Milton Hershey School Celebrates Class of 2025 and 12,000th Graduate

On Sunday, June 15, the Milton Hershey School community celebrated 205 members of the Class of 2025 during the annual commencement ceremony at GIANT Center. The event also commemorated 12,000 students graduating from the school since its founding in 1909.

Student speaker Adelis Garcia-Alix reflected on how she and her mother chose MHS because they believed it would help her build a strong future.

“Coming to MHS is a sacrifice and a gift,” Garcia-Alix said.

2025 Commencement Speech

Once here, Garcia-Alix began to realize new possibilities.

“MHS provided more than a better education; it provided a second family,” Garcia-Alix said. “During my six years here, I gained new mentors, a sense of community, and a purpose: to assist others.”

MHS administrators, teachers, staff, houseparents, and alumni help students achieve their goals.

John Hanawalt ’70 and his brother the late James Hanawalt ’65 were named 2025 Alumni of the Year. John told the Class of 2025 to value their success, build relationships, and show kindness.

“You are prepared and ready to continue Mr. and Mrs. Hershey’s legacy,” Hanawalt said.

2025 Gurt Commencement Speech

MHS President Pete Gurt ’85 congratulated the graduates for accepting the challenge tied to the school year theme, Raise the Bar. In a video message shot from the top of Founders Hall, Gurt celebrated the Class of 2025 for achieving new heights.

“From this view, I see more than buildings. I see the paths our seniors have walked, the challenges they have overcome, and the resilience that they’ve built,” Gurt said. “The view up here is great, but the view ahead of you is even greater.”

Gurt introduced a special video message from NBA superstar and sports analyst Shaquille O’Neal.

“You didn’t get here by accident, you worked hard,” O’Neal said.

2025 Commencement Speech

In her farewell address, Veyda Ramos-Ramirez recalled attending six different schools before enrolling at MHS in sixth grade. She also watched her father’s arrest when she was in fifth grade. Coming to MHS, Ramos-Ramirez said, helped her realize the value of having a family.

“Family is in this whole community of people who set a bar that you don’t just reach, but exceed and fly past, fueled by the tremendous support this place provides,” she said.

Since its founding in 1909, MHS has been a school deeply rooted in tradition. Administrators, faculty, and staff consistently refer to the Deed of Trust Milton and Catherine Hershey signed to ensure they are fulfilling the Hersheys’ legacy.

Commencement Hug

The school also adapts as appropriate to meet current needs and enhance the student experience. The Class of 2025 commencement is just one way that is achieved. For the first time, a recording of students reading their own names was played as graduates received their diplomas, adding a personalized touch to the momentous occasion. President Gurt and Board of Managers Chairman Maria Kraus ’89 personally congratulated the graduates as they handed them their MHS diplomas. Once they all received their diploma, students moved their tassels from the right side of their caps to the left side to symbolize they are no longer students but alums of their school and home.

The celebration concluded with MHS alumnus and Broadway star Marcus Paul James ’99 leading the class in song as confetti fell from the ceiling.

The Class of 2025 will realize their dreams in different ways with 60% enrolling in a four-year Bachelor’s Degree Program, 21% aiming for an Associates/CTE Degree Program, 10% seeking a Diploma and Certificate Program, 8% entering the world of work, and 1% serving in the military.