Milton Hershey School Elementary Students Exposed to Drone and Carpentry Classes
When Milton Hershey School senior Alhaji Saccoh was an elementary school student, drone aviation was not a valuable skill. Times have changed, and this year Alhaji is learning how to navigate the aircraft. Saccoh will use the lessons he learns in the MHS drone class when he enters the United States Air Force next year.
Recently, Alhaji and his Career and Technical Education (CTE) classmates visited the Elementary Division to show their younger peers the many opportunities the school offers.
“I love drones!” third grade student Ruby Seever exclaimed as Alhaji navigated the aircraft.
The biannual CTE Fair exposes younger MHS students to new and old technologies. MHS evaluates its program offerings to ensure the skills students learn are needed by today’s workforce. Sometimes new classes, such as Intro to Drones, are added while other more classic trades remain.
As Saccoh watched the drone fly high, classmates Hazel McClaine and Ivy Harrison focused their eyes downward. The pair pounded nails into a board with the help of Construction/Carpentry students. Others kneeled on the ground and closely watched senior Automotive Technology student Alan Snyder change a tire. Students also decorated desserts and learned about animal care, health sciences, and public safety.
Milton Hershey School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and its 12 career pathways prepare students for college or career. The program combines tailor-made instruction and hands-on learning with the ability to gain certifications and real-life experience. Students participate in internships, co-ops, and pre-apprenticeships.
Michael Slatt, MHS Coding and Drone Teacher, said it exposing young children to CTE options generates excitement for their futures. The MHS 2025 strategic plan aims to deliver relevant, experiential education and individualized learning pathways to prepare all students for career success in a changing world. Slatt is excited to experience how MHS course offerings evolve as the elementary students who attended the CTE Fair progress through MHS.
Learn More about Career and Technical Education at MHS“Five or ten years ago, drones weren’t that big; who knows what these kids will be learning,” he said.