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Milton Hershey School Celebrates the Beginning of the 2022-23 School Year

Leading up to the first day of school at Milton Hershey School, the MHS community took part in several special events to excite students, staff, and community members for a fresh start on Monday, Aug. 15.

On Saturday, Aug. 13, MHS held a Home Life Community Day Celebration with a DJ, outdoor games, a cookout, and more for students and houseparents to create unforgettable memories together before classes begin.

On Sunday, Aug. 14, the MHS Class of 2023 attended their first All-Senior Chapel Service of the school year with Pastor Will Ogle, MHS Director of Religious Programs, who stepped into this new role over the summer.

Milton Hershey School pastor Will Ogle at first chapel service

“It’s my job to help our students guard their hearts and take advantage of every opportunity they have to succeed,” Ogle shared. “Milton and Catherine lived a great story and so can all of our students this school year.”

During the service, MHS dancers performed a praise dance, “Fighting for Me,” and Mohan Lall, Visual and Performing Arts student, sang, “Hero,” for his classmates. Special guest and Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning employee, Regina Gail Molloy, sang “The Blessing,” encouraging students to believe in themselves and each other. Students also read scriptures, shared in a morning prayer, and heard from MHS President Pete Gurt ’85 who charged the class to make the most of their senior year.

“Starting today, you now have 302 days until Commencement,” Gurt said. “You can either think, ‘I can’t wait to get out of here,’ or you can flip the script and say, ‘I only have 302 days left to live a better story and focus on your priorities.'”

Milton Hershey School President Pete Gurt and Pastor Will Ogle at Senior Chapel

MHS President Pete Gurt ’85 and Pastor Will Ogle at the All-Senior Chapel Service.

Gurt and Ogle encouraged the seniors to proudly speak the school pledge and sing the Alma Mater to conclude the special occasion.

The MHS community kicks off its school year tomorrow, Aug. 15 at the 2022 Opening of School Assembly at Giant Center. Tune in at 8 a.m. to watch a school assembly like no other.

Milton Hershey School does not discriminate in admissions or other programs and services on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, religious creed or disability. Read important MHS policies on equal opportunity and diversity, equal employment opportunity, and more.