Milton Hershey School Mission
Our Guiding Principles
In keeping with the school’s Deed of Trust, Milton Hershey School nurtures and educates children in social and financial need to lead fulfilling and productive lives. This happens by achieving our mission and Sacred Values—an unwavering commitment our community makes each and every day.
Mission Statement
The mission of Milton Hershey School remains true to the ideals upon which it was founded in 1909…
In keeping with Milton and Catherine Hershey’s Deed of Trust, Milton Hershey School nurtures and educates children in social and financial need to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
A Mother’s Love and Inspiration
Keeping in mind the opportunities that Milton’s mother, Fanny, gave him and the couple’s inability to have children of their own, Milton and Catherine Hershey created the school to help resilient children from working-class backgrounds achieve their dreams.
School Pledge
- I will keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
- I will keep my standards high and help others to do likewise.
- In my relations with others, I will live by the Golden Rule and will speak the truth at all times.
- I pledge myself to honor, and to do all I can for the good of my school, my country, and my God.
The Golden Rule
“Do onto others as you would have others do onto you.” This Golden Rule is found throughout our classrooms, student homes, and extracurricular activities to set clear expectations for our students and staff to further the legacy of our founders.
Deed of Trust
Milton Hershey School was established in 1909 when Milton and Catherine Hershey signed a Deed of Trust. Their goal was to provide low-income, orphaned boys with a school and home. With this support, the boys would be able to lead successful and happy lives.
This legal document still guides the school today. It was only amended twice, to expand access to MHS to girls and minorities.
Alma Mater
Like most high schools or colleges, one school tradition at MHS is singing its Alma Mater. Alma Mater is a Latin phrase meaning “nourishing or bountiful mother.” It is a positive, implying loyalty and admiration for an institution and its nurturing qualities. The words Alma Mater can refer to the school or the school’s main song.
As a home and school that nurtures the whole child, Milton Hershey School fits the role of “nurturing mother” in a unique and important way for its students.
Tradition in Song
At the end of each school assembly, MHS students sing the Alma Mater. During the final verse, in what has become tradition, the students raise their hands in the air when the words “Lives filled with strength and honor” are sung.
Two Versions
Two different songs have served as Milton Hershey School’s Alma Mater since its founding. The first version was sung to the “Anchors Aweigh” tune. In 1956, two staff members wrote new music and lyrics.