Milton Hershey School Students Are LEGO Masters-In-Training

Milton Hershey School students accepted the LEGO challenge this summer during Year-Round Experiences (YRE) programming. Elementary and Middle Division students channeled the creativity, patience, and problem-solving skills demonstrated in the popular TV show, LEGO Masters, during the MHS version of the competition.

“Our students come up with some creative builds. Watching them work together, think critically, and tap into their imagination is special. They don’t even realize they are also learning in the process,” said Abbie Mehaffey, YRE associate director.

Rising MHS second-grader Aishya Touray likes how she can make anything with LEGOs. For the LEGO Masters activity, that meant a soccer field right next to a swimming pool where the LEGO people can race. Other students assembled houses and cars, each build having a story to go with it. Dominic Rhine, also a rising second grader, said the restaurant he built will serve only chicken tenders.

The LEGO Masters-style challenge is one of the many ways students in pre-K through 12th grade learn and grow in a safe and nurturing environment year-round. Because the MHS campus is always open to our students, YRE allows them to have fun, try new things, and the freedom and safety to explore and just be a kid.

“I loved everything about YRE! Especially the field trips and going to choir camp,” said Aishya.

Mehaffey said the LEGO challenge is one of the many ways MHS mixes education with fun.

“With everything we do in YRE, we know the students are practicing soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and work ethic through hands-on learning which will ultimately help them in the classroom,” Mehaffey said.

All MHS students return to campus for Weeks 7 and 8 of YRE before the start of the 2023-24 school year. Students will participate in grade-appropriate activities, camps, and athletics and visual and performing arts practices. These required YRE weeks give students the opportunity to get back into a routine and focus on the school year ahead.