MHS Athletes Earn All-American Honors at AAU Junior Olympics

Three Milton Hershey School athletes traveled to Houston, Texas this summer to compete in the 2025 Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympics and returned with top placements, national recognition, and All-American honors. Lucille Heuermann claimed first place in women’s pole vault, making her a national champion. Taajir Holton placed 6th overall in the high jump, and Thomas Saryee-Arkue placed 7th in javelin.  

For all three, the journey to the Junior Olympics was built on months of intense training, discipline, and sacrifice. Summer break was anything but a break—they spent countless hours on the track and in specialized training facilities, pushing themselves to improve their strength, technique, and mental focus. 

Heuermann, a senior at MHS, who began pole vaulting after advocating for more opportunities, trained on campus all summer and traveled off-site to get the additional practice she needed. Limited access to facilities early in the season meant she had to make every training session count. 

“The first few days kind of felt unreal,” she said. “It was really encouraging to be around so many younger kids and older kids breaking records. It encouraged me to do better.” 

Holton, a junior, trained daily, even on weekends, while also working a summer job. He had to succeed at three qualifying meets to reach Houston.  

“I had to sacrifice a lot, even missing time with my family,” he said. “But I didn’t train that hard just to stop short.” 

For sophomore Saryee-Arkue, this was his first season throwing javelin, but he embraced an intense training schedule. After battling shoulder injuries from poor technique early on, he committed himself to learning proper form and refining his throws, leading to a top finish in his debut year. 

“I was like, wow, I really came a long way,” he said. “I can really compete with the other guys.” 

Representing Milton Hershey School on the national stage was a proud moment for each athlete and their coach, Roger Smith ’85, MHS Student Program Leader and coach of the Milts for Life Track Club. 

“It’s a privilege to have athletes qualify for the Junior Olympics because it’s not an easy feat,” Smith said. “To see our students medal and become All-Americans—it’s an incredible story for them, their families, and Milton Hershey School.” 

Smith added that success like this doesn’t happen by accident—it is the result of hard work, accountability, and high standards.  

“I hope it’s contagious that our athletes want to compete against the nation’s best,” he said. 

The accomplishments of Heuermann, Holton, and Saryee-Arkue are a testament to what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. They balanced training with school, work, and personal commitments, all while chasing their goals. Their All-American honors are not only a recognition of their talent but also of their resilience, grit, and relentless work ethic. For their peers at MHS and young athletes everywhere, their story is proof that with enough commitment, sacrifice, and belief in yourself, you can rise to the very top—no matter where you start.