Milton Hershey School Alumni Return Home During Homecoming Weekend

Last weekend, Milton Hershey School welcomed hundreds of alumni back to Hershey, Pennsylvania for Homecoming Weekend 2023. For MHS alumni, this is an opportunity to return home and reconnect with former classmates, houseparents, teachers, and current students. From touring the very first Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning Early Childhood Education Center to learning more about the school year theme–Breakthrough–at the annual Homecoming banquet, the weekend was full of fun for all.

To kick off the weekend, several alumni were inducted into the Spartan Hall of Fame during a special ceremony. The Spartan Hall of Fame Award is a unique distinction for alumni and community members who excelled at MHS in the areas of Visual and Performing Arts program and athletics. Nominees must have demonstrated good citizenship as students and since graduation.

This year’s inductees include:

Athletics:

• Samukai “Sam” Ballah ’01
• Donte Blakey ’06
• Pat Lynch ’90
• 1995 Girls’ Track Team

Visual and Performing Arts:

• Todd Cress ’93
• Kevin Hanna ’93
• Derek Proctor ’17
• Shakim Smith ’13

Additionally, this year three former MHS staff members were recognized as honorary alumni for their service to the school–Bob Guyer, Rick Stennett, and Pastor Mike Wagner.

Throughout the remainder of the weekend, alumni shared meals together and reflected on their time at MHS. This year’s Homecoming also included the 80th annual Cocoa Bean Game held at Henry Hershey Field. After the game, alumni gathered for the Homecoming Banquet and reunion celebrations.

On Sunday morning, alumni honored their classmates during special memorial services, and afterward current MHS students along with alumni participated in a special Chapel Service together.

For many alumni, Homecoming Weekend keeps them connected to MHS and gives them the opportunity to see the legacy of Milton and Catherine Hershey in action.

During Homecoming Weekend, Alumnus of the Year Robin Ferrer ’00 returned to MHS for the festivities, including a classroom visit with health pathway students.

“For a myriad of reasons, this place is special,” said Ferrer. “This is where the seed was planted in me to help me become who I am today. Without this school and without the people, I just wouldn’t be where I am. This gave me so many opportunities that I will never, ever be fully able to thank the school for all they have done for me. That is why Homecoming weekend is special. Because you get to feel the spirit, comradery, and be around other people that feel that exact same way.”

Nominate MHS Graduates for Awards

Each year, MHS honors several alumni for their accomplishments at MHS and post-graduation. To nominate a current graduate for the Spartan Hall of Fame, Alumni Achievement Awards, or Alumnus/na of the Year, visit mhsalum.org or follow the links below.

Nominate for Spartan Hall of FameNominate for Alumni Achievement AwardsNominate for Alumnus/na of the Year