Milton Hershey School Staff Named Houseparents of the Year by Coalition of Residential Excellence
Featuring Terry and Kathy Augustine, MHS Houseparents
Milton Hershey School houseparents Terry and Kathy Augustine were recently recognized with the 2021 Catherine Hershey Award for Houseparents of the Year by the Coalition for Residential Excellence (CORE).
The Houseparent of the Year Award is a nationally recognized accolade that honors exceptional houseparents who show a high level of dedication to students in their care and go beyond the call of duty to ensure the physical, emotional, and general well-being of their students. This is one of several national CORE awards that honors outstanding staff, students, and supporters whose tireless dedication and steadfast contributions exemplify the excellence of residential education.
Throughout their 16 years as houseparents at Milton Hershey School, the Augustines have demonstrated their distinction as leaders in modeling MHS Sacred Values and establishing positive, meaningful, and lasting relationships with students and staff.
“Each day you get up and realize these children are depending on you to show them that they have value and are loved by so many people. You must always be a positive and caring role model to our students, even in difficult times,” said Terry and Kathy Augustine.
Within Home Life, the couple are well-respected leaders whose student home represents the best of MHS—a caring place where academics, activities, and teamwork are emphasized. “It is a huge honor to receive this award. We are just an ordinary couple who have been given an extraordinary opportunity,” Augustine said. “With the support from so many people here at MHS, we truly feel this award given to us is reflective of all the houseparents and staff that give their utmost every day.”
“This award is special and significant, Annette Cole-Gill, MHS Head of Schools in Middle Division states. CORE is a nationally recognized organization and nominations are submitted from residential schools and homes in several states. The Augustines fully embrace our Sacred Values, build and foster healthy relationships with students, families, colleagues, and have been instrumental in supporting new houseparents.”
Cole-Gill, along with Thomas Robinson, MHS Associate Director in Elementary Division, serve on the board of managers at CORE. As a founding member, MHS is its largest member, serving the most students.
“MHS is a leader given our history as a top-notch school and home,” Cole-Gill said. “Given our strong reputation, other members (schools) are interested in our successes. Equally important is the role of MHS to listen and learn from other organizations’ achievements. As a coalition of residential excellence, we are truly greater together.”
MHS would also like to recognize the following staff members who were nominated for 2021 CORE Awards for their outstanding work: Nora Hollobaugh and Diana Davis for Educator of the Year and Sheila Davis for Houseparent of the Year.
