Milton Hershey School Lifer Will Miss the Family-Like Atmosphere

Milton Hershey School has had more than 600 alumni enroll in either kindergarten or first grade—or sometimes even earlier. At MHS, these students earn the distinction of being a “lifer” once they complete their 12 years of schooling and graduate. This year, we sat down with several of the 26 MHS lifers and asked them to share their journeys to Commencement.

What is your favorite MHS memory?

As a junior chapel leader, I enjoyed being with the Elementary Division students and teaching them about God. My favorite part was putting on skits for them. Even if I was having a rough week, I would look forward to seeing the students I worked with every Sunday. This played a big role in the family-like atmosphere I felt at MHS—which is what I will miss most after graduation.

Who has had the greatest impact on you while at MHS?

My second-grade teacher, Mr. Carter, had the greatest impact on me because he taught me valuable life lessons that have always stuck with me. Mr. Carter taught me how to stand up for myself, and that has stuck with me to this day. He also became one of my trusted adults at MHS. My Elementary Division houseparents, Mr. and Mrs. Donaher, also had an incredible impact on my life because of their positive attitudes.

What is the best day you’ve experienced at MHS?

One of my fondest memories at MHS was the first time I went to the beach in first grade. I had never been to the beach before, and I discovered that I loved swimming and being in the water. I realized in this moment that I was going to learn a lot at MHS, and I was going to experience many firsts growing up here.

What MHS experience did you enjoy so much that you would like to experience it again?

I would like to experience Transitional Living again because this year taught me so much about what living in college is like and how to hold yourself accountable to get things done. This experience—in addition to living in a student home—taught me how to be flexible. It wasn’t an easy transition, but moments when were able to bond as a class—like during the scavenger hunt—made it all worthwhile.

Learn More About the Significance of Lifers at MHS Read More About the Class of 2022