Milton Hershey School Students Perform at Annual White House Christmas Reception

Students sang classic holiday music for President Obama and the First Lady

On Monday, Dec. 12, a group of 24 Milton Hershey School® students performed at one of the annual Christmas receptions at The White House. The Middle Division students greeted guests with festive holiday tunes as they entered the celebratory event.

“We are incredibly proud of our students who had the opportunity of a lifetime to sing at the White House and meet with President Obama and the First Lady,” said MHS President Pete Gurt ’85. “We have such talented and hardworking students at Milton Hershey School and it is extraordinary to have them be recognized.”

During an intermission, MHS students had the opportunity to meet and have their photo taken with President Barack Obama and the First Lady. The students also performed the holiday song December Rose for the first couple.

“When the President came in the room, I was speechless,” said MHS eighth-grader Makeda Wilson. “I couldn’t believe that I got to sing for the President!”

“It was incredible. I was in shock and awe of their presence,” said MHS eighth-grader Juan Quinones.

White House social secretary and MHS alumna Deesha Dyer ’95 also was in attendance and able to connect with her former School. Dyer, who was appointed social secretary of the White House in April 2015, oversees all official and personal presidential visits and events.

The group sang holiday favorites for more than two hours including “Let It Snow,” “Mary, Did You Know,” and “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” The students’ performance was historic for Milton Hershey School as it marked the first time MHS students have been invited to perform at the White House.