ourselves and others to be better is beneficial for our environment,” Zarabelle said. 

Senior Hayden Cline shared a personal reflection from the moment he chose to Raise the Bar in his life—long before his enrollment at MHS. 

“After experiencing hunger—the kind that feels like your stomach is consuming itself—I desired a new hunger to drive me. That hunger was hope for a better life,” he said. 

The assembly’s keynote speaker, Mason Symons ’07, returned to the school to share his journey from MHS to the 2024 Paralympic Games.  

Mason discovered wheelchair rugby after a motorcycle accident caused a spinal cord injury and paralysis at the age of 20. He shared his setbacks and successes along the way to becoming a Paralympic athlete, encouraging students to embody this school year’s theme and to always push themselves no matter what. 

“When you are successful, stay away from complacency. Don’t be content with the success you have achieved because it will only keep you under the bar, and we’re trying to raise the bar,” Symons said. 

To end his remarks, Mason raised the silver medal he won in Paris—the result of all he overcame and accomplished to fulfill his dream.  

“Every single one of you was on my mind when I was in Paris. I’m here to tell you, you can do it. Dig down, remember your why, and Raise the Bar.” 

Following the assembly, the senior class planted a tree near Founders Hall, continuing the tradition that began in 1946. With every tree, students are inspired to use the gift they were given by Milton and Catherine Hershey to make an impact on the world. 

Watch the 2024 Founders Day Assembly Livestream