Milton Hershey School Visual and Performing Arts Student Develops a Sense of Belonging
By Katharine Peters, MHS Senior
When I enrolled at Milton Hershey School in eighth grade, I was blown away by the sheer variety of activities available to me and my classmates. At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what I was looking for, but having such a wide range of options helped me narrow down my interests and discover my true passion for art.
What I gained from this experience was much more than a passion, though. I found a sense of belonging on our campus and opportunities to express myself through art inside and outside the classroom.
One of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had at MHS is being a part of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS). This group represents the diverse artistic ability that exists across our campus. To be in a classroom surrounded by other students who share the same passion for has helped me to grow and develop new techniques. NAHS is just one of the many activities in Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) offered at MHS.
Together, we harness our creativity and channel it towards something greater than ourselves. I firmly believe that this embodies the essence of what Mr. and Mrs. Hershey intended for their students. The friendships I’ve created through NAHS have helped me develop a diverse perspective on the world we live in.
Recently, I got the chance to work on a mural focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Collaborating with my classmates to create a stunning and meaningful piece of artwork was both enjoyable and rewarding. It was inspiring to contribute to the school’s commitment to DEI through art. Brainstorming ideas, sketching out designs, and bringing them to life on the mural was a truly memorable journey. Seeing the finished mural displayed fills me with a sense of pride, accomplishment, and belonging.
Learn More about VPA at MHSLearn More about DEI at MHS
Finding Your Creative Talents in Art
Katharine’s classmate, Ember Simmons, also has a passion for art. Learn more about her Breakthrough experience.
