Outstanding Parents/Sponsors Recognized During Spring Family Weekend
On Sunday, May 12, three outstanding parents/sponsors were honored during Spring Family Weekend with the first ever Parent/Sponsor of the Year Award. The award was developed by The Family Gratitude Foundation in Honor of Gertrude Gurt, a newly established organization that will annually recognize three parents/sponsors for their strength and resiliency in the face of adversity, as well as their great love and dedication to Milton Hershey School as modeled by Mrs. Gertrude Gurt—a former parent/sponsor.
This year’s honorees included Tennille Phillips, the maternal aunt of Landon; Holly Hockenberry, the mother of Maggie-May, Nikkilee, and Patricia; and StellaMaris Dike, the mother of Chiemela ’17 and Chiago.
About the honorees:
- Tennille Phillips is an ambassador for MHS, who works closely with Landon’s student home to make each of the boys feel like they are part of her family. She actively attends parent/sponsor events and regularly engages with other parents/sponsors who need additional support.
- Holly Hockenberry is fully committed to all three of her daughters’ success. She is a terrific role model—setting high expectations for her daughters academically while providing loving support. Holly actively attends MHS Family Weekends, school events, and takes advantage of classroom shadowing opportunities.
- StellaMaris Dike is extremely thankful and supportive of the work that is done at Milton Hershey School. She expresses her thankfulness to every employee she meets and to others within her community. StellaMaris is the proud mother of an MHS graduate and a graduating senior.
The Family Gratitude Foundation in Honor of Gertrude Gurt was established by a group of Milton Hershey School employees who wanted to honor Mrs. Gurt’s great love and dedication to Milton Hershey School. The foundation is committed to celebrating current parents and sponsors for their courage, strength, and resiliency.
In addition to the yearly awards, the foundation will also support Milton’s Christmas Workshop—a program that allows elementary and middle school students the opportunity to purchase gifts for their loved ones around the holidays.
