Mrs. Jane Gurt Named YWCA Woman of Excellence 

When Milton Hershey School student Lydia Frimpong was 7 years old, she couldn’t help but notice Jane Gurt’s presence on campus. To Lydia, Mrs. Gurt was larger than life, and her care for the students was evident. She seemed to be at every event, supporting students with a warm smile. 

Lydia’s experience is not unique. Mrs. Gurt has positively influenced dozens of students over the years. Her work is getting attention outside of the MHS community as she was named one of the YWCA Greater Harrisburg’s 2025 Women of Excellence. 

“Her best quality is how down-to-earth and relatable she is,” Lydia said. “She is so understanding and kind-hearted.” 

Mrs. Gurt started her career as a video communications teacher after graduating from Elizabethtown College. Her passion for teaching and her knowledge of video journalism shaped students’ experiences in her classroom. Several of her students have gone on to work at companies like Discovery and PGA Tour Media.  

After 20 years of teaching, Mrs. Gurt stepped down when her husband, Pete Gurt, took a leadership position at MHS. However, her enthusiasm for the school and serving others continued as she invested in mentoring students and their families. She remained connected all while raising her own family and continued her involvement when Pete Gurt became president of the school in 2014. 

In addition to helping students, Mrs. Gurt saw a need to highlight the under-appreciated work of the school’s cofounder, Catherine “Kitty” Hershey, Milton S. Hershey’s wife. When pressed by others for an explanation of why they started their school, Milton Hershey would simply and matter-of-factly state, “It was Kitty’s idea.” Mrs. Hershey played an important role in the school’s early years, often giving input on important elements of home life such as clothing and social etiquette training. 

Mrs. Gurt knew Catherine Hershey should be remembered as a trailblazer, leading her to create a program in honor of this often-forgotten female leader. Ten years later, the program—Hugs and Kisses from Catherine—instills confidence, kindness, and service in MHS students while celebrating female staff members who invest in the school’s mission. In addition to character-focused activities and service opportunities, students learn about Catherine Hershey’s contributions at MHS and beyond in the local Hershey, Harrisburg, and Lancaster communities.  

Audrey Lewis, an MHS ninth grader, first met Mrs. Gurt through Hugs and Kisses from Catherine. Their relationship grew when Mrs. Gurt became Audrey’s mentor through the Mentoring Our Leaders’ Development program. 

“She always makes everyone around her feel so much love,” Audrey said. “I really appreciate how much she encourages and supports me.” 

Mrs. Gurt helps students grow their connections throughout the MHS campus and improve career skills such as public speaking.  

“One lesson she taught me that sticks out is you don’t have to have the title to be a leader,” said senior Khloe Walker. “That mindset changed the way I see leadership. It’s not about waiting for a position—it’s about stepping up, taking initiative, and lifting others along the way.”  

Mrs. Gurt also volunteers her time through career-building programs such as mock interviews. The students appreciate her for leading by example. 

“I have always been a quiet kid, but being around Mrs. Gurt has empowered me to speak up, perform community service, and even give speeches at events,” Lydia said. “The most important thing she has taught me is to be authentic and confident in my skills.”