MHS Lifer Thankful for Unique Opportunities

Hayes Johnson will graduate in June with the amazing opportunity of being a Milton Hershey School lifer. MHS has had more than 600 alumni enroll in pre-K, kindergarten, or first grade. At MHS, these students earn the distinction of being a “lifer” once they complete at least 12 years of schooling and graduate.

As we prepare to celebrate them at the school’s 91st Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, June 15, we asked several of this year’s lifers what their time at MHS has meant to them.

What were your early years like at MHS?

My early years at MHS were calming but also stressful. It was a completely new experience that took some time to get used to but at the same time, my houseparents always made sure that things were going smoothly while I was adjusting to MHS culture.

How has MHS helped your family?

A lot of clubs and activities that I am involved in would require extensive funding at any other school, but at MHS, I’m able to participate in all of them without any cost to my family.

What does being a lifer mean to you?

Being a lifer to me means that you were committed to staying at MHS and that you had the mindset to get everything done.

What was your biggest challenge here?

My biggest challenge at MHS was adjusting to the transition from each division.

What’s your top three favorite moments here?

My top three favorite moments were the parties that my houseparents, the Medlins, had; all the activities that we did at student home Gro-Mor; and going to Hersheypark for the first time.

What is one piece of advice you would give a new student who is enrolling at a young age?

Follow the rules and listen to what the houseparents have to say the first time rather than making them repeat themselves.

What is the biggest takeaway after attending MHS for so long? What are you most excited about in the future?

My biggest takeaway is to respect others with the same respect that you would want them to give you. I’m most excited about moving on to a life outside of MHS.