Radio Host Delilah Visits Milton Hershey School to Inspire Students and Connect with Houseparents
Known as “The Queen of Sappy Love Songs,” Nighttime Radio Host Delilah loves a feel-good story. Nothing makes Delilah feel better than stories of people impacting children’s lives. That’s why she’s been captivated by the story of chocolatier Milton S. Hershey and his wife, Catherine, and their sweet gift to the children of Milton Hershey School.
“Milton Hershey School changed my life. It changed my heart.” she remarked. “Never have I met so many people singularly focused on blessing young people.”
Delilah has partnered with MHS, spreading awareness of the houseparent role for married couples. Last weekend, she visited MHS and toured a student home, spoke with houseparents, gave an inspiring Chapel keynote speech, and answered questions from students interested in media careers.
Peering Into the Lives of Houseparents
Delilah’s first stop on her weekend visit was student home Rose Garden. Houseparents Victor and Gloria Brand took her on a tour of their student home. She saw where houseparents prepare meals, as well as rooms where students study, play, and complete chores. Delilah was particularly impressed with the tidiness around the student home and the amount of effort it takes to keep 12 children organized.
“I need these chore charts for my little ones at home,” she joked.
After touring the student home, she sat down for a conversation with Mr. and Mrs. Brand and two other houseparent couples, Matt and Andrea Cedro, and Tim and Connie Neuroth. They discussed how they began their careers as houseparents, the dedication required to be successful in the role, and how rewarding it is to see students blossom into young adults over the years.
“I have never been someplace where people have focused their whole mind, heart, soul, body, integrity, and work ethic on blessing, building up, and nurturing young people,” Delilah said.
Inspiring Students to Use Their Gifts for Good
Delilah’s next stop was the Middle and Senior Division Sunday Chapel. She inspired our students to Raise the Bar, but to do so by raising each individual based on individual talents and skills. She explained how she uses her talents in communication to advance her career and help people through her charitable work.
“On campus, you are talking about raising the bar or being better,” she told our students. “It’s important to use your God-given talents to do the very best that you can do, so that you can impact the world.”
The students responded well to Delilah’s chapel message.
“My main takeaway from Delilah is that it doesn’t matter how many people you help,” Mackenzie Via, MHS sophomore recounted. “It could be one person or a million people, as long as you’re helping somebody, you’re doing what the Lord wants you to do.”
Q&A with Media and Communications Students
Delilah’s final stop was a brunch with students in our Career and Technical Education program. MHS Media and Communications Teacher Mindy Harmon helped to organize the brunch.
“Every media professional has a unique story about how they got to where they are,” Harmon explained. “When kids see and hear Delilah’s story, it shows them that there is no failure as long as you don’t give up.”
At the brunch, the students had the opportunity to ask Delilah questions.
“It was helpful to gain insight on how I can succeed and make my mark in the world and the communications field,” Eden Newman, MHS junior recalled.
They inquired about her entry into the radio industry, how she sees the industry evolving over the next several years, and asked some personal questions about her family.
“I’ve always been interested in being a radio host or news anchor,” Sammy Lamoureux, MHS junior shared. “It’s a competitive industry, so I was excited to ask her questions about her career.”
Students left the brunch with even more inspiration to Raise the Bar in their aspiring media careers.
“Delilah wasn’t afraid to take opportunities,” Nile McCory, MHS junior commented. “She put herself in a spot to succeed, where people noticed her talent and took a chance on her.”