Elizabeth Eagleson – Clarion University
This post originally appeared on MHSKids.org
As a young child growing up in New Hampshire, Elizabeth Eagleson was surrounded by violence, drugs, and alcohol – an environment that negatively influenced her academically.
“Growing up, I didn’t have it easy,” said Elizabeth. “As a 10-year-old girl, I couldn’t read and I had the math level of a first-grader.”
When a letter from Milton Hershey School arrived at Elizabeth’s home addressed to her brother, it was Elizabeth who initially wanted to go.
“My brother and I would argue over who was going [to MHS],” she said. “My mom looked into the school and said ‘you’re both going.’”
Elizabeth arrived as an excited fifth-grader with an academic uphill battle.
“I struggled with school initially,” said Elizabeth. “When I took my first online math test, I got a zero. I was the lowest scoring kid. After that, my math teacher, Mr. Campbell, helped me with my studies. A few months later, I got one of the highest scores in the class.”
Elizabeth continued to thrive at MHS. While in middle school, she got involved in Student Government Association, soccer, choir, and band. During high school, she joined marching band, choir, horticulture, and the Viva Diversity club. She also completed the Construction and Carpentry pathway as part of Milton Hershey School’s Career and Technical Education program.
“I love working with my hands,” she said. “I love building and constructing, and now I have the ‘tools’ to build a house.”
In addition to the skills she gained in the Construction and Carpentry pathway, Elizabeth also will graduate from MHS with 17 college credits earned through the school’s partnership with Temple University. Through this partnership, MHS seniors graduate from high school early and earn college credits while on the MHS campus.
Elizabeth will use those credits to get a head start at Clarion University this fall to study nursing. Her brother graduated from MHS in 2015 and is currently studying music at Lebanon Valley College.
“MHS is a really good place,” said Elizabeth. “When I arrived, I couldn’t read, I struggled with math, and now I’m graduating and taking college classes. MHS gave me a second chance at life.”
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.