Milton Hershey School Welcomes New Students, Reaches Record Enrollment
On Monday, Aug. 26, the Milton Hershey School community welcomed 108 new students to campus during its most recent Enrollment Day. Their arrival brings enrollment at the school to a record-setting 2,189 students—the largest number of students to attend MHS in its nearly 110-year history.
New students were accompanied to their first day as MHS students by their parents/sponsors, family, and friends who enjoyed a day-long event created to celebrate the students’ enrollment milestone.
Watch our Enrollment Day video.
Members of the school’s enrollment management and family relations, health center, technology, and operations teams helped newly enrolled students and their families smoothly transition to MHS. Staff also shared advice and resources to help parents/sponsors support and encourage their students throughout the school year.
“Enrollment Day is tremendously exciting. Families are celebrating their children being at Milton Hershey School but recognize they will miss them. That’s where we come in,” said MHS Senior Director of Enrollment Management and Family Relations Shaun Turner. “We are committed to partnering with our parents/sponsors so they feel engaged with the school and connected to their child, even if they are separated by distance.”
While their decision to enroll their children is the same, the reasons parents/sponsors decide to enroll their child at MHS vary.
“I know how smart she is and how much she loves learning, and I felt this would be the exact right opportunity for her,” said new MHS parent/sponsor Lisa Peek about her decision to enroll her daughter. “Having the stability, knowing that she’s safe…is really important to me.”
Gene Morales shared that it was his idea to enroll his child for the education and opportunities Milton Hershey School offers. ”Where we are from, she wouldn’t have the opportunities she will here.”
Growing the student body is part of MHS President Pete Gurt’s 2020 Vision strategic plan, which upholds the mission and vision of founders Milton and Catherine Hershey by cultivating strength of character and delivering a top-notch education; expanding our mission, and igniting staff engagement and exceptional performance. MHS is committed to expanding its enrollment to 2,300 students over the next few years to provide an excellent and nurturing home life environment to more children from across the country.