Milton Hershey School Hosts Go R.E.D. Reading Night to Promote Literacy

Dozens of elementary students returned to Milton Hershey School’s Memorial Hall last week, hours after school dismissed, to hear stories read by MHS alumni and interact with members of the school’s Board of Managers. Go R.E.D. (Read Every Day) Family Reading Night, held each March, is an MHS tradition that grows annually.

Fifty-five alums—more than double the number who participated in 2022—returned to their alma mater this year to read books about their careers and meet current MHS students.

“Reading a book about a career is a great way to spark a conversation,” MHS Curriculum Supervisor Jennifer Kemmery said.

Go R.E.D. Reading Night closely aligns with the school’s 2025 strategic plan, also known as the MILT Plan, which aims to deliver relevant, experiential education and individualized learning pathways to prepare students, pre-K through 12th grade, for career success in a changing world. Students also had the opportunity to express their creativity by making their very own career hat, which got them thinking about what they want to do when they grow up.

Deitrich Davidheiser ’07 brought a very special book to read to the students—one he wrote himself entitled “The Kind Grind.” Davidheiser said he enjoys watching how children react to his work.

“Younger children love the rhythmic flow of it and the pictures,” he said. “Eight- to 12-year-olds really start to understand the concepts that are flowing through the book.”

The MHS Alumni Relations team purchased a copy of “The Kind Grind” for every Elementary Division student home, an act that supported the growth of an alumnus, while emphasizing the importance of reading to children.

Lorraine Romberger ’83, MHS Alumni Relations Manager, said Go R.E.D. is only of many ways alumni connect with students throughout the school year.

“Elementary events are always special because it is the first time they get a deeper connection with someone who is older,” Romberger said. “Many of these alumni will stay connected through the life of the student and attend other events with them down the road.”