How our values were formed!

As we all know, once you are an alumnus of Hershey Industrial School (HIS) or Milton Hershey School (MHS), you are forever part of a much bigger family.

In 1909, our founders, Milton and Catherine Hershey, established the school with a vision of providing children with opportunities for a brighter future. Following Catherine’s passing in 1915, Milton Hershey continued to honor their shared commitment to helping children. In 1918, he placed the bulk of his wealth, including 5,000 shares of Hershey Chocolate Company stock and thousands of acres of land, into a perpetual trust dedicated to the school’s future.

That extraordinary act of generosity helped establish a lasting legacy that continues to provide students with a cost-free education, housing, medical care, and opportunities to build successful lives.

The students who have benefited from this remarkable gift are more than graduates. They are brothers and sisters, connected by a shared history, common experiences, and a bond that lasts a lifetime. Affectionately known as “Milts,” we carry forward the spirit of our founders through the way we support, encourage, and care for one another.

No matter where life takes us, the challenges we face, or the paths we travel, we will always share something special: we are part of the Milton Hershey School family.

And that family is never defined by distance, circumstances, or the struggles we encounter along the way. It is defined by the connections we maintain and the willingness to stand beside one another when it matters most