Aug 17, 2026
Strength. Honor. Spartan Fame
Welcome to the 2026-27 School Year
The Milton Hershey School community journeyed through time to discover the meaning of Spartan Fame with the help of Lebbie Lebkicher, Milton Hershey’s right-hand man. This school year, we will add to Spartan Fame by living out our MHS Sacred Values. Explore the highlights from this meaningful event below.
Rewatch This Year’s Opening of School Assembly
Experience the messages, traditions, and special moments that set the tone for the year ahead.
Spartan Fame Theme Assets
Celebrate Spartan Fame throughout the 2026-27 school year. Theme assets are available on the intranet for MHS employees. For other MHS community members, please contact [email protected] for access.
The Meaning of Spartan Fame
Spartan Fame is not about popularity or accolades. It is earned through lives of strength and honor. Strength means being physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. Honor means telling the truth, keeping your standards high, helping others do likewise, and living by the Golden Rule. Milton Hershey did not chase popularity; he lived honorably. We are called to do the same.
Read a Recap of the Assembly
Listening to the Past
Commitment to Mission. Integrity. Positive Spirit. Mutual Respect.
The MHS Sacred Values guide our mission to nurture and educate children. Inspired by figures from our past, particularly those closest to Mr. Hershey and most influential in his life, like “Lebbie” Lebkicher, these timeless values continue to shape our community. We honor their legacy by remaining loyal and true to them.
Read More About Our Sacred Values
Generations United Through Music
Across MHS history, music has inspired students to learn, lead, and connect. From treasured traditions to new creative opportunities, the arts continue to play an important role in helping students discover their potential, express themselves, and add to Spartan Fame.
The MHS Alma Mater
The lyrics of our Alma Mater are not just words to be sung—they are values to be lived. These lines call us to stay loyal and true, stand by one another, cherish our traditions, bring honor to our School, and ultimately add to Spartan Fame.
| All hail to thee, Milton Hershey; Loyal and true are we, To stand by thee and each other Our pledge will ever be. Thy Brown and Gold we cherish
And thy traditions dear; Proudly we sing thy praises For all the world to hear. |
Then stand we firmly united Through all the years to come By friendships and fond mem’ries Of youth and School and home. We’re proud of Milton Hershey
And vow to that great name Lives filled with strength and honor To add to Spartan fame. |
The Next Chapter in MHS History
The 2026-27 school year is the second year of the GIFT Strategic Framework. This exciting chapter in Milton Hershey School history will see new facilities open and programs launched. Take a look at what’s next!
Empowering the Future
Milton Hershey envisioned a school where every child could reach their full potential. Across generations, graduates have carried that mission forward, demonstrating that Spartan Fame is measured not only by achievement but also by impact. Today’s students will do the same.
Read Alumni Success Stories
An Enduring Legacy
Milton and Catherine Hershey’s story is built on a commitment to community and philanthropy—a story that will be brought to life on the big screen this Thanksgiving. Today, the Hershey community continues their legacy by providing MHS students the opportunity to become who they are meant to be.
Honoring Our Nation's History
As America reflects on its founding 250 years ago, the MHS community honors those who sacrificed much to pursue freedom, opportunity, and the American dream. The Hersheys’ story of perseverance, generosity, and purpose demonstrates how one person’s vision can create opportunities for generations to come.
Upon returning to campus, students and staff joined the MHS America250 celebration—a community-wide experience that reflected on our nation’s past, celebrated the values that shaped it, and inspired each of us to consider how we can contribute to America’s next 250 years.
Read About the Event
