True Tales of Spartan Spirit
When a child enrolls at Milton Hershey School, he/she becomes a part of an extended family that includes houseparents, teachers, coaches, staff, alumni, and retirees who share a common goal to help students take advantage of the opportunities for success the School offers.
The Milton Hershey School Spartan Spirit can be observed any time and anywhere around campus. It may be a challenge to work harder or encouragement to keep trying. Sometimes it’s just taking the time to listen.
The 2011-12 MHS Community Calendar highlights Milton Hershey School Spartan Spirit in a special section called,
True Tales of Spartan Spirit
at Milton Hershey School. Unfortunately there weren’t enough pages in the calendar for the numerous responses received from students, so we decided to publish them online. As you read the
True Tales of Spartan Spirit
below, be inspired by these meaningful moments of Spartan Spirit told by MHS students in their own words.
True Tales of Spartan Spirit
"Whenever we need Mr. Fasick at the student home, he’ll come right over no matter what he’s doing." — Kylinda, Elementary School Student
Scott Fasick is a Home Life administrator in the Elementary Division
"Mr. Newborn influenced me to serve our country and help the world." — Jack, Middle School Student
"Mr. Newborn made me like social studies, and makes me want to be a teacher." — Jordan, Middle School Student
Maurice Newborn is a teacher in the Middle Division
"Mr. Allen has made an impact on my life. The way he impacted my life was by helping learn I should never give up even if it is hard at times." — Brian, Middle School Student
"My houseparents, Mr. and Mrs. Allen, helped me lose weight." — Damian, Middle School Student
"My houseparent, Mr. Allen, helped me learn how to ride a bike and get over my fears." — Tyler, Middle School Student
"The Allens have taught me many lessons. They have corrected my mistakes and carefully built solutions for me." — Dan, Middle School Student
Aaron & Erica Allen are houseparents in the Middle Division
"Mrs. Kane helped me with my spelling." — Elizabeth DeJesus, Elementary School Student
Nora Kane is a teacher in the Elementary Division
"The Carlsons impacted my life by teaching me manners. An example is they taught me how to put a napkin on my lap, how to chew with my mouth closed, and how to treat furniture." — Jamaal Hall, Middle School Student
Scott and Abbi Carlson are houseparents in the Elementary Division
"Mrs. Thomasson was my first and only dance teacher who taught me so many skills and techniques. Without her I wouldn’t have dance in my life." — Melaycia, Middle School Student
Jill Thomasson is a teacher in the Middle Division
"Mr. Carter helps me with words that I can’t pronounce." — Filiberto, Elementary School Student
Brandon Carter is a teacher in the Elementary Division
"Mr. and Mrs. McKnight helped me with some struggles. They also encouraged me to do better and they push me to reach my goals and abilities, which I appreciate very much." — Hailey, Middle School Student
"Whenever we talk, Mrs. McKnight encourages me and gives me tips about life and lifts me up spiritually." — Kristie, Middle School Student
Pat and Melanie McKnight are houseparents in the Middle Division
"I wasn’t sure how I would adapt to MHS at first, but all of my friends and teachers made the environment a place I am going to hate leaving. My houseparents have done loads for me in the short amount of time I’ve been here, and I am forever grateful." — Valkyrie, Middle School Student
"Every time I wanted to give up on my math work, Mrs. Mosier was there pushing me a little harder each time. She’s always there when I have a question. She never gives up on me." — Mary, Middle School Student
Sharon Mosier is a teacher in the Middle Division
"Mrs. Black has encouraged me. She always told me I could do whatever I wanted to do. She made my time here worthwhile. Mr. and Mrs. Black were always fun and they always had something to do. Their two favorite things to do with us were swim and skate. I think they were the best houseparents." — Dean, Middle School Student
William and Diane Black are houseparents in the Elementary Division
"My 5th grade teacher, Mr. Mike Campbell, gave me many tips to be successful and he always had faith in me to continue my good behavior and grades when times got rough. He is like my second father and he is always there for me." — Meghan, High School Student
"Mr. Campbell has taught me lessons and told me what I do wrong, so I can fix it." — James, Middle School Student
"Mr. Campbell taught me self-discipline. How he taught me that was, if you are the one who does something then you’re the one who is going to be held responsible." — Michael, Middle School Student
"Mr. Campbell helps me through my ups and downs." — Briana, Middle School Student
Mike Campbell is a teacher in the Middle Division
"Mrs. Hallman does nice things like make her famous monkey bread." — Nafees, Middle School Student
Jennifer Hallman is a housemother in the Middle Division
"Miss Zimmerman is a great person to talk to and can understand." — Alexandra, High School Student
Amelia Zimmerman is a teacher in the Senior Division
"My Biology teacher, Mr. Landenberger showed me how to always be content with life, strive to always be professional, and to complete my assignments on time." — Kyle, High School Student
"Mr. Landenburger makes sure you are learning and he really cares about what is going on outside of school because it impacts your school work. He is an amazing teacher and I learned a lot of life lessons being his student." — Alan, High School Student
Timothy Landenburger is a teacher in the Senior Division
"Mr. Randolph is a nice person to me. I think that he should be my teacher." — Connor, Middle School Student
James Randolph is part of the School’s health services staff
"Mr. and Mrs. Brooks changed my life at MHS. They taught me how to do my chores right and to be responsible. Last year I was such a knucklehead and got into a lot of trouble, and now I don’t." — Angelo, Middle School Student
"I think Mr. and Mrs. Brooks made a difference in my life. Every time I need help about something, they help me out right away." — Martise, Middle School Student
"Mr. Brooks encourages me and helps me to be a preacher." — Dimitrius, Middle School Student
Andre and Cheryl Brooks are houseparents in the Middle Division
"The Cramers made a difference in my life. I had 32 homework clubs in one marking period and in this marking period, I have two homework clubs. I can now look at some new changes on my grades. I went from Cs, Ds, and Fs; now I have As, Bs, and Cs." — Jah'Lia, Middle School Student
"Mrs. Cramer made me more polite. I have less attitude." — Cheyenne, Middle School Student
"Mr. and Mrs. Cramer and Mr. and Mrs. Morales have made a big impact on my life, not only at MHS, but my life at home. They have taught me how to have a more structured life. I also have learned how to have more fun." — Marijke, Middle School Student
Brett and Suzette Cramer are houseparents in the Elementary Division
Salvatore and Kirstie Morales are houseparents in the Middle Division
"Mrs. Ainsworth helped me have God in my life. I came here and really did not understand everything about God. After I put God in my heart, He helped me with everything." — Veronica, Middle School Student
"Mrs. Ainsworth helps me love everybody." — Devohn, Elementary School Student
Debbie Ainsworth is the Religious Programs coordinator for the Elementary Division
"Angelo has helped me so much because he made me get better at my merits—that’s how I made 'Most Improved'." — Elijah, Middle School Student
Angelo is a fellow middle school student
"Mrs. Motter always says, 'don't mind people.' She makes me feel better when people make fun of me because of my language." — Javiela, Middle School Student
"Mrs. Kimberly Motter keeps me on track and motivates me to do what is right." — Markease, Middle School Student
Kimberly Motter is a teacher in the Middle Division
"Mr. and Mrs. Moore helped me get through all my troubles and told me that I would be fine when I go to middle school." — Alyssa, Middle School Student
David and Julie Moore are houseparents in the Elementary Division
"Mariah made me want to do good in my life." — Seth, Middle School Student
Mariah is a fellow middle school student
"Mrs. Williams helped me with my problems and finding solutions to them." — Kether, Middle School Student
Julie Williams is part of the School’s health services staff
"My teacher, Mr. Dearden, makes me laugh from his funniness." — Hunter, Middle School Student
James Dearden is a teacher in the Middle Division
"Mrs. Galloway bought a Leapster and it helps us read and to like doing things by yourself." — Luis, Elementary School Student
Shirl Galloway is a teacher in the Elementary Division
"Mr. Cassel was always a helpful, encouraging, smart, athletic, cool, inspiring, nice man and always pushes people." — Mikael, Middle School Student
Chris Cassel is a teacher in the Middle Division
"Miss Frey showed me how a responsible adult should act and be." — Nathan, Middle School Student
Amanda Frey is a teacher in the Middle Division
"A student in my class named Zoey became my friend and helped me earn good merits. I now want to be a leader too." — Tevin, Middle School Student
Zoey is a fellow middle school student
"MHS has a faculty that is dedicated to each and every student they receive. Dr. Trettin has done all she can in my time being here to make sure I learn what I need to learn to follow my dreams. She has pushed me to do the best I can in, not only her class, but all of my other classes. She has helped me realize that in order to succeed in life you must push yourself. She has inspired me to follow my dreams and become a physician." — David, High School Student
Cynthia Trettin is a teacher in the Senior Division
"When my brother died, Mrs. Oliver came to my student home and spoke to me to help me feel relieved." — Ariel, High School Student
Sharice Oliver is a Student Program leader in the Senior Division
"Mr. and Mrs. Green keep me motivated, even in my hours of discouragement." — Casey, High School Student
"Mr. Green has had a profound influence in the way I go about everyday activities. He taught me to be confident with every decision I have made and taught me the importance to every decision, that there is either a positive or negative consequence. For example I went from being a misbehaved 'Detention,' to an improving 'Spartan' who leads others in a positive way." — Jordan, High School Student
Sheldon and Elizabeth Green are houseparents in the Senior Division
"Mrs. Peiffer from the Human resources office listens to anything that I have to say about MHS and my journey here. She also gives me good advice on how to stay out of trouble." — Cherry, High School Student
Janett Peiffer is a retired employee of Milton Hershey School
"Nina Jett always sees the bright side of things and the good side of people as well as encourages others to succeed regardless of their obstacles/circumstances. Mrs. Jett’s positive traits are contagious and cause me to see things in a different perspective. She’s a mother figure. I call her Momma Jett!" — Jasmin, High School Student
Nina Jett is part of the School’s health services staff
"Even though I got a transfer from that student home, I still visit and love Mr. and Mrs. Singletary dearly." — Maya, High School Student
Clint and Jill Singletary are houseparents in the Middle Division
"My fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Gebhard has given me advice on how to work with people in the classroom and the student home." — Tylette, High School Student
"Miss Gebhard encourages me. She is kind to me. I am glad she is my teacher." — Ahnon, Middle School Student
Jody Gebhard is a teacher in the Middle Division
"I can talk to Mrs. Lehmann about anything and she gives good advice." — Imani, High School Student
Holly Lehmann is part of the School’s health services staff
"Mr. Forry was there for me whenever I needed to talk to him. When things would go wrong, I would talk things out with him and he would give me advice on what to do." — Gabrielle, High School Student
John Forry is a housefather in the Senior Division
"Mr. Gurt shows that you can still have fun and be a leader at the same time. He is someone that I can go to for any problem and he will try his hardest to fix it or at least make me smile." — Somer, High School Student
Peter Gurt is an executive administrator and an alumnus of the School
"Mr. Isenberg helped me gain more interest and gave some of the greatest learning experiences that any student could learn. He taught me in order to be good at what you are doing you have to love it also." — Jessica, High School Student
Nicholas Isenberg is a teacher in the Senior Division
"Mr. and Mrs. Luciani always try to bring people up and never bring them down. They tell me I do a good job and are proud of me!" — Dakota, Middle School Student
Dennis and Barbara Luciani are houseparents in the Middle Division
"Casey Ainsworth always told me to never give up and be a part of something bigger than yourself." — Faatimah, High School Student
Casey Ainsworth is a teacher in the Middle Division
"I try to be a good student because I know Mrs. Brown cares about me succeeding. — Alexander, Middle School Student"
Deborah Brown is a retired employee of Milton Hershey School
"My houseparents, Mr. and Mrs. McQuiddy, help me through right and wrong situations." — Megan, Middle School Student
"When we were all outside, I was riding my bike and I got hurt. The McQuiddys took me to the Health Center and helped me with taking care of my injury." — Stephanie, Middle School Student
Jason and Tabitha McQuiddy are houseparents in the Middle Division
"Mr. and Mrs. Goodyear help me stay on good levels. They say, "Get higher," or "Keep going." They made an impact on my life by supporting me all the time." — Khraila, Middle School Student
Tim and Mindy Goodyear are houseparents in the Senior Division
"Mrs. Troxell has made a difference in my life through acting. When we were acting out the play, “Little Women,” she paused us, and talked to me about how to get my inner personalities out. Thank you Mrs. Troxell." — Katie, Middle School Student
Beth Troxell is a drama instructor in the Middle Division
"Dr. Murphy helped me with a lot of my problems. She gave us treats and she cares about all of my family." — Gwen, Middle School Student
"Dr. Murphy always supports me with anything that I need help with. She makes me happy when I’m sad and she always is there to tell me not to give up and to persevere through my life no matter how hard things get." — Denise, Middle School Student
Virginia Murphy is part of the School’s health services staff
"Mr. and Mrs. Cowan made a difference in my life by helping me with my homesickness and I love their dog, Riley. They are so nice to me and to other people." — Jamie, Middle School Student
"Mr. and Mrs. Cowan changed my life by helping me with my anger. Also got me active and stronger." — Aneesah, Elementary School Student
"Mr. Cowan taught me to be very nice to people. Mrs. Cowan is always being nice to me and the other girls." — Chancey, Elementary School Student
"Mr. Cowan encouraged me to do well." — Osiana, Elementary School Student
"Mrs. Cowan takes care of me and teaches me how to do the right thing." — Cassandra, Elementary School Student
"Mrs. Cowan helped me to be respectful to people. She also taught me how to be kind to people because I would usually be yelling at people and being rude." — Priscilla, Elementary School Student
Craig and Dianna Cowan are houseparents in the Elementary Division
"Mr. Galloway always motivates you to do what you’re supposed to. He says if people you hang out with drag you down and your grades get low, don’t worry about them and do your work. Keep working hard to keep your grades high." — Kaisha, Middle School Student
Leroy Galloway is a teacher in the Middle Division
"When I am having a rough time with something Ashley helps me. Also when I am doing my homework and I don’t know something, she tries to explain it without telling me the answer. She is like my own teacher. She taught me how to do multiplication and division. Also she asks her houseparents to eat dinner with our student home." — Katelyn, Elementary School Student
"Ashley helps us with our homework." — Jabreea, Elementary School Student
"Ashley helps me with my math." — Chloe, Elementary School Student
Ashley is a high school student
"When I first came, the Gerards took care of me like they were my parents. They watched me grow up, and picked me up when I fell down. Without them, I wouldn’t be the person I am today." — Mariam, Middle School Student
Greg and Juli Gerard are houseparents in the Elementary Division
"Consider Dr. Franzese. She made a difference in my life." — Adjahne, Elementary School Student
Bettina Franzese is part of the School’s health services staff
"Mr. McCurdy has helped me a lot. He makes me smile all the time. Also when I have problems, all I have to do is go to him." — Marcel, Middle School Student
Myron McCurdy is a Home Life administrator in the Middle Division and an alumnus of the School
"Eugene is good with all age groups. He loves the little kids. He’s easy to talk to." — Rasheeda, High School Student
"Eugene is very energetic and when you get on the bus, you just feel happy and he recognizes your face if you go on the bus a lot." — Ashira, High School Student
Eugene Dunkleberger is a driver in the Transportation department
"My houseparents, Mr. and Mrs. Schaeffer, help me a lot. They helped me learn what I want to be when I grow up—video game creator." — Imoi, Elementary School Student
Robert and Melinda Shaeffer are houseparents in the Elementary Division
"My houseparents, Mr. and Mrs. Linams, help me to live well and they teach us good manners." — Jade, Elementary School Student
Garry and Brenda Linam are houseparents in the Elementary Division
"Mrs. Rabassi-Davis helped me do good in plays." — Trenton, Elementary School Student
Anna Marie Rabassi-Davis is performing arts instructor in the Elementary Division
"My houseparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lee taught me new things and helped me as a new kid. They taught me a lot about God." — Omaris, Middle School Student
"Mr. and Mrs. Lee helped me break my habit of talking back." — Mariah, Elementary School Student
Kyle and Christine Lee are houseparents in the Elementary Division
"My houseparents, Mrs. Powell and Mr. Powell, help me to do my chores." — Justice, Elementary School Student
Phillip and Cathy Powell are houseparents in the Elementary Division
"Mr. Finley made a difference in my life because he is the closest I have ever had to a father." — Jenna, Middle School Student
Russell Finley is a teacher in the Middle Division
"Mr. and Mrs. Reeder helped me when I was homesick." — Joseph, Middle School Student
Carl and Nicole Reeder are houseparents in the Middle Division
"My old houseparent Mr. Martin said when he was a boy, he didn’t want to do his homework either and when he didn’t, he got consequences. From then on, I’ve tried to do the best I can even when I comes to homework." — Isatu, Middle School Student
Ricky Martin is a housefather in the Elementary Division
"Mrs. Nickels impacted my life by making me do everything on my own. I have become smarter because I actually looked up the information on my own." — Desirea, Middle School Student
Kelly Nickels is a teacher in the Middle Division
