Marilyn Weaver ’03
Marilyn Weaver ’03 enrolled at Milton Hershey School (MHS) from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania when her family made the hard and selfless decision to give her the opportunity of a lifetime.
“MHS gave me a second chance at life—it helped me find who I am and who I am meant to be,” shared Marilyn.
While a student at MHS, Marilyn participated in the Agriculture and Natural Resources career pathway as a part of the school’s Career and Technical Education program. She grew strong relationships with the girls in her student home, many of which she continues to keep in contact with.
“Learning to live with 9 to 11 other girls of all different ages and maturity levels presented its challenges at the time. But, these same girls are the ones that, to this day, I love like family no matter what life brings,” said Marilyn.
Upon her graduation from MHS, Marilyn attended Geneva College and earned dual bachelor’s degrees in business administration and human services. It was during her time in college that she realized she had a passion for working with people. This passion leads her to start her career in the social services field after graduating from college.
For the next 10 years, Marilyn dedicated her life to working with adults who experience homelessness and physical disabilities—fulfilling her passion for working with people, but finding another one along the way—photography. In 2019, Marilyn left the social services field to pursue her photography business full time.
Through everything she has been through, Marilyn credits her mentors and friends from MHS with giving her unwavering love and support. “I found another family at MHS with students and staff. These relationships continued to support me as an adult. They have been there for me in the good and tough times of life,” she said.
Marilyn continues to stay connected to MHS and encourages potential students and their families to take part in the unique opportunity that MHS is.
“You are not giving your child away when you send them to MHS, you are giving them an opportunity,” she shared. “This opportunity could lead you to your purpose in life; so walk into this potential opportunity with an open mind and see where it will lead you.”