Milton Hershey School Lifer Grateful for Memories

By Flora Awe, MHS Senior

Simone Hardy 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 were fun and challenging. I had a great relationship with my student home sisters and houseparents, as well as my teachers. We had a lot of fun going to the roller-skating rink, the Whitaker Center for Science & the Arts, and Saturday’s market. We would do crafts and bake things with the houseparents’ personal kids. My houseparents had a dog, and we had fun playing with him. We would go on bike rides and walks all the time, play in the snow, go to the pool, and just have a good time.

What was your biggest challenge at MHS?

My biggest challenge at MHS was overcoming homesickness. I struggled with coming back here after breaks for years. It took me until sixth grade to overcome this struggle. Thankfully, I was given many different options for support, including therapy, relationships with staff and students, and the ability to contact my parents and family.

What’s your top 3 favorite moments here?

My elementary house mom used to wake us up in the morning by singing her morning song for us. She did this every day, and the song still plays in my head when I wake up.
Office talks with my middle school house mom. Sometimes we would stay up late and talk about anything and everything we needed to. She would also give us candy/snacks sometimes.
Going to dinner with my friends. I love our talks, and I love walking home with them and laughing.  Hanging out with my friends has been my favorite part of high school. I’ve finally found my people here, and I want to keep them in my life forever.

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

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone by joining things that you never thought you’d like to do, making friends, and developing good relationships with your teachers and houseparents.

What are you most excited about in the future?

 I’m most excited about being in a new environment after MHS. I’ve spent my entire life at MHS. Although it’s going to be sad and scary, it’ll be a very exciting and different experience. I’m excited to explore different parts of myself and learn different things about others. College will be a great way to have new and exciting experiences, and I’m really looking forward to it.