Taking the Stage at the Greatest School Assembly of the Year: MHS Students Reflect on Spartan Fame

On Monday, Aug. 17, the entire Milton Hershey School community gathered for the greatest school assembly of the year—the Opening of School Assembly. Together, we traveled through time with a Hollywood star, danced to musical performances, and discovered the true meaning of Spartan Fame. We couldn’t do it without the help of these wonderful high school students, who share their experiences below.

Magdalina Geynovich, Freshman

What was it like to be a part of the Opening of School Assembly?

I felt it was very organized and well run. Nothing was rushed. It was an extraordinary experience to be around an actor, and it gave me a perspective on how I could get into acting, what I could do, and how I could become an actor.

What did you learn about Hershey history through this experience?

Honestly, I never recognized how much the people around Mr. Hershey influenced him, or did not influence him, at the same time. For example, his mother influenced him to continue pursuing what he dreamed of and loved. At the same time, he kept his strength and did not listen to those who questioned why he would put his legacy into children who he would never meet. He was very selective about what he chose to listen to. I find that to be a very powerful story.

What does Spartan Fame mean to you?

To me, Spartan Fame means fulfilling Mr. Hershey’s legacy.

What do you want to be known for?

I want to be known for serving others and being a child of God.

Mollie Fenton, Sophomore

What was it like to be a part of the Opening of School Assembly?

I thought it was very fun because the actor was very nice, especially to the younger kids. I am involved in musical theater, so being near an actor was a really cool experience for me because I love acting. I personally want to be a nurse in the Army, so I am working toward that, but I definitely saw how doors could be opened in the world of acting.

What did you learn about Hershey history through this experience?

I thought learning about when the first girls came to MHS was really cool. I always knew there was a time when girls first came to MHS, but I never really knew what it was like. The video they showed was very empowering and really cool to see.

What does Spartan Fame mean to you?

To me, Spartan Fame means living out your legacy, whether it is through sports, academics, or something else.

What do you want to be known for?

I want to be known for coaching others.

Sophia Gray, Sophomore

What was it like to be a part of the Opening of School Assembly?

It was pretty nerve-racking, but I was very excited. During rehearsals, I was excited to see what was coming, get hints about our theme for the year, and be on the big stage as part of a tradition that we have had at Milton Hershey for such a long time. Sharing the stage with a professional actor was really awesome. I had seen video clips of him in teasers for the movie, so I immediately recognized him. He was really funny during rehearsals and was awesome at what he did.

What did you learn about Hershey history through this experience?

I learned more about the timeline. Beforehand, I did not know how spaced out these events were. It made me realize how long MHS has been around and how unique it is for me to have this experience as a female student, with new opportunities that past students did not have.

What does Spartan Fame mean to you?

To me, Spartan Fame means showing that you are grateful and that you take pride in all the opportunities MHS has given you.

What do you want to be known for?

I want to be known for being authentic and genuine.

Audrey Lewis, Junior

What was it like to be a part of the Opening of School Assembly?

Being part of the Opening of School Assembly was a great opportunity to serve as a leader and role model for other students, showing them how to begin the school year with a positive spirit. I was very grateful for the opportunity to share the stage with a professional actor. Because I am also a performer, it made me feel ready to do more in my future. It made me think that I should continue pursuing my passion for dance and theater. I learned more about the day-to-day life of an actor and the influence an actor or performer can have on an audience.

What did you learn about Hershey history through this experience?

Through the assembly, I learned a lot more about Mr. Hershey’s impact on America and how his influence helped shape the country’s history.

What does Spartan Fame mean to you?

To me, Spartan Fame means leaving a lasting legacy that would have made Mr. and Mrs. Hershey proud.

What do you want to be known for?

I would like to be known for being a positive influence on others.

Nirmal Fatima, Senior

What was it like to be a part of the Opening of School Assembly?

It was really awesome. I have done similar things with a lot of people before, but I had never been on a stage where I could see everybody. The energy everyone had was amazing. Being on stage with a professional actor felt like a dream. I was a little nervous, but his confidence made me confident, and I was not as nervous onstage.

What did you learn about Hershey history through this experience?

I did not know that girls played such a huge role in shaping the school community. When I was onstage and they were talking about the women’s history video, it was really awesome that they gathered alumni to discuss their experiences and what they did at MHS. I knew the recent graduates as students, but I never knew all that our alumni brought to MHS.

What does Spartan Fame mean to you?

To me, Spartan Fame means living the life that Mr. Hershey envisioned for us.

What do you want to be known for?

I want to be known for being kind to others.

Sammy Lamoureaux, Senior

What was it like to be a part of the Opening of School Assembly?

Being onstage for the Opening of School Assembly was a full-circle moment for me. I remember my first assembly, during my sophomore year, and being captivated by the special effects and the story. Being a part of it this year was pretty special. Sharing the stage with a professional actor was also pretty cool. I have loved acting, movies, and shows since I was young, so taking part in what felt like a big production was very fun and exciting.

What did you learn about Hershey history through this experience?

I learned about the importance of the Homestead as a location. Sometimes you think it is just where the School president lives, but there is a real story there. It is where Mr. Hershey was born and where his parents lived. I also learned that many Hershey Company executives were graduates of the school. I felt that was very powerful, and I would love to see that happen again. We come here to be successful and being successful while also giving back is very powerful.

What does Spartan Fame mean to you?

To me, Spartan Fame means taking all the skills and assets we have learned here into the real world and using them for the greater good of our communities.

What do you want to be known for?

I want to be known for my reliability—being someone others can trust, rely on, and count on for different things and projects throughout my career. I also want to be someone people can lean on, someone who will be by their side.

See More from the Opening of School Assembly