NASA Astronaut Visits Milton Hershey School for an Out of this World Experience

On Thursday, May 11 Robert (Bob) Hines traveled to Hershey, Pennsylvania to visit Milton Hershey School students. While speaking with students, Hines shared how his journey led him to being selected as a NASA astronaut and ultimately joining the SpaceX Crew-4 mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Hines met with Elementary and Middle Division students, talking about what is included in astronaut training, launching into space, life on the ISS, and how it felt to return to Earth.

Hines also toured the school’s Horticultural Center, hearing from Agricultural and Environmental Education students about hydroponic gardens, which was a focus for Hines while in space. Senior Division students in computer science, astronomy, and culinary programs shared projects they are working on with Hines—specifically discussing how the subjects they are studying can contribute to the NASA program.

“Hines is living proof that if you dream big, work hard, and live by MHS Sacred Values, you can accomplish anything,” said Dr. Brett Stark, Associate Senior Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

During the visit, Hines was presented with a tribute to his grandfather, Roy Dice, a former MHS teacher and honorary alumnus. Dice began teaching at the school in 1967 and retired in 1991.

“My grandfather led me in my faith and my love of science and aviation,” said Hines.

Hines feels a strong connection to MHS and our students after spending an abundant amount of time on campus during his childhood with his grandfather. From working in his classroom to building a small greenhouse that still stands on campus today, Hines found that MHS had a large impact on his and his family’s lives.

This is not the first time Hines has visited with MHS students—the first was in Sept. 2022 when Hines virtually visited the school while in space. He answered student questions and offered everyone a glimpse into life as an astronaut.

As a token of his appreciation for the opportunity to connect with MHS, Hines gifted each division with a plaque with photos from his mission along with an American flag that flew with the Crew-4 mission.

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