Bernice Weaver – Pennsylvania College of Technology
This post originally appeared on MHSKids.org
Bernice Weaver remembers the exact date she enrolled at Milton Hershey School: July 31, 2010. She began her MHS journey as a sixth-grader from Newville, Pennsylvania who applied at the school four times before she was accepted.
“My experience [at MHS] has been life-changing,” Bernice said. “It has made me realize how independent I actually am, and has shown me how strong I can be.”
Throughout middle school and high school, Bernice took advantage of extracurricular activities and learning opportunities by joining the Viva Diversity club, Youth Group, Junior Chapel, Horticulture Club, and National Honor Society. She also developed a fierce work ethic and currently works two jobs—one in the MHS Admissions Office and another off-campus in the local community.
The school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program also allowed Bernice to explore various career concentrations before discovering her passion for construction. She completed the Construction and Carpentry career pathway and earned two OSHA certifications that will prepare her for the workforce. In the classes of 2012 to 2016, 100 percent of graduating seniors earned at least one industry-recognized certification.
![“My experience [at MHS] has been life-changing,” Bernice said. “It has made me realize how independent I actually am, and has shown me how strong I can be.”](https://content.presspage.com/uploads/1795/bernice2.jpg?10000 "“My experience [at MHS] has been life-changing,” Bernice said. “It has made me realize how independent I actually am, and has shown me how strong I can be.”")
“I like the hands-on nature [of construction],” Bernice said. “You can build something and it lasts.”
Thanks to the school’s partnership with Temple University, Bernice also has taken college courses on the MHS campus and received 17 credits—which gives her more time to pursue her interests when she begins college next fall.
“I want to minor in psychology or sociology, so having 17 credits from the Temple Program will give me more room to get those classes under my belt,” she added.
As a first-generation college student, Bernice will be attending Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pennsylvania to study construction management. She hopes to take some of the lessons she learned at MHS, including her positivity and zest for life, and implement them into her college experience.
“MHS has made me a better person. Before I came here, I was shy and had anger issues, but now I’ve broken out of my shell,” Bernice said. “I’m excited to graduate, try new things and meet new people.”
To view the original story click here.
For more than 100 years, Milton Hershey School has helped children to realize their full potential by offering a top-notch education to students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade from income-eligible families.
Milton Hershey School is a cost-free, private, coeducational school in Hershey, PA. The school offers state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology and hundreds of extracurricular activities.
Milton and Catherine Hershey established the school in 1909 to provide a positive, structured home life year-round to help children gain the skills to be successful in all aspects of life.
Today, more than 2,000 students from across the U.S. attend Milton Hershey School. They have access to unique award-winning programs, experienced teachers and caring adult mentors.
Curriculum includes rigorous academics with opportunities for hands-on learning, after-school homework hours and tutoring assistance. Because class sizes are small, students get individualized attention and the opportunity to explore their own interests and abilities.
Milton Hershey School believes all children deserve the very best education regardless of their financial circumstances. A family’s income should not determine a child’s outcome.
Learn more about admission to MHS.