Milton Hershey School Celebrates 2024 Homecoming Weekend with Excitement and Tradition
Milton Hershey School (MHS) welcomed alumni, students, staff, and their families for its much anticipated and record attendance-setting 2024 Homecoming Weekend. The three-day event, held Sept. 13-15, was packed with celebrations, sports, and the rich traditions that define the MHS community.
The festivities kicked off Friday afternoon in Founders Hall with the induction of alumni into the Spartan Hall of Fame. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the areas of Visual and Performing Arts or Athletics while at MHS. To be eligible, nominees must excel in their chosen fields and demonstrate strong character and good citizenship both as students and in the years following their graduation.
“The goal of the Spartan Hall of Fame is two-fold,” shared MHS Director of Alumni Relations Lorraine Romberger. “While we honor the accomplishments of our alumni and staff members, we also provide our students with additional inspiration and hope to motivate them to excel and Raise the Bar for themselves through participation in our Athletics or Visual and Performing Arts programs.”
This year’s honorees include:
Athletics:
- Roger Smith ’85
- Mark Pershpalaj ’89
- Trina Poole ’90
- Zainabu Conteh ’98
- Jamarr Staples ’99
Visual and Performing Arts:
- Allen Duff ’54
- Rodney Gingerich ’84
- Paul Davis ’94
- Melissa Carter ’04
- Alexandra Zimbleman ’04
The MHS community gathered on Saturday, Sept. 14, to show their Spartan pride and cheer for our student-athletes during the Homecoming football game at Henry Hershey Field. The MHS Spartans secured a win against the Big Spring High School Bulldogs, 21-6.
Throughout the weekend, MHS alumni reconnected with their former houseparents, teachers, and staff who made a difference in their lives through open house events and celebrations, including the Homecoming Banquet. In addition, alumni learned how Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning is expanding the MHS mission by receiving tours of CHS Hershey.
The weekend concluded on Sunday with the Homecoming Chapel Service and remembrance ceremonies at Hershey Cemetery and the Alumni Memorial Grove near Founders Hall.
Reflecting on the weekend, Romberger shared, “Homecoming Weekend renews our commitment to the mission of Milton Hershey School. It’s a chance for our alumni, staff, and students to forge common bonds through the legacy of our founders, Milton and Catherine Hershey.”