Somerset Student Aspires for Greatness

By Tyler McMasters, 10th grade

Many families living in rural communities throughout Pennsylvania, like Somerset, do not know the opportunities that exist at Milton Hershey School.

Growing up in Somerset, PA, we did not have much. I was not able to participate in extracurricular activities because my family could not afford them. When I would come home from school, there was not much structure for me to succeed.

One day, my mom and I attended an MHS information session. We learned about the school and the many opportunities it offers its students. We were even able to speak to an admissions counselor and ask questions.

My mom encouraged me that this was the right thing for me to do as it offered me “endless opportunities.” I agreed, and in the fall of 2017, I enrolled at MHS for my seventh-grade year.

Since then, I got involved with the theatre program, visited New York City, and joined the swim team—all activities that wouldn’t have been possible without MHS.

MHS allows you to learn about many career paths as you attend classes. In the second semester of this year, I will be taking an anatomy class, as I someday want to become a dentist or a doctor. I am on track to attend a university and study health sciences.

My advice to incoming students would be to get involved. There are so many opportunities for you here—to learn and grow—all you have to do is try.

Photo of Tyler McMasters and other MHS students taken during Visual and Performing Arts dance class in 2019.

At MHS, you can become anything you want to be—your greatest self.

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Milton Hershey School is carefully following federal and state guidelines, CDC considerations, and MHS-established health and safety protocols to keep our campus a safe, nurturing, and healthy place. Any group photos of unmasked subjects were taken prior to the face coverings mandate.