Milton Hershey School Community Gathers for the 2024 Founders Feast

On Sunday, Nov. 10, Milton Hershey School held its 2024 Founders Feast, which brought together more than 2,100 MHS students and staff to celebrate the lives and legacy of Milton and Catherine Hershey. This year’s event featured musical performances from each division and video messages reinforcing foundational school elements like the MHS School Pledge and Sacred Values.

President Pete Gurt ’85 challenged students to reflect on the many opportunities available to them thanks to the vision of Mr. and Mrs. Hershey. He reflected on the 2024-25 school year theme, Raise the Bar.

“You are here for a purpose,” said President Gurt. “Embrace this opportunity, own your choices, and commit to doing what it takes to Raise the Bar.”

The Founders Feast was held at the Hershey Lodge and provides another way for our community partners, like Hershey Entertainment & Resorts (HE&R), to interact with and support MHS students. This year, MHS Career and Technical Education students assisted HE&R chefs in plating 2,700 desserts for the event.

In addition, the Founders Feast allows MHS leaders a chance to give back. MHS Vice President of Strategy Lauren Turnbull joined over 60 MHS staff members to help serve meals.

“It was an unbelievable experience to be in the presence of our students and houseparents, with the chance to enjoy a meal together and celebrate the legacy of Milton and Catherine Hershey,” said Turnbull.

In addition to enjoying a meal, students raised the bar with a shared community service project. Leading up to Founders Feast, MHS student homes and Transitional Living buildings filled 1,072 gift boxes. These gifts will go to children in need worldwide through Samaritan Purse’s Operation Christmas Child. Students brought the boxes on Sunday to be packed and shipped.

The MHS Class of 2025 was also recognized earlier in the day during the Senior Pinning Ceremony, held at Founders Hall. Members of the MHS Alumni Association gave seniors their pins, marking a milestone as they continue toward graduation.

Between 1937 and 1956, MHS students received the 17-Year-Old Pin, which was awarded upon reaching their 17th birthday to mark their last year in school. This tradition eventually transitioned into the Senior Pinning Ceremony. The pins symbolize strength and motivation as students develop postgraduate plans and encourages seniors to finish their final year strong.

The day’s festivities marked the beginning of Founders Week at MHS. The week features many long-standing traditions to honor our founders and celebrate Nov. 15, the anniversary of the signing of the Deed of Trust, creating the Hershey Industrial School, now Milton Hershey School.