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MHS Community Begins Founders Week with an All-School Assembly

To kick off a very special anniversary Founders Week celebration, the Milton Hershey School community gathered to honor the generosity of Milton and Catherine Hershey and the establishment of the school.

“Milton and Catherine Hershey established a home and school that has lasted 110 years and is designed to be here for 110 more,” President Pete Gurt ’85 told the audience. “They used their riches in service to others, for people they would never meet. All they wanted was for each of us to succeed and use our success in service to others.”

After his opening remarks, President Gurt surprised the audience when he joined the New Horizons Choir on stage for their signature tribute performance of “The Candy Man.”

The students also were treated to a keynote speech from comedian, podcast host, and MHS alumna, Kate Casey ’95 who shared anecdotes of her time as a student. She assured the audience that they are not alone, the entire MHS community is here to help them succeed.

“You have shown grace, determination, and triumph of spirit that some people will never have. You were all born with a survival chip. It is your greatest asset, it is your superpower,” said Casey. “You are going to take the great lessons you learn here, change the world, and share the story of our great founder.”

The school year theme, Be Golden, wove throughout the assembly. Three students shared how MHS has impacted their life and has allowed for their own golden opportunities. Senior Gabe Rojas also walked the audience through a photo slideshow which highlighted 110-years of golden moments in school history.

After the assembly, the senior class continued the Founders Week tradition of planting a tree outside Founders Hall. Their class tree symbolizes the legacy they are leaving on campus and their gratitude for the life-changing experiences at MHS. Also, later this week, the entire student body will gather for the Founders Feast to embrace the community that is a direct result of Mr. and Mrs. Hershey’s vision.

Watch the live stream of the assembly, and view photos below:

Milton Hershey School does not discriminate in admissions or other programs and services on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religious creed or disability. Read important MHS policies on equal opportunity and diversity, equal employment opportunity, and more.