Gracie Martinez ’10

Gracie Martinez graduated from Milton Hershey School in 2010. Since then, her life has become all things rugby. When you ask her why she plays, Milton Hershey School is woven into her answer.

“I play for Milton and Catherine Hershey along with the entire Milton Hershey School community,” she said. “They transformed me into the woman I am today, and they provided for me when my family simply could not.”

Gracie and her twin brother came to MHS as fifth-graders. They joined their older brother who was already enrolled. She says her mother wanted a better future for them and MHS was the only option.

“I owe everything to MHS; without it I wouldn’t be the young woman I am today,” she said. “I learned the importance of integrity, ownership and respect. I also learned the importance of perseverance and not giving up.”

Gracie attends Life University in Marietta, Ga. and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer information management. Gracie came to Life U on a rugby scholarship, with a goal of becoming an elite rugby player.

“I play for all the love and gratitude I have for the MHS community,” she said. “ I can’t imagine what I would have done or who I would be without MHS. I will be forever grateful.”

Gracie will graduate in the summer of 2016. Her dream is to play on the U.S. Olympic team and travel abroad to play professional rugby.