The True Meaning of Spartan Fame

As we follow the examples of our founders, Milton and Catherine Hershey, and carry their vision forward, every student and staff member faces a simple but powerful question: How will we add to Spartan Fame? Answering it begins with understanding what Spartan Fame truly means, and what sets it apart from worldly fame.

First, it is important to recognize a clear distinction between worldly fame and Spartan Fame. When many people define fame, they think of popularity, attention, and achievement. Worldly fame often focuses on standing out, being noticed, or accumulating accomplishments. Spartan Fame, however, is fundamentally different. As President Pete Gurt ’85 shared at the 2026 Opening of School Assembly, “worldly fame is about taking everything you can; Spartan Fame is about giving everything you’ve got.”

Here are four ways to define Spartan Fame and live it out.

1. Earn it through strength and honor.

While our School Pledge outlines our expectations, our Alma Mater provides the standard for what Spartan Fame means in our MHS family.

Spartan Fame is built on a strong foundation and strengthened by the choices we make each day. We earn it by choosing integrity when no one is watching, persevering through challenges, and demonstrating character in every part of our lives. Strength is not pride; it is the courage to care for others, remain grounded, and keep moving toward the right goals. Honor requires humility and the willingness to keep learning.

When we sing the words of the Alma Mater, “All Hail to Thee Milton Hershey,” we are honoring MHS and all that it represents, not simply the man whose name it bears. The Alma Mater serves as more than a song. It provides direction and purpose. Its words challenge us to be loyal and true, to stand by one another—and ultimately—to live with strength and honor.

2. Serve others, not yourself.

Worldly fame is about growing ego, but Spartan Fame is about growing impact. It is crucial to commit to contributing to something greater than ourselves. Spartan Fame swells when our community picks character over convenience. It takes off when we learn from setbacks instead of letting them derail us. It grows when we lead not merely with words, but with actions. We add to Spartan Fame when our actions consistently reflect our values.

In pursuing Spartan Fame, our goal should never be to stand above others. Rather, it should be to lift others up. The most respected Spartans are those who invest their energy, talents, and gifts in making a difference for their families, friends, School, and community—now and in the years to come.

3. Be an active part of the Hershey legacy.

Mr. Hershey said, “I have no heirs.” So, in an incredible act of generosity, he made MHS students his heirs. Remember, Mr. Hershey did not seek fame, fortune, or the spotlight. Instead, he and Mrs. Hershey used their success to create opportunities for young people to pursue their own dreams. Their legacy reminds us that Spartan Fame is not something we inherit passively. It is something we carry forward through service, generosity, and purpose.

Students, as the Hersheys’ heirs, inherit their great name, but cannot rest on the past. Collectively, as an MHS community, we must be determined to be worthy of Spartan Fame—in the classroom, in the student home, on the field or on the stage, when engaging with social media, and everywhere we are. As representatives of the Hershey name, we are entrusted to be stewards of the Hershey ideals and the inherent promise of potential.

Mr. Hershey set the example for Spartan Fame. We should follow it by using what we have to create opportunities for others and strengthen the legacy entrusted to us.

4. Never stop trying.

Be like Mr. Hershey and don’t ever give up. There will be times when you feel weary, defeated, and overwhelmed. Don’t allow these circumstances to become an excuse. Instead, reframe them as an opportunity to show you are valiant, just as the greatest Spartans.

Mr. Hershey knew failure firsthand. He said: “I failed. I had a bad beginning. And yes, I had later troubles. I suppose I never would have done anything if I hadn’t kept coming back.” We must commit to our best even when it is hard, and it would be easier to give up. Our integrity shines the brightest when we are tested.

Ultimately, Spartan Fame is not about recognition. It is about our responsibility to push on, support each other, and reach the finish line together. Spartans don’t stop.

The Way Forward

Using these pillars as guides will strengthen our purpose and elevate everyone around us. Now it’s up to us. How will we add to Spartan Fame? Our answers will determine our path and our legacy.