Milton Hershey School Marks 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Day with School Assembly

The Milton Hershey School community heard messages encouraging them to nurture their desire to serve others during the school’s 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Assembly.

At MHS, MLK Day is used as a “Day On.” Students, faculty, and staff set the tone for the federal holiday at an all-school assembly in Founders Hall. Guest speaker Pastor Larry Colbert of The Chapel in Middletown reminded the MHS community that others want to help them but they must first have the ambition to improve their lives.

“If you do not have a good grasp on what you want or what you desire, it will keep you from moving forward,” Colbert said.

Dr. King had a firm grasp on his goal for Civil Rights. He began his work in 1955 and did not waver despite strong and continuous opposition that sometimes included violence. An assassin took Dr. King’s life on April 4, 1968. His death occurred one day after he delivered his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop Speech” in Memphis, Tenn.

Colbert encouraged MHS community members to identify their desires and corresponding actions. Sometimes, he said, you must be willing to walk away from opposing forces and form a new path.

“Many times, we struggle with going in a different direction in life because we are afraid to leave what is comfortable,” he said.

Dr. Freda Martine, MHS Vice President of Education and Student Life, encouraged the school community to honor Dr. King by treating others with civility, kindness, and respect.

“We are reminded today that so many of the values and beliefs Dr. King held near are reflected in our Sacred Values, School Pledge, and Definition of Success,” Martine said.

The MHS New Horizons choir, Spartan Dancers, and Modern Band also performed during the assembly. The MHS community continued to honor the day through classroom activities and special events.