Coming Full Circle: My Journey from MHS Student to Houseparent Recruiter  

By Deleila Alloui ’13

I talk about Milton Hershey School any chance I get. I graduated from MHS in 2013 after six life-changing years. Recently, I returned home as a regional recruiter for the houseparents who will guide and support our students. It’s a unique role that allows me to give back to the community that shaped me. I couldn’t be more excited. 

MHS houseparents play a pivotal role in our students’ success. Houseparents do more than provide supervision; they create a home away from home for students. They offer guidance and emotional support, and help students navigate academic and personal challenges.  

My MHS Experience 

My six years at MHS were filled with academic challenges, personal growth, and lifelong friendships.  

The community I found here gave me the resilience and confidence I needed to succeed after graduation. Whether through extracurricular activities, like softball or yearbook, leadership opportunities like Student Government Association or National Honor Society, or the nurturing environment provided by my houseparents, I gained values like integrity, perseverance, and service—values that I now carry into my professional life. 

The relationships I built with my houseparents, Amy and Joe Cooper, had a lasting impact on me—they were mentors, caregivers, and role models. Less than one year after I graduated, someone who was like a father figure to me passed away. My houseparents knew how close I was with him and met him on countless occasions. They reached out to me and provided me with supportive words. They let me know that if I ever needed anything, they were there for me.  

About two years ago, I lost my mom unexpectedly from cancer.  

Mrs. Cooper sent me the following beautiful note: “Cancer definitely has robbed this world of a beautiful soul, but what a wonderful reunion she had in the tragedy of cancer. Love wins in the end, always. I am here for you. And you better believe Mr. C and I will be anywhere you need—graduation, wedding, your children, etc.”  

Now that I have returned to MHS, Mr. And Mrs. Cooper have been extremely supportive and offered up any resources I may need in my new role. Their guidance helped me through challenging times, and they were instrumental in helping me become the person I am today.  

That relationship provided me with stability, structure, and love, which are essential for any child to thrive. 

Becoming a Recruiter 

Coming back to Milton Hershey School as a recruiter feels like a full-circle moment. This time, my mission is to find dedicated houseparents who will mentor and guide students by creating a stable environment where they can flourish. 

This role allows me to give back to a place that did so much for me. I recruit individuals who can provide the same care and guidance I received. Every day, I draw on my own experience as a student to explain to potential houseparents what a profound impact they can have on the lives of children at MHS. This is not just a job — it’s a calling to shape the future of strong young leaders, nurturing their visions and dreams for tomorrow. 

The decision to return to MHS wasn’t just a career move—it was deeply personal. This school transformed my life. I feel a strong responsibility to give back in a way that has a meaningful impact. The opportunity to recruit houseparents gives me the chance to help build the support system that makes MHS so special. I understand how important it is to have compassionate, committed individuals in these roles, and I’m passionate about finding the right people. 

Making Connections 

My colleagues and I focus on finding individuals who not only understand the importance of these responsibilities but are also passionate about being positive influences in children’s lives. We connect with potential houseparents from different regions, sharing the profound impact this role can have. It will be incredibly rewarding for me to see the connections being made, knowing that every successful placement contributes to the success of our students. 

In the 2012-13 school year, as editor of our yearbook, I wrote about MHS being “a world of our own.” That phrase captured the essence of what this school meant to many of us. Milton and Catherine Hershey’s vision created a unique environment—a place where students from all walks of life came together to build a family, one bonded by shared experiences, resilience, and love.