MHS High School Students Host Informational Sessions in their Hometowns
Inspired by “The Give” challenge announced at this year’s Opening of School Assembly, Shawn Littleton, a junior, suggested that student ambassadors organize and host informational events about Milton Hershey School in their hometowns.
“The Give,” asks MHS students and staff to honor the Hersheys’ legacy by finding creative ways to give back to others by expressing gratitude, living with intent, committing to their vision, and acting with enthusiasm.
“At MHS, I have impacted many others by sharing my story,” Shawn said. “They see how I’m able to take a bad situation and make it the motivation that drives me to excellence.”
While at home for spring break, Shawn, and Rachel Seymour, a senior, hosted dinners to share information about MHS, the education they have received, and the growth they have experienced at the school. Shawn and Rachel chose the locations for their events—Shawn hosted his event at the local fire station in Mays Landing, New Jersey where he was an active member of the junior firefighter program, and Rachel hosted her event at the church she attends in Cape May Court House, New Jersey.
Working with the Office of Admissions, Shawn and Rachel spent numerous hours planning and preparing their events, on top of their already busy schedules. They each drafted letters that were mailed to low-income households in their communities and emailed to local schools and agencies to invite people to their events to learn more about MHS and the opportunities the school offers. They also created videos for social media that promoted their events.
At the dinners, Shawn and Rachel greeted guests and led presentations about the school. They both spoke about their personal journeys that led them to MHS, the life-changing experiences they have had at the school, and their gratitude for the opportunities MHS has afforded them.
“When I enrolled at Milton Hershey School, it was a life-changer,” Rachel said. “It’s what really gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone. It’s what helped me become a leader and pushed me to be the best I could be.”