Making the Holidays Special at Milton Hershey School

By Dan and Vanessa Medlin, MHS Houseparents

The holiday season at Milton Hershey School is one of our favorite times of the year. It’s a chance to slow down, celebrate traditions, and create a sense of family for the students in our home. For us, houseparenting has always been about building relationships—and the holidays give us the perfect opportunity to make those bonds even stronger.

That focus on relationships is what first drew us to houseparenting nearly two decades ago. In 2007, we were living in Chicago, where Vanessa was working for Chicago Public Schools, when a friend shared a video about life at MHS. The idea of creating a home where kids could grow socially and emotionally resonated with us immediately. Dan had always been passionate about working with youth, and Vanessa loved the thought of extending the care she gave my students beyond the classroom. Before long, we applied, interviewed, and packed up for Hershey to start a new chapter.

We began as houseparents in Middle Division, then moved to Senior Division for a few years. After a short time away to be closer to family, we returned to MHS. We missed the deep, meaningful relationships we built here with the students. That’s what makes this work so special.

When we came back in 2015, we stepped into a student home during Thanksgiving break—a time of transition for the students. They had just said goodbye to their previous houseparents, and we wanted to make things fun and comforting right away. What began as a simple idea to break the ice has grown into one of the most meaningful traditions in our home. Every day leading up to Christmas, we do something special—holiday games, treats, or little surprises. For us, the holidays are about creating joy and meaningful traditions. We want the students to feel at home here.

Over the years, the countdown has become more than just a fun activity—it’s something the students look forward to all year long. For many of them, traditions like this provide a sense of stability and belonging. It gives them something to look forward to during a season that can feel hard when they’re away from family. We’ve seen how these small moments—hanging ornaments together, baking cookies, or opening a little surprise—create memories that last long after the holidays are over. It’s a way of saying, “You matter here. You’re part of this family.” Ten years later, we’re still doing the countdown, and it’s one of our favorite parts of the season.

Over the years, we’ve learned that building a true partnership with parents/sponsors helps students succeed. Building that trust takes time, but when kids see that connection, they know we’re all on the same team. We keep sponsors informed, go to games and concerts when they can’t be here, and share photos and videos so they can still feel involved. Those little things matter.

After nearly two decades, we’ve seen students grow up, graduate, and even start families of their own. We still keep in touch with many of them—and even some parents/sponsors. That’s what makes this work so meaningful. It’s not just a job; it’s a calling. During the holidays, when we’re laughing around the table or counting down the days to Christmas, we’re reminded why we’re here: to create a home where kids feel loved, supported, and part of something bigger.