Milton Hershey School Inducts Top Alumni into 2018 Spartan Hall of Fame

Milton Hershey School honored its newest group of distinguished alumni on Friday, Sept. 21, before fellow graduates and guests, for its 2018 Spartan Hall of Fame Awards.

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of five alumni, two athletic teams, two retired coaches, and a retired teacher in the areas of athletics and visual and performing arts.

To be considered for induction into the Spartan Hall of Fame, an individual must be nominated and then approved by a selection committee. Nominees must have demonstrated good citizenship as students and since graduation.

Athletic inductees included:

• Ruth Holp – Ruth is a retired coach and teacher. During her tenure, Ruth coached cheerleading, track and field, winter track, and earned the Coaches Care Award sponsored by Gatorade. Even in retirement, Ruth continues to work as a swimming instructor, score keeper, and water aerobics instructor.
• Aisha Stroop ’94 – Aisha was the District 3 champion for multiple track and field events for several consecutive years. She earned multiple gold medals in the 400-meter, 4×400 relay, and 4×800 relay. As a member of the 4×800 relay team, she also earned a gold medal at the PIAA state championships. In addition, she earned bronze and silver medals for individual events.
• Don Witman, Retired Coach – Don was the head wrestling coach from 1963 to 1966 and was assistant coach for many years. As head coach, his win-loss record stands at 26-14.
• 1949 HIS Varsity Baseball Team – The 1949 Hershey Industrial School varsity baseball team were the first baseball champions at HIS with an 8-2 record. Three players from the team ended up signing professional baseball contracts after their time at HIS.
• 1967 Cross Country Team – The undefeated 1967 cross country team was a team of champions. The team started a 24-year winning streak on what was known as the toughest cross country course in central Pennsylvania. Last year, one of the runners, Steve Krause, was selected by the Central Pennsylvania Old Timers Athletic Association as the Outstanding Senior Male Cross Country Runner.

Visual and Performing Arts inductees included:

• Michael Hartman ’93 – Michael was an extraordinary music talent while studying at MHS. He won awards and recognition for his alto saxophone playing ability. While at MHS, he participated in Jazz Band, Varsity Band, District Band, and Regional Band. He also participated in New Horizons and Varsity Choir. He received the John Philip Sousa Award and the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award.
• Luke Meade ’06 – Luke’s creative passion was shown through the artwork he created. While studying at MHS, he received the “Gold Key Award” – the highest-ranked senior portfolio award given through the central Pennsylvania-based Scholastic Art Awards competition.
• Harold “Hal” Reichard, Retired Music Teacher – Hal taught music at Catherine Hall for 23 years. He founded the MHS Hand Bell Ringers—a group that still exists today. He also initiated the recorder ensemble.
• Debbie (Fetzer) Sampson ’96 – During her time at MHS, Debbie surrounded herself with music. She loved singing and playing in the band. She was an active member of Jazz Band, New Horizons, Varsity Band, Varsity Chorus, and Honors Choir. She also was selected for county chorus all four years of high school.
• Jamie Werner ’05 – Jamie was heavily involved in the MHS Visual and Performing Arts department. She sang with Spartan Choir, Varsity Chorus, and New Horizons. She also was selected to participate in county chorus, was active with the Spartan Players, and was chosen to be in the International Thespian Society.

Congratulations to this year’s inductees.