MHS Student Program Leader Receives 2019 Community Woman of the Year Award

Recently, Milton Hershey School’s Student Program Leader, Sharice Johnson, was honored as the 2019 Community Woman of the Year by the American Association of University Women’s (AAUW) Harrisburg Chapter. On Saturday, May 4, Johnson spoke at the chapter’s annual luncheon.

Johnson received the award because “she develops special programs centered on building strong character and leadership skills for hundreds of high school students,” said AAUW in a statement. “Passionate about female empowerment, Sharice created the school’s first all-girls conference known as Girls Grace.”

Girls Grace builds on the character and leadership skills students learn through The Compass Project at MHS. Students come together for an overnight event featuring skill-building workshops focused on money management, hair care, goal-setting, finding your purpose, self-care, and body impact.

MHS Student Program Leader Sharice Johnson (center) with MHS students Najiyyah Pendleton (left) and Diana Creech (right)

MHS senior Najiyyah Pendleton and junior Diana Creech joined Johnson in representing the school during the AAUW meeting.

“I was very proud to be at the luncheon,” said Diana. “Seeing Mrs. Johnson receive her award was inspiring—I already knew what she was capable of achieving, but hearing her speak and watching her receive the award, solidified my confidence and heightened my pride.”

Since 1881, AAUW focuses on education and training, economic security, and leadership of women and girls. With 170,000 members and supporters nationwide, it is leading the way in advocating for equity and education.

“The experience [at AAUW] was inspirational,” said Najiyyah. “I was surrounded by successful women who were all so positive and were so driven and motivated for a change.”