Lanae Dancy ’18
As a child in foster care, Lanae Dancy enrolled at Milton Hershey School in first grade to ensure she received a top-notch education. Lanae started to succeed at MHS through its whole child care approach, which allowed her to grow mentally and physically, inside and outside of the classroom.
“I was ensured meals, a home, medical and dental care, but as well, the security of knowing I was safe,” Lanae said. “I no longer had to worry about living one day to the next. I was able to fall asleep at night while also being able to explore my interests, talents, strengths, and weaknesses.”
During high school, Lanae engaged in the Electronic Media and Journalism career pathway through the MHS Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.
“My teacher, Mr. Rickens, taught me the skills I needed to pursue this profession, and I still use these skills in college today,” Lanae said.
Lanae graduated from Milton Hershey School in the spring of 2018. She is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in cinema, media, and television production at Kutztown University.
As a college student, Lanae uses her Continuing Education Scholarship from Milton Hershey School to pay for her tuition, housing, and meal plans.
“My CES funding has helped me persevere through college and has given me a breath of fresh air knowing that I won’t graduate with college debt,” Lanae said. “I know many of my non-MHS peers in college have to stress over loans and debt, and MHS has been gracious enough to remove that worry from my life.”
MHS also impacts Lanae’s college journey through its support specialists in the Graduate Programs for Success (GPS) Division, who provide continuous guidance for college students.
“Ms. Patterson is my current support specialist and has gone above and beyond to check in on me and make sure I am set up for success,” Lanae said.
As an MHS lifer, a student who enrolls in Kindergarten or first grade and stays through graduation, Lanae understands the tangible impact the school has made on her life.
“I came to MHS at a very young age, unable to read, malnourished, traumatized from life experiences, and lacking skills to communicate properly,” she said. “I never would have thought that I would be attending a university and be graduating in 2022 debt free.”
The MHS whole child care experience helped to mold Lanae into the hardworking individual she is—who hopes for a bright future.
“If I could speak to the co-founders today, I would thank them, as their philanthropy gave me an opportunity to succeed—and remove myself from poverty,” Lanae said.