Milton Hershey School Welcomes Alumni for 2025 Homecoming Weekend
The Milton Hershey School campus came alive from Oct. 23–26, 2025, as alumni, students, staff, and their families gathered for a much-anticipated Homecoming Weekend filled with connection, tradition, and fresh memories.
Reconnecting Across Generations
The weekend kicked off with open-house tours of key campus sites, where returning Spartans had the chance to revisit classrooms, student homes, and the Gertrude Gurt Family Center. Plus, a new event—Spartan Career Connections—allowed alumni to receive resume and interview advice from professionals and learn about job opportunities from our Hershey community partners.
“There’s something truly special about Homecoming at MHS,” said Trachanda García ’02, the school’s Director of Alumni Relations. “Whether you graduated five years ago or 50, stepping back onto campus or driving down Chocolate Avenue feels like more than a visit—it feels like reuniting with your family.”
Friday’s schedule also included class-reunion meet-ups and networking opportunities—including the Class of 1975 celebrating their 50th class reunion. For many, it was the first time back on campus in years.
Recognizing Outstanding Alumni
The weekend also provided an opportunity to recognize alumni during the 2025 Spartan Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Since its inception in 2004, the MHS Spartan Hall of Fame has honored alumni for their accomplishments in athletics and visual and performing arts.
The 2025 inductees are:
Athletics
- Duane Daly ’74
- Michael Black ’79
- Christopher Clark ’02
- The 1975 Cross Country Team
Visual and Performing Arts
- Gerald Burge ’95
- Cheryl Davis ’98
- Ingrid Perez-Martin ’98
- Jennifer Rolfsema ’98
- AnnaMarie R. Rabassi-Davis, MHS retiree
Senior Division students and staff, as well as alumni guests, attended the ceremony where award winners connected how the 2025-26 school year theme, Our Pledge, resonated with them.
“Do not underestimate how powerful your light can be when you let it shine,” remarked Perez-Martin. “The Pledge we recite is more than words—it’s a reminder that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.”
This recognition set the tone for the weekend: honoring legacy, embracing community, and inspiring the next generation of Spartans.
A Challenge for Alumni to Live Our Pledge
On Saturday, alumni gathered at Hershey Lodge to share a meal during the annual Homecoming Banquet.
The program for the evening challenged them to reflect on the MHS School Pledge and how they can inspire the next generation of young graduates.
“Our Pledge calls us to be both go-getters and go-givers,” shared MHS President Pete Gurt ’85. “A go-getter doesn’t wait for opportunity; they create it through determination and courage. A go-giver measures success not by what they achieve for themselves, but by what they contribute to others.”
Two alumni who exemplify this commitment to service are our 2025 Alumni of the Year, brothers James ’65 and John ’70 Hanawalt. James’ widow, Linda Hanawalt, joined John on stage.
“Jim knew that no one walks this road alone and was lifted by his school family and the community around him,” she shared. “He believed in the power of the School Pledge and the power of this place because he had lived it. His journey started here, and though it ended all too soon, it was full, faithful, and good. Tonight, I ask you to hold true to the MHS School Pledge—remembering to keep yourself strong, your standards high, and always do good for your school, country, and our God.”
Honoring the Legacy of Milton and Catherine Hershey
Sunday morning, alumni gathered at Hershey Cemetery to pay tribute to Milton and Catherine Hershey at their recently revitalized gravesite. They also joined with students and staff for a multi-generational chapel service where MHS alumnus Kevin Brown ’74 shared a message that MHS students and graduates are truly blessed.
“God gave us the right to declare, ‘I am blessed!’,” said Brown. “He used Milton and Catherine Hershey as vessels to pour our blessings on generations of children and families.”
Through it all, the 2025 Homecoming Weekend reaffirmed that the MHS legacy isn’t only carried in bricks and mortar, but in relationships—between alumni, students, staff, and the generations of Spartans who keep the mission alive.
