The Milton Hershey School Alumni Association: A Legacy of Connection and Support

The Milton Hershey School (MHS), formerly known as the Hershey Industrial School, stands as a testament to the enduring vision of Milton and Catherine Hershey. Founded in 1909, the school has evolved from a humble beginning with just four students in 1910 to a renowned institution serving approximately 2,000 students in 2020. While the school itself has a rich history, a vital part of its continued success and impact is the Milton Hershey School Alumni Association (MHSAA).

Origins and Early Years

In 1930, a group of alumni from the Hershey Industrial School came together to establish the Hershey Industrial School Alumni Association. This marked the formal beginning of an organized effort to maintain connections among graduates and to support the school's mission. Superintendent George E. Copenhaver appointed Arthur R. to facilitate the formation of the association.

The first Hershey Industrial School alumni banquet took place on June 5, 1931, at the Hershey Inn. This event was graced by the presence of Milton S. Hershey himself, who addressed the alumni and extended an invitation for them to be his guests the following year at his High Point Mansion home and the Hershey Country Club.

Evolution and Key Milestones

The MHSAA has played a crucial role in many significant events in the school's history. In 1957, the Milton Hershey School Alumni Association convened to discuss ways to honor Milton S. Hershey, a man who had profoundly impacted their lives. This discussion led to the concept of creating a life-sized statue to commemorate his legacy, with the school's 50th anniversary celebration just two years away.

"Milton and the Boy" Statue

Over 1,000 alumni contributed to the creation of the statue known as "Milton and the Boy." The statue was designed by sculptor Walker Hancock, famous for his work as one of the "Monuments Men" who recovered art looted by Nazis during World War II. Hancock aimed to convey appreciation, respect, and admiration through the simple pose of the boy and Mr. Hershey. To ensure accuracy, Hancock consulted with alumni and studied numerous pictures of Milton Hershey. For the boy, Hancock intentionally avoided using a specific individual's face, instead, he wanted every boy at the school to see their own reflection in the statue. Details such as shoelaces laced differently, a missing belt loop, and an uneven collar were added to the boy's image. The alumni also chose the inscription: "His Deeds Are His Monument; His Life Is Our Inspiration." The sculpture was officially presented on Founders Day in 1960 and was placed at Senior Hall (now Catherine Hall). The statue endures as an important symbol of the school and its graduates. Robert Beitzel ’41, an alumnus, wrote an account of the statue’s creation that was gifted to the MHS archives.

Read also: McKenzie Milton's Journey

Homecoming Traditions

The annual homecoming banquets have been a long-standing tradition, with the 1941 event on Founders Day, Nov. 15, being particularly memorable. During World War II, homecomings had a different atmosphere due to alumni serving overseas. Despite the challenges, the School Industrialist reported that alumni made every effort to attend, even with transportation and production constraints. Homecoming 1970 was combined with the dedication of Founders Hall on Sept. 13, Milton Hershey’s birthday. Festivities included the presentation of the Milton and the Boy statue which was installed in the entrance of the Junior-Senior High School (now Catherine Hall) in 1960, the annual business meeting, and a dance in the Hershey Arena that was open to the public. A parade featured a float built by the students and the United States Air Force drill team as special guests.

In 1936, the student-produced School Industrialist publication reported that, “Mr. M.S. Hershey became quite reminiscent in the course of his talk, taking his listeners back some seventy-two years to the time when he, as a boy of seven, went to school in a one-room schoolhouse, which was situated on the site of the present Community Building, of the development of the community of Hershey to the heights it has now reached.

MHSAA Today

Today, the MHSAA continues to thrive, with its office located on the Dearden Alumni Campus. Graduates are considered an integral part of the Milton Hershey School family, serving as role models for current and future generations. The MHSAA’s mission is to keep alumni connected and informed about their MHS family.

Supporting Alumni

GPS and Alumni Relations provide resources and supportive relationships for young alumni after graduation. The MHS support system provides resources to help recent graduates transition from student to adult, including information on how to manage CES funds. MHS and MHSAA are teaming up for Homecoming Weekend 2025.

Alumni of the Year

Each year, Milton Hershey School recognizes outstanding alumni for their accomplishments and contributions to their communities. Recent honorees include:

Read also: Analyzing Joe Milton's Potential

2025: James E. Hanawalt ’65 and John B. Hanawalt ’70, recognized for their decades-long commitment to community leadership. Milton Hershey School (MHS) has named James E. Hanawalt ’65 and John B. The Milton Hershey School community came together in a big way on Friday, Aug. James E. Hanawalt ’65 and John B.
2024: Doug Oliver ’93, recognized for his professional success and community service in Philadelphia. Milton Hershey School has named Douglas I. Oliver ’93 as the 2024 Alumnus of the Year in recognition of his accomplishments in communications, business, and advocacy.
2023: Robin Ferrer ’00, honored for his dedication to providing quality health care and leadership in New York City.
2022: Jocelyn Bioh ’01, celebrated for her achievements in the visual and performing arts.

Connecting and Staying Informed

To stay connected and informed about your MHS family, we need your current contact information. Sept. Milton Hershey School (MHS) welcomed alumni, students, staff, and their families for its much anticipated and record attendance-setting 2024 Homecoming Weekend. The three-day event, held Sept. Sept. The Milton Hershey School family ties do not end at commencement. Sept. Milton Hershey School alumni Yvonne (Smith) Serrano ’04 and Nick Serrano ’04, and Eric Holland ’14 and Anna Kauffman ’14, are a houseparenting family.

The Enduring Legacy of Milton Hershey's Vision

Milton and Catherine Hershey signed the Deed of Trust, creating the Hershey Industrial School (now Milton Hershey School), in 1909, but their vision did not end there. One hundred years ago, Hershey Industrial School (now Milton Hershey School) looked very different from the institution it is today. In the Milton Hershey School Archives, we have the benefit of preserving the legacy of Milton Hershey’s vision and bringing historical insights from the school’s past to light. The Milton Hershey School Archives recently digitized a handwritten diary kept by Lebbie Lebkicher, a great friend of Milton S. Hershey. Milton Hershey expressed this in an article in Liberty Magazine, Sept. 13, 1924.

During the Great Depression, enrollment to the Hershey Industrial School - now Milton Hershey School - increased three-fold. Milton and Catherine Hershey were frequent travelers throughout the world. Photographs and postcards from their adventures were later placed into albums to be shared with visitors of their home. The experiences you had at MHS don't just fade away after graduation. You are the person you are today because you are a Spartan. As a “Milt,” you’re part of a special, tight-knit family.

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