Milton Hershey School Celebrates Alumni Fellowship Weekend with Honored Tradition and Recognition
From April 4-6, 2025, Milton Hershey School hosted Alumni Fellowship Weekend, bringing together generations of Spartans to celebrate shared memories, enduring friendships, and a commitment to the school’s mission.
Throughout the weekend, more than 100 alumni participated in interactive campus experiences and career panels. A highlight of the weekend was the Alumni-Senior Brunch, a heartfelt tradition that bridges the past and present by honoring outstanding alumni and graduating seniors.
Held in Founders Hall, the brunch gathered members of the MHS community for a morning of reflection and recognition. MHS 2024 Alumnus of the Year Douglas I. Oliver ’93 delivered a keynote address during the program and reflected on what it means to Raise the Bar and live out the school’s Sacred Values: commitment to mission, integrity, mutual respect, and positive spirit.
“Raise the Bar is far more than just a slogan,” shared Oliver. “It is a call to action—a philosophy on life and how you choose to live it. It is a challenge to never settle for less than your full potential. A significant part of ‘raising the bar’ comes from embracing and modeling the school’s Sacred Values. They are the foundation upon which this school stands—but also a guide for how we navigate our lives and influence others.”
Three alumni—Dr. Di’Andra Hickson ’08, Solomon Melson ’98, and Garry Gilliam ’09—were honored for their academic pursuits, professional achievements, and community contributions. Their stories proved the power of an MHS education and the values instilled by the school’s founders, Milton and Catherine Hershey.
Equally moving was the recognition of three seniors—Thooria Olaoye, Steven Dao, and Takuma Sugita—in the same award categories. Their accomplishments—both in and out of the classroom—reflect the spirit of excellence and service that connects them to the generations who came before.
The brunch marks the beginning of the Class of 2025’s final weeks as MHS students. Senior Tayla Williams-Howard was chosen to deliver a message to her classmates—who identify as the Star Class—on the moment’s significance.
“Every single one of us is a star,” shared Williams-Howard. “But together, we form a constellation—a brilliant and unstoppable force that will leave its mark on the world.”
The Homestead Chapter of the Milton Hershey School Alumni Association began the Alumni-Senior tradition in April 1955. Since 2015, each MHS senior has been given a pin from an alum in attendance commemorating their first steps toward joining the MHS alumni family.
“Alumni Fellowship Weekend is a special opportunity for our alumni to celebrate each other and connect with students—particularly the senior class,” shared MHS Director of Alumni Relations Trachanda García ’02. “I invite all my fellow alumni to find ways to connect with MHS students. We look forward to welcoming you back home.”
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