State of the School A Tribute to Our Founders Our Students Whole Child Care School Year Success Class of 2023 Life After MHS Day 1 ... Day Won Our Future In Focus
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For the last several school years, we have adapted our program and work style to ensure our community was safe during the constant unpredictability of a pandemic. During the 2022-23 school year, we seized the opportunity to get back to the basics and reset expectations—all with the intention of winning each day with a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
We kicked off the school year with our first in-person Opening of School Assembly since 2019. This incredible, high-energy event launched the new school year theme “Day 1 ... Day WON” and set the tone for the months ahead.
With a focus on winning each day, students and staff practiced daily habits that led to transformational change across campus. This was guided by our Deed of Trust Framework, which ties student expectations and outcomes to our founders’ vision for their home and school. Through this model, our students grew their character and leadership skills and found new purpose and connection through community service projects focused on School, country, and God.
Students also found success on athletic fields, visual and performing arts stages and studios, and in their classrooms. These everyday wins helped position us to achieve new milestones within our five-year strategic plan—the MILT Plan. This included reaching our largest enrollment since 2019, completing renovations to Founders Hall, expanding career-focused education opportunities, and growing our connections with community partners and Hershey entities—companies also founded by Mr. Hershey.
I am incredibly grateful to be a part of this mission as we continue to impact the lives of more children and families through the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning Centers that were announced in 2022-23. None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our staff and the support of our community in Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Milton becomes an apprentice at Joseph Royer’s Lancaster confectionery shop and discovers candymaking.
Milton establishes his first candy business. It is unsuccessful and ends in bankruptcy.
Milton learns the secret—fresh milk makes good candy.
After two previous business failures, Milton starts the Lancaster Caramel Company, proving his hard work paid off.
The Hershey Chocolate Company is founded and produces its first product: HERSHEY’S Cocoa.
Milton Hershey and Catherine Sweeney marry in New York City.
November 15: Milton and Catherine Hershey sign the Deed of Trust establishing the Hershey Industrial School (now Milton Hershey School).
The first four boys are admitted to the school. They live and learn in The Homestead.
HERSHEY’S Chocolate Bars are introduced, making milk chocolate affordable to the masses.
Kinderhaus opens as the first dedicated student home. Today, this building is home to our school archives.
Mr. Hershey transfers his fortune into a trust ensuring the school will operate in perpetuity.
First Cocoa Bean football game played between MHS and Hershey High School, a tradition that continues today.
Deed of Trust is updated over the years to reflect an evolving society, including admission of girls and students of color.
The four Sacred Values are adopted: mutual respect, integrity, positive spirit, and commitment to mission.
MHS reaches a record-setting enrollment of 2,189 students—the largest in the school’s 110-plus year history.
The Early Childhood Education Initiative, named Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning, is announced to expand the impact of Milton and Catherine’s mission to help more children.
Like our students, Mr. Hershey experienced poverty throughout his youth. And like Mr. Hershey, our students are determined to not let their past circumstances define them. At MHS, students have access to opportunities and experiences that expand their worldview, allow them to try new things, and break the cycle of poverty on their way to their Day WON.
Achieving the highest enrollment since 2019, Milton Hershey School welcomed 443 new students to our community during the 2022-23 school year, hitting our peak school-year enrollment of 2,020 in January of 2023.
To ensure students are ready and equipped for the start of their MHS journey, there are many programs and supports in place to help them adjust to their new environment. As a result, our 2022-23 new student retention rate was 94.1%.
MHS students come from all over the United States. Of the more than 2,000 students who attended MHS during the 2022-23 school year, 40 states were represented. More than half of all students (68%) were from Pennsylvania, with nearly one-quarter from Dauphin, Lebanon, or Lancaster counties. Students enroll at MHS for a variety of reasons, and our Admissions team works closely with parents and sponsors to help them navigate the application journey and decision-making process.
Coming from West Virginia, Molli Hogbin ’23 learned about MHS when a member of the Admissions team hosted an event in her hometown. After learning about the opportunities that were available to students with all costs covered, Molli knew she needed to become a Spartan to further develop her passion for basketball.
“Spending the summers at MHS playing basketball, I was able to develop skills, and even be seen by college coaches.”
The Helping Our New Enrollees Succeed Together (H.O.N.E.S.T.) program is a student-led initiative run by the Student Government Association (SGA) that partners Senior Division students with new enrollees. Natalia Miller and Brianna Kapel created a strong friendship that helped Natalia adjust quickly to MHS.
New Spartan Academy is a program designed by the MHS Family Relations team to help students prepare for their first day of school. The activities allow students to make friends, establish relationships with caring adults, and adjust to the new living and learning environment at MHS.
At an age when they should be learning, growing, and trying new things, our students—like many children living in poverty—are impacted by factors outside of their control, such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), family dynamics, learning difficulties, food insecurity, and more.
More than half of all new students enrolled during the 2022-23 school year experienced three or more ACEs, and 94% experienced one or more stressors. To help address these realities, Milton Hershey School’s whole child approach provides every student with exceptional care in a safe and nurturing environment so they can be kids. Our students receive support with all costs covered—this includes medical and dental care, food, clothing, shelter, and psychological, behavioral, and social work services, as well as access to extracurricular activities and resources that allow them to explore their passions.
MHS is open year round to meet the needs of the students and families we serve. Students can return to their home communities during breaks, holidays, and in the summer. However, many do remain on campus and continue to be cared for and supported and participate in fun and educational activities.
* From the 2022-23 MHS New Student Profile Database that tracks ACEs and over 120 risk factors.
During the 2022-23 school year, the Charter Bus program returned to provide transportation for hundreds of students across Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, New England, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, D.C., and more during the school’s five major breaks. This ensures that students stay connected to their families and home communities during their time at MHS. Support for the whole child continues as MHS staff serve as bus monitors on board each charter bus to care for the needs of the students and get them ready to reunite with their families.
For those who choose to stay on campus, the Year-Round Experiences (YRE) program operates when school is not in session to create opportunities for students to continue to learn and explore their interests while still having fun and creating memories at MHS. During the 2022-23 school year, more than 40% of all MHS students participated in at least one YRE activity. In the summer of 2023, each week’s instruction and activities focused on different themes. With the help of community organizations and Hershey entity partners, students went on field trips and learned from industry experts about various career fields. Also, in the Elementary and Middle Divisions, students could sign up for specific sports camps to try new activities. In Senior Division, student athletes had opportunities to attend camps off campus to further develop their skills.
From their very first day on campus, our students receive support to navigate life at MHS and beyond. Our staff and the opportunities students receive play an integral role in their journeys from Day 1 to Day WON. Success may look different for each student, but we strive to ensure that they have a strong moral compass to guide them.
In 1909, Milton S. Hershey and his wife Catherine signed the Deed of Trust, creating our school. Their intentions were clear: to create a home and school where opportunity and hard work meet. More than 113 years later, this intention still rings true.
The guiding principles found in the Deed of Trust shine through our Sacred Values and School Pledge. These words create the foundation for our culture of excellence.
In 2022-23, students and staff completed more than 2,000 community service projects in the areas of School, country, and God.
I will keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
I will keep my standards high and help others to do likewise.
In my relations with others, I will live by the Golden Rule and will speak the truth at all times.
I pledge myself to honor, and to do all I can for the good of my School, my country, and my God.
Students and staff completed service projects on the MHS campus to inspire gratitude and give back to our home and school. This included volunteering with younger students and participating in a schoolwide cleanup day.
From writing letters to active-duty military personnel to volunteering at Fort Indiantown Gap Cemetery, our community found unique ways to thank those serving our country.
Moral and faith-based teaching is an important part of the MHS curriculum. Students and staff engaged with diverse communities of faith by giving time to various organizations and causes.
MHS curriculum allows students to find their career passions inside and outside the classroom. From Elementary Division career exposure opportunities to college course offerings in high school, every student can find their path to Day WON at MHS. During the 2022-23 school year, 215 students completed authentic work experiences by taking part in internships, co-ops, or pre-apprenticeships to get on-the-job experience in a career field of their interest.
It is our job to make sure that every MHS student has the skills to be successful in a modern workforce. This is only possible through valued partnerships and dedicated professionals who offer experiences for our students to learn by doing. Throughout the school year, MHS engaged in a partnership with World of Outlaws, a dirt track racing organization that provided students interested in automotive technology a chance to work on real race cars and learn from professional driving teams at the track. They brought the racing industry to our entire school community and honored our founders’ intent with the first Hershey Sprint Car Experience.
At MHS, our students have opportunities to expand their worldview, be a part of impactful conversations, and influence the communities around them. They use their gifts, talents, and time to give back, compete at high levels, create works of art, and explore different cultures.
ED – Economically Disadvantaged
Source: Spring 2023 Pennsylvania Keystone Exams State Content Area Summary Report
The members of the Class of 2023 celebrated a monumental Day WON when they crossed the Commencement stage, accepting their diplomas and completing their MHS journey. Rising above the challenges they faced starting high school during the height of the pandemic, these 218 seniors demonstrated their perseverance and grit to graduate. These young graduates bring the total number of MHS alumni to 11,655.
This class displayed their commitment to MHS and the high expectations charged in the School Pledge to “do all I can for the good of my School, my country, and my God.” With more than 4,700 community service hours completed, members of the Class of 2023 were leaders on and off campus and in the community, taking on projects with organizations such as Ronald McDonald House and Cocoa Packs or volunteering their time to help younger students. They remained committed to their studies, and more than 83% are planning to pursue a four-year, two-year, or training program to further their education.
At MHS, students who enroll in pre-K, kindergarten, or first grade earn the distinction of being a “lifer” once they complete their schooling and graduate. The Class of 2023 included 18 lifers and 62 other students who enrolled in elementary school.
In the fall of 2022, students were surprised to see a new feature outside the Founders Hall dining room—a larger-than-life replica of the MHS Class Ring. For Karleigh Hunter ’23, seeing the ring display brings about many emotions, the most important being gratitude.
From Day 1 at MHS, students are preparing for their futures. Whether their goals are to further their education, enlist in the military, or enter the world of work, the MHS Graduate Programs for Success (GPS) Division, works closely with our students to develop a personalized plan to achieve a Day WON.
Pedro Rodriguez ’18 found the skills for lifelong success on the basketball court at MHS. After playing for Penn State Harrisburg and taking advantage of internship opportunities at MHS, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R), and The Hershey Company, he landed his first job working with a Hershey entity partner and now gives back to the school as a coach.
Rasheeda McLean ’11 used the foundation she built at MHS to become a skilled leader in early childhood education. Taking inspiration from her teachers and houseparents, she found a passion for impacting the lives of young children through teaching which led her to start her own childhood learning center. Now, she serves as the assistant director at an early learning center in Philadelphia.
Michele Y. Smith ’90 credits the philanthropic culture at MHS with shaping everything she does personally and professionally. Michele has used the resiliency and other skills she developed at MHS to chart a successful career in finance roles with organizations focused on community, including as chief financial officer of the Woodland Park Zoo. Today, as the chief executive officer for the Museum of Pop Culture, she continues to make an impact on the Seattle community through purpose-driven work that makes education and culture accessible to marginalized groups.
The 2022-23 school year theme—Day 1 ... Day WON—challenged our community to think about the MHS journey. What can individuals and the MHS community do on Day 1 to reach their fullest potential, also known as their Day WON?
From Enrollment Day to graduation day and beyond, MHS students have the unwavering support of more than 2,000 staff and members of the wider Hershey community who show up every day to ensure our students have the resources, encouragement, and opportunity to achieve their goals.
Some of the first people new students meet on their Enrollment Day at MHS are their houseparents. These individuals play a critical role in each child’s journey. They provide a consistent, family-like structure upon which students come to rely. By creating a positive living environment, houseparents establish trusting relationships with the students in their care and partner with parents and sponsors.
Every employee invests in the lives of our students. Just like MHS is not a traditional school, MHS is also not a typical workplace. Our staff spends quality time with students and becomes a trusted support system as students learn, grow, and find their passions.
Pairing employees from our Hershey community partners and MHS departments with student homes, Project Fellowship creates a sense of connection for our students. Through fun activities, enjoying meals together, and field trips, MHS students have positive role models they can look up to, while the staff groups are reminded of the shared “One Hershey” philosophy of our organizations.
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R), The Hershey Company, Hershey Trust Company, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, and The M.S. Hershey Foundation go above and beyond to bring their work, expertise, and connections to MHS students. The work of these organizations expands the impact of our founders.
From internships and authentic work experiences to classroom visits and mentorship, adults from various departments and disciplines take time out of their busy schedules to make a difference in the lives of our students.
New for the 2022-23 school year, 23 employees from HE&R supported students as mentors in the Mentoring Our Leaders’ Development (M.O.L.D.) program. Mentors and mentees meet often to spend time and volunteer together and share advice and perspective on life.
In the summer of 2023, nearly 30 students completed an internship at The Hershey Company. They listened to speakers from each department, gained professional skills, learned about teamwork, and shared how Mr. Hershey’s work has impacted lives locally and globally for more than 100 years. To celebrate the new opportunities and kick off the summer internship program, MHS students participated in the time-honored bellringing ceremony.
Significant progress was made in the third year of the MILT Plan, our five-year strategic plan, which outlines the ways we will expand and uphold the mission laid out by Milton and Catherine Hershey. To build on the milestones from the previous two years, 2022-23 featured developments at Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS), the continued evolution of the Career and Technical Education program, and more opportunities to grow the school.
CHS achieved milestones on the way to providing early childhood education opportunities in Pennsylvania.
As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure our students graduate from MHS and go on to live fulfilling and productive lives, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program has evolved to help us meet the hiring needs of in-demand, family-sustaining careers. The newly constructed D. Michael Weller Trades Center was dedicated in April 2023 and now provides space and resources for students in the Construction/Carpentry career pathway. During the 2022-23 school year, students in the pathway built a tiny house in the Trades Center which is now available to rent at Hersheypark Camping Resort.
MHS acquired the iconic Hershey Community Building in downtown Hershey to support the school as it expands to serve more children. The building will provide offices and meeting space for the school, while the historic Hershey Theatre will continue to provide cultural and educational programs and events. In the future, the Hershey and MHS Archives will also be moved into this building. Most recently, the building was used by The Hershey Company as corporate offices.
