May 22, 2026
Commencement
Celebrating the Culmination of Our School Year: Commencement, Our Pledge, and 1,000 Voices
At Milton Hershey School, Commencement is more than a ceremony—it is the celebration of an entire year’s journey, the realization of our school year theme, and the embodiment of Our Pledge. For a century, the School Pledge has been more than words—it is a living commitment to character, unity, and service. Throughout the school year, students, staff, and alumni have brought Our Pledge to life, culminating in the traditions and milestones that define our MHS experience.
Commencement honors the achievements of the Class of 2026 and all students advancing through promotion ceremonies. Each student’s journey is a testament to living Our Pledge every day and the power of our united voices.
100 Years, 1,000 Voices
This year, MHS kicked off the 100 Years, 1,000 Voices Challenge to honor 100 years of Our Pledge. Thanks to an outpouring of shared stories from across our community, we have already surpassed our original goal of 1,000 voices and raised our new goal to 2,026 voices for the graduating class. At Commencement, we’ll proudly reveal the final tally as we honor both our century long legacy and the graduates who represent its future.
Follow along on social media to hear MHS community voices.
Commencement Week 2026
Graduating from Milton Hershey School is a milestone shared by the entire MHS community. From June 7 through June 14, we will come together to celebrate the Class of 2026 and recognize how they have lived Our Pledge—supporting one another, rising to challenges, and preparing for what comes next.
Below are event details for our end-of-year celebrations. Join us in commemorating these milestones!
#MiltGrad2026
Listen to the celebratory playlist on Spotify for the 2025-26 school year and follow along on social media using the hashtag #MiltGrad2026.
Listen to the PlaylistSenior Chapel and Ring Ceremony
On Sunday, June 7, the Class of 2026 will earn their class rings during our annual Senior Chapel and Ring Ceremony. The MHS class ring tradition dates back to the 1930s, symbolizing unity and a deep connection to the Hershey legacy.
Watch the livestream at 10 a.m. below.
Senior Awards Ceremony
On Saturday, June 13, MHS will recognize members of the Class of 2026 for their achievements inside and outside the classroom. The entire MHS community will celebrate these students and their accomplishments.
Watch the livestream starting at 3 p.m. below.
2026 Commencement Ceremony
Milton Hershey School will recognize the Class of 2026 on June 14, with a special Commencement Ceremony. You can watch a livestream of the event below, starting at 9:45 a.m.
Promotion Ceremonies
Along with celebrating the graduating class, this period also marks a transition for our younger students. On Friday, June 12, MHS will hold Promotion Ceremonies for our fourth and eighth grade students moving on to their next scholastic division at MHS.
Fourth Grade Promotion Ceremony
Watch the livestream on Friday, June 12 at 9 a.m. below.
Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony
Watch the livestream on Friday, June 12 at 1 p.m. below.
Lifers: 12 Years of Living Our Pledge
MHS celebrates a special group of graduates each year called “lifers.” These students began at MHS in first grade, or earlier, and remain enrolled through graduation. There are 33 lifers in the Class of 2026.
Meet the Lifers
2026 MHS Alumna of the Year
Milton Hershey School has named Maria Kraus ’89 the 2026 Alumna of the Year for her exceptional strategic leadership, deep commitment to the MHS mission, and lasting impact on generations of students.
Founders Week 2025
This year’s Founders Week transformed our campus into a vibrant celebration of Milton and Catherine Hershey’s enduring legacy. From student-led service projects and engaging classroom lessons to historic events like the first-ever Founders Day parade, fireworks over Founders Hall, and the largest SGA Leadership Conference in school history, the week truly embodied the spirit and pride of MHS and Our Pledge.
Our Big Pledge Challenge
Shaquille O’Neal brought his larger-than-life energy to MHS to surprise our students during the Our Big Pledge Challenge event, where he played games and encouraged the students to embrace values such as strength, purpose, and perseverance. The event reminded us what the School Pledge calls us to do:
- Look in the mirror to grow.
- See out the window to serve.
- And walk through the door to the kind of life where legends are made.
