The Class of 2018 Celebrates Infinite Possibilities at Milton Hershey School’s 84th Commencement
This post first appeared on MHSKids.org.
This weekend, 218 students in Milton Hershey School’s (MHS) Class of 2018 received their diplomas during the school’s 84th Commencement ceremony at Giant Center.
Known as the “Infinite Class,” the Class of 2018 celebrated its accomplishments and bright futures in front of family, friends, teachers, and staff. Senior Kaylah Bohenek delivered the welcome address and reminded her peers of the family they gained at MHS.
“Milton Hershey School has done so much for me. I came here emotionally unstable, but I’m leaving with a plan and coping methods,” Kaylah said. “Most of us did not know what we came here to get, but we got what we needed. Not only did MHS give us a sturdy foundation, but it gave us a family to lean on when we needed it.”
President Pete Gurt ’85 also addressed the crowd to congratulate the Class of 2018 and recognize their potential to influence the communities around them.
These 218 young men and women will join over 10,000 graduates of Milton Hershey School. Each and every one of our graduates are changing hundreds of communities … and thousands of lives are changed through the ripple effect of Milton and Catherine Hershey.
Gurt also surprised the audience by welcoming alumnus Kayvon Asemani ’14, a recent University of Pennsylvania graduate, to the stage to deliver a special Commencement performance.
After being introduced by Chairman of the Board of Managers Bob Heist ’82, the 2018 MHS Alumna of the Year Wendy MacClinchy ’92 provided remarks and reflected on the importance of living a life of service and purpose.
“A life of compassion, generosity, humility, and enduring commitment are principles which permeated all that [the Hersheys] did. That vision is embedded in the charter of this extraordinary school,” said MacClinchy. “Here, our education was not only of the intellect, but also of the heart. The Hersheys knew that neither could be neglected because true success requires both.”
To close the ceremony, senior Felicity Torres shared an emotional farewell address and inspired the crowd to break the labels society has given them and support one another as they overcome challenges and pursue the possibilities ahead of them.
If there’s one thing that I’m grateful for, it’s that I didn’t have to battle life alone. With its many blows, I had an army. Every staff member here at MHS, every teacher, every houseparent, and every cafeteria worker has played such a huge role in not only my life, but I’m sure I can speak on behalf of my class when I say all of our lives. They have helped us fight these battles.
The Class of 2018 joins more than 10,000 MHS alumni, and they have exciting plans for the future.
The Class of 2018 also achieved several honors and accolades that exemplify their commitment to academics, athletics, student leadership, and visual and performing arts. Eighteen students were recognized as “lifers” who enrolled at the school in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, or first grade. View the full list of Senior Awards.
To watch more highlights from this year’s Commencement, view a live stream of the ceremony.
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
The Class of 2018 also achieved several honors and accolades that exemplify their commitment to academics, athletics, student leadership, and visual and performing arts. Eighteen students were recognized as “lifers” who enrolled at the school in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, or first grade. View the full list of Senior Awards.
To watch more highlights from this year’s Commencement, view a live stream of the ceremony.
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.