U.S. Navy Helicopter Pilot Visits Students at Milton Hershey School

On a crisp fall morning, U.S. Navy Lt. Jordan Krick, a helicopter pilot, and his five crew members flew over Milton Hershey School and landed in front of Founders Hall. The crew’s MH-60S helicopter flew from Naval Air Station Patuxent River, located in southern Maryland, on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, to provide MHS students with a unique opportunity to learn about careers in the military.

Krick, who grew up near Milton Hershey School, said the day was a special way to give back to the next generation.

“This is something people rarely get to hear or talk about,” said Krick. “[We can] let people know that there are really cool opportunities out there and things you get to experience and do that you wouldn’t anywhere else except for in the Navy.”

Senior Division students met with the crew, including two pilots, an aircrewman, a mass communications specialist, and two aviation electricians. Students got an up-close look at the helicopter and learned more about careers in the Navy.

The helicopter visit resonated with senior Josh Gibb, who is in the Engineering and Design career pathway within the MHS Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. He plans to pursue a degree in astronautical engineering to become a pilot.

“I want to go into aviation and flight because I want to be an astronaut and work for NASA,” said Josh.

Creating these hands-on learning experiences for students is central to the school’s commitment to career-focused education. These opportunities reveal to Josh a world of possibilities, with MHS staff there to support and guide him in pursuing his dreams.

MHS Career Services Specialist Jenifer Benson is one of those staff members. She spent months planning this unique learning experience. Benson, a member of the CTE team, advises current students and young MHS graduates through the transition from high school to the workforce or the military.

“At MHS, we’re very engaged with career-focused education, making sure our students are immersed in it, not just hearing about it,” said Benson. “We want them to hear from professionals. We want them to interact with equipment, get a chance to be on a job site when we possibly can so that they really understand everything that goes into the kind of career field they’re looking into.”

Career-focused education programs in all divisions help students realize the many paths available after graduation. MHS combines tailor-made instruction, hands-on learning, and the ability to gain certifications and real-life experience through internships, co-ops, and pre-apprenticeships to prepare them for success.

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