Chiemela Anyanwu – Senior Spotlight
This post originally appeared on MHSKids.org
When Chiemela Anyanwu was in seventh grade, she enrolled at Milton Hershey School after her family decided it was the best opportunity for her to succeed.
“I had a pretty rough at-home situation. Finances were bad, and we could barely pay for school supplies. MHS seemed like the best option because we were really struggling,” said Chiemela. “Without MHS, I would not have gotten anywhere close to the same education or opportunities. My life would have been completely different.”
Originally from Baltimore, Chiemela took advantage of every opportunity available at the school to strengthen her skillset, deepen her knowledge, and discover her passions. Through the school’s Career and Technical Education program, she completed the Law, Public Safety and Security pathway where she found her passion for public speaking.
She also received several industry-recognized certifications and joined organizations that matched her interest in law, including the Mock Trial team which placed fifth in the state last school year. Chiemela also participates in the Temple Program where she is earning 17 college credits by completing college-level courses on the MHS campus.
“I already come from an impoverished background, so anything I can do to get ahead and match my peers outside of MHS, I’m going to take the opportunity,” Chiemela said. “The experience at MHS is going to really benefit my future. I’ve learned a lot in my career pathway, and I think I’m ready to go into the legal field.”
Chiemela will be attending American University in Washington D.C. in the fall to study international relations. Thanks to the college and career preparation at MHS, students like Chiemela can overcome the barriers of poverty and gain the confidence to succeed in various industries.
MHS students excel in and out of the classroom with individualized attention, opportunities to challenge themselves, and a strong focus on character and leadership. Many students develop strong compassion for others and the desire to give back to their communities.
“After college, I just want to be successful and independent. I want to work for the common good and help people,” Chiemela added.
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.