Honoring the Couple Behind the Hersheys: MHS 2025 Founders Day Assembly
The Milton Hershey School Founders Day Assembly traditionally turns an ordinary school day into something special. Annually, it brings the MHS community together to honor Milton and Catherine Hershey for their extraordinary gift and their enduring legacy. Yet, this year, in celebration of them and the signing of the Deed of Trust, another couple was also honored for their part in bringing the Hersheys’ vision to life.
George and Prudence Copenhaver were instrumental in laying the foundation for what MHS would become. In a moving video tribute, the MHS community learned how George’s simple interest in a farm position at the school transformed into something so much more within the fabric of our history.
Driven by a deep commitment to serving, the Copenhavers held various roles at the school, from first housemother and housefather to superintendent and matron, helping to build a home and school for children in need. Elements of the 2025-26 school year theme, Our Pledge, were visually and audibly woven throughout the assembly, not merely as a nod to tradition, but as yet another tribute to George Copenhaver, who, among his many contributions, authored the MHS School Pledge a century ago.
“Mr. and Mrs. Copenhaver are reminders to us all of what it means to serve each other and this mission,” President Pete Gurt ’85 said. “Everything we do today has been shaped by Mr. Hershey’s vision and the effort and heart of the Copenhavers.”
Reflecting on the Opening of School Assembly, President Gurt reminded the MHS community that the 65 words we recite are a window into serving. The spirit of service embodied by the Copenhavers and the Hersheys lies at the very heart of Our Pledge, encouraging all to look beyond their own needs to support others.
“Mr. and Mrs. Hershey believed that serving others was not just a choice but an obligation,” President Gurt said. “They understood that true success is measured not by what we gain but by what we give.”
History was not only spoken about or digitally animated during the event. It was tangibly present in the form of Mr. Hershey’s podium, the same one he stood behind in 1934 and said, “When I started the school 25 years ago, I had no idea what would happen. I hope to see the school carry on to new heights.” From that podium, the presenters’ words were uniquely amplified because they, along with all those in attendance, are the fulfillment of that spoken dream.
Senior Division Director of Home Life Melissa Weldon and Senior Division Principal Jennifer McConnell highlighted the rich history of the Senior Tree Planting Ceremony before presenting the ceremonial shovel to senior class president Deneia Howard. They charged her and the Class of 2026 to carry on the legacy of the Hersheys and the Copenhavers, underscoring that this tradition represents a promise to the future.
A student from each of the Elementary, Middle, and Senior Divisions approached the podium and expressed the significance of the MHS School Pledge and its influence on their personal growth. They spoke about specific lines that hold the greatest significance for them. Elementary Division student Sebastian Zeon emphasized the importance of consistently living out Our Pledge, even when it may be difficult.
“I think the last line of the MHS School Pledge is the most important because when you pledge to honor MHS, we will one by one make it a greater place by showing respect and living out the MHS Sacred Values everywhere and every time,” Zeon said.
For Middle Division student Jaioana Cox, speaking the truth at all times is more than just a line in the MHS School Pledge—it’s a way of life. She shared how living with integrity has shaped her character and strengthened her commitment.
“My mom can tell that I became a person of integrity,” Cox said. “Honesty is not a gift. It’s a decision you make for yourself to be successful.”
Senior Alexis Phan expressed that, though the MHS School Pledge is short, it holds deep meaning, providing values she can carry into the future while reminding her of our founders’ strong character, which she strives to emulate.
“Mr. and Mrs. Hershey were purposeful in their actions,” Phan said.“Not only did they have to fight through their own battles, but they also would have to become strong for the people they would help create a future for: us.”
MHS Board of Managers Chairman Maria Kraus ’89 was presented with the Catherine Hershey Award for Trustee of the Year from the Coalition of Residential Excellence before giving her keynote address, a testament to her many well-deserved professional achievements.
From immigrating to America as a young child with her family from Vietnam, to attending MHS and ultimately building a career of influence, her journey is nothing short of extraordinary, made even more powerful as she shared it from Mr. Hershey’s historic podium. Through moments of emotion and celebration, Kraus challenged the audience with a profound question: What legacy will each of us create that will matter 100 years from now, just as Mr. Hershey did?
“If I’ve learned anything both as a business leader and as an alumna, it is that the Hersheys created the greatest formula of all,” Kraus said. “With a strong work ethic, the right opportunity, and a heart focused on service, you’ll be sure to build a legacy that lasts.”
As the MHS community steps into a week full of festivities to honor the people who came before them, they walk away from this year’s Founders Day Assembly empowered to think about who they will become.