MHS Students Educate Hershey Bears on the Student Experience 

The Hershey Bears often visit the Milton Hershey School campus to share the importance of hard work, teamwork, commitment, and perseverance. 

On Feb. 19, the Bears became students when MHS hockey players led a question-and-answer session in Founders Hall. The discussion followed the Bears’ annual practice on the MHS outdoor ice rink. The experience allowed the Bears to learn more about the school they support in many ways. 

The conversation started with hockey. Timothy Geynovich, an 11th grade defenseman on the MHS hockey team, told the Bears that his favorite part of every game is the beginning. 

“When the game first starts, you never know what type of team you are up against or who you are going to face,” he said. “Those jitters can be exhilarating.” 

The talk then pivoted to how lessons learned on the rink can be used in everyday life. Geynovich said he faced game-day emotions when enrolling in MHS as a 9th grader.  

“It was hard to leave home because I was so used to being around the people in my Russian Baptist community,” he said. “I just focused on the gifts I was given and what I could do to get ahead.” 

Eighth grade hockey player Jamil Bangura shared similar thoughts. 

“I really appreciate the opportunity to live in a student home with kids of different backgrounds,” he said.  

MHS students also learned how to improve their hockey game. 

“The thing I got the most was their tips and how they describe a life of being on the team, working out their daily routines, what they do to maintain muscle, build muscle, and become a better player,” said Geynovich. 

The Bears and Spartan athletes interact annually, and students often visit GIANT Center to cheer on their local AHL team. The Hershey entity partners and the greater Hershey community provide exciting new opportunities for MHS students.  

“It’s cool for us to be able to give back and hear their experience about not only this school but with them and their hockey journey,” said Hershey Bears Forward Spencer Smallman.