A Life-Changing Education: How an MHS Eleventh Grader Focuses on Life’s Possibilities
Before enrolling at Milton Hershey School, Joshua “Ryan” Ryan’s life lacked stability. He and his family moved often. At his last school, in Maryland, he felt unsafe. Shootings, fights, and bomb threats were common.
“The police were there almost every day,” Ryan recalled. “It’s hard to learn in that type of environment.”
His mother proposed the idea of MHS but knew Ryan needed to want to go to a residential school in order to succeed. On New Year’s Eve 2021, the young teenager dove into his research. As his mother shopped for groceries, he navigated the store’s aisles wearing headphones and watching YouTube videos about his potential new school. He learned about the sprawling campus, caring houseparents, knowledgeable teachers, Career-Focused Education, student activities, and safe environment.
He liked what he saw and enrolled on Feb. 14, 2022. Three years later, he proudly attests that he is receiving a life-changing education.
Ryan admits his early days at MHS, as an eighth grader, required an attitude adjustment. He previously struggled with authority. His houseparents, Brian and Kirsten Piarulli, helped him learn how to navigate complicated situations.
“They recognized my struggles and were very understanding in helping me overcome them,” he said.
The next year, Ryan entered Senior Division and set a personal goal—earn the maximum amount of the Continuing Education Scholarship (CES) possible. CES aims to help make higher education affordable by awarding aid to cover basic costs. The scholarship is accrued across the four years of high school based upon qualifying criteria that the school has determined key indicators that will lead to our students meeting the MHS Definition of Success.
“From then on, I think I’ve had my foot on the gas pedal and just pushed,” he said. “I’m pushing for success. I’m pushing for greatness.”
Ryan believes he is responsible for his future but also appreciates the strong MHS support system that will help him realize his goals.
“That includes older students,” he said. “If I don’t know something, someone will step up to help. That pushes me to Raise the Bar.”
With academics in focus, Ryan keeps busy outside of the classroom. He has played in the marching band, donated his time and skills to the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department, participated in the school’s horsemanship club, competed in SkillsUSA, been a member of Future Business Leaders of America, performed in Visual and Performing Arts productions, and represented MHS in mock trial.
“At Milton Hershey, there is a lot to get involved in,” Ryan said. “You can try different things and determine what gets you the most excited.”
He also works as a student ambassador for the MHS Enrollment Management and Family Relations Department. Through this job, Ryan explains to potential students all that MHS has to offer and how it has changed his life.
“I acknowledge the first step is super scary,” he said. “MHS is a residential school, but making that move is a small price to pay for a lifetime of possibilities. To this day, I would do it all over again.”
Next year, Ryan will move into the MHS Transitional Living program and prepare for graduation.
“Graduating from MHS is something to be proud of. I want to go the distance.”
