Embracing Potential: My Journey at Milton Hershey School
By: Douglas I. Oliver ’93, Milton Hershey School 2024 Alumnus of the Year
I vividly remember the moment I realized I had the potential for success. I was with my mother in the basement of our small church building. Our pastor released the younger members for “children’s church” and soon after gave a profound message that I carry with me to this day.
He started his sermon by reading from the Book of Timothy 4:12. The verse reads, “Let no man despise thy youth but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” After inviting us to interpret the verse, he defined it as a powerful reminder to us youth to never let others put you down for being young. That message sparked an epiphany in me that my youth should not be seen as a limitation but as an opportunity to lead, inspire, and influence others. I knew in my heart that very day that I had a purpose. I knew that success was in me, but I had yet to figure out how. Soon, at a special place about two hours away from Philadelphia, I would learn.
Attending Milton Hershey School became the foundation that helped me cultivate my potential. My journey began at 14 years old when I enrolled at MHS in my 9th grade year. Before MHS, my mother saw me heading down a path that was jeopardizing my future. She heard about the school through a friend who had family attending. After learning about all the opportunities, structure, and education I would receive, she approached me with the idea, and I successfully applied. Little did I know how much I would come to value the lessons and relationships that MHS would give me.
As a student at MHS, I was given the freedom and resources to pursue any dream. I immersed myself into every opportunity available. Basketball became my main focus, but I also joined the soccer team, choir ensemble, marching band, intramural volleyball, and chess club. I was determined to make the most of everything MHS had to offer.
Beyond extra-curriculars, MHS provided me with lasting relationships and invaluable role models.
My basketball coach, Lewis K. Webster, whom we affectionately called “Web,” vowed to my mother that he would take care of me while I was at MHS. He lived up to that promise in countless ways. Web was an amazing coach, but an even better mentor who taught me self-discipline, respect, and the importance of giving your all in everything you do. His guidance and care changed my life.
Equally influential were my houseparents, Fred and Oriana Battles, who cared deeply for all their students and created a home filled with love and support, shaping me into the man I am today. Their dedication helped guide me through school and life beyond MHS.
I’ve always thought it fitting that every experience and relationship at MHS exemplified my pastor’s message. To my family at MHS, I was worthy of their attention and respect, regardless of my age. In the fall of 2024, I had the privilege of returning to campus to share my message with my younger MHS brothers and sisters. I encouraged each of them to recognize the potential within themselves and to never let anyone diminish them because of their youth.
Throughout my life, I have faced moments when people dismissed me for being young and inexperienced. My response was to always let my actions, scholarship, discipline, and faith prove my value. This mindset carried me through significant milestones in my career. I earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication, as well as two master’s degrees in professional communications and business administration. These achievements opened doors to a variety of professional roles. I now serve as senior vice president of governmental, regulatory, and external affairs at PECO. In 2015, I ran for mayor in Philadelphia—it was one of the greatest honors of my life. I made sure my campaign was rooted in integrity, service, compassion, and a commitment to the ideals I learned in “children’s church” and at MHS.
After all these years, my hopefully enduring advice for youth, and their parents, is this: No matter your background, life experiences, and talents, you can change the world. Don’t wait. Go do it. Find your purpose and live it, love it, and shine it all around. You are never too young or old to embody the greatness within. My journey was far from easy, but thanks to the unwavering support from others, I’ve grown into a person who is equipped to face any challenges and come out the other side with grace and success.
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