Lori Livingston ’92

Long before she stepped onto stages, into studios, and onto film sets, Lori Livingston ’92 was a shy and uncertain 11-year-old arriving at Milton Hershey School, searching for confidence she had yet to find. News of her mother’s decision to enroll her at MHS brought a mix of emotions: uncertainty about leaving behind everything familiar and relief at the possibility of something better.

Though the walls of her Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, home had seen a lot of pain and brokenness, it was the only life she knew. Today, Livingston looks back with deep gratitude, recognizing that her mother’s difficult decision became the catalyst for opportunities far beyond what she thought possible.

As she began embracing all that MHS had to offer, Livingston revealed the person she was always meant to become. Among many staff members, houseparents Ed and Donna Kelly played an important role in that transformation. Their encouragement inspired her to challenge herself academically, personally, and socially, prompting her to dive into campus life. From serving as student home president to participating in basketball, Spartan Players, and countless other activities, she immersed herself in every experience that helped her grow.

“Within a year, the angry, insecure, and shy introvert who showed up at MHS opened up and blossomed into a person who wasn’t afraid to be myself,” Livingston said.

The education Livingston received in the classroom helped her mature intellectually, but the interactions and moments beyond it helped shape the person she is proud of. Surrounded by mentors, peers, and opportunities that challenged her to grow, she developed the integrity, punctuality, work ethic, and commitment to excellence that continue to define her today—both personally and professionally.

“Living away from home at such a young age formed an independence that led me to stand on my own and to believe in myself,” she said.  

After graduation, Livingston was determined to build a future fit for the screen. She continued her education at Penn State University and Morris Brown University while pursuing opportunities that aligned with her passions. Within a year of earning her high school diploma, she was discovered as a model, and it wasn’t long before she launched her acting career. The entertainment industry had always captured her interest, and the confidence and determination she developed at MHS gave her the courage to pursue that dream, knowing she could achieve whatever she set her mind to.

“MHS taught me to love, to see, and appreciate who I am,” she said.

Over the years, Livingston built a diverse career spanning acting, modeling, writing, public speaking, and mentoring. Today, one of the most meaningful chapters of that story involves the new HERSHEY movie, where Livingston is among those involved in bringing the story of Milton and Catherine Hershey to the big screen. Audiences can spot her representing the opulence of a wealthy Black woman in the South.

“When my agent brought it to my attention, I knew as an alum that I had to do something in this movie,” Livingston said. “It was a labor of love for me.”

Moreover, the relationships Livingston built with her fellow Milts are among the many things she treasures most from her MHS experience. She remains immensely thankful for those friendships, which have grown into lifelong bonds she considers family.

Those connections are also a driving force behind her continued involvement with the school. She believes it is important to invest in current MHS students and does so through opportunities such as speaking at Girls Grace and visiting student homes. She hopes students recognize the value of the people around them and embrace the experiences offered to them, even if they cannot yet see where they might lead.

After all, she once sat where these students sit now. And if her story is any indication, the lessons learned at MHS can take a student farther than they ever imagined.

“The people at MHS showed me just how powerful I really was,” Livingston said.