Traditions Dear Thy - Milton Hershey School

Thy
Milton HersHey scHool ® AluMni MAgAzine
Traditions Dear
spring 2012
fellowship weekend 2012
Celebrating 50 years in business: Capozucca Brothers • Alumnus teaches respect and
stewardship for marine environment • MHS moves from couch to 5K

Welcome from... Nicole Rode
greetings, Alumni!
i am honored to
write to you about
my experiences with
Milton Hershey
school as a first-year
teacher. i wasn’t sure
where to begin until i
was sitting in church
and our pastor said,
“never give up on
your dreams…” My
thoughts went to
December 2008 when
i was introduced to
Milton Hershey school
as a student teacher. From the moment i stepped foot on campus, i knew it was
my dream to serve the students in this school and uphold the values and mission
that make this the greatest school ever established.
i student taught in a fourth-grade classroom and remember learning so
much about being a good teacher. What was most visible was not how much
knowledge my mentor teacher had about academics, but the amount of respect
she had for each one of her students and the importance of teaching character
education. it was obvious to me that if i wanted to teach here, i had to do more
than know how to teach curriculum. i had to make this experience personal and
invest my time, emotions, and myself in order to get the most out of my students,
being here, and appreciating all that the school has to offer.
By the time my student teaching experience was over, i wanted nothing more
than to be a fourth-grade teacher in the exact room where i student taught. As
luck would have it, there would be a fourth-grade position coming available after
i graduated in May 2009. MHs had changed my life, and teaching our kids had
forever made a positive impact on me! i was certain this was the time i would
finally live out my dream to be a teacher at MHs and serve kids in need, kids
who also taught me that i needed them.
i applied, did mock interviews, was observed by the principal and veteran
teachers, and guess what? i didn’t even get interviewed for the job. i knew in my
heart that i was meant to teach at MHs, so i decided to do more. i applied to
be a substitute for the rest of the 2009 school year. Afterwards i taught summer
school at MHs for two years while i started my career as a teacher in another
district.
When i applied for year three of summer school, i was informed of an
available fourth-grade teaching position. never giving up the dream i had to
work side by side with the greatest teachers and students i have ever met, i
applied. today, i am happy to say i am living my dream as a fourth-grade teacher
in the exact room where i student taught three years ago. every day i walk in the
door, i feel so blessed to be a part of one of the greatest missions in the world: to
serve kids in need, whom i need as well.
nicole rode
MHs Fourth-grade teacher
Thy
Traditions
Dear
The Mission of “Thy Traditions Dear”
is to share the stories of the Milton
Hershey School family with our alumni,
students, staff and retirees in honor
and celebration of our founders,
Milton & Catherine Hershey.
Advisory Board
Lew Webster
Sr. Director, Student Character &
Leadership
Fonati Ward ’01
Lead Transitional Living Coordinator
Pastor Mike Wagner
Director, Religious Education
Sharon Hufford
Associate Director,
Middle Division Home Life
John Hanawalt ’70
Alumnus
Kim Garosi
Admin. Assistant, Elementary Division
Doreen Garman
Coordinator, Alumni Campus
John Forry
Home Life Training Specialist
Tracy Fellin
Coordinator, School Communications
Deanna (Bradley) Slamans ’91
Housemother
Susan Alger
Coordinator, School History
Editor
Catherine Skena
Coordinator, Alumni Programs
Assistant Editor
Ralph Carfagno ‘73
Sr. Director, Alumni Relations & Programs
Thy
Traditions Dear
Milton HersHey scHool ® AluMni MAgAzine
spring 2012
fellowship weekend 2012
Celebrating 50 Years in Business: Capozucca Brothers • Alumnus teaches respect and
stewardship for marine environment • MHS moves from couch to 5K
More than 700 students, staff, alumni
and guests participated in the second
annual MHS Alumni Association Cancer
Care 5K on April 21. Proceeds from the
event have surpassed $15,000, and will
be used to provide assistance to alumni
who are battling cancer. Pictured, from
left, are eighth-grade student Amanda
Dayton, seniors Paul Lyons and Abayomi
Olaogun, Bill Coskey ‘79, and eighthgrade
student Leila Asemani.

Contents
Features
2 Celebrating 50 years in
business: Capozucca Brothers
6 Alumnus teaches respect and
stewardship for marine environment
12 MHS moves from couch to 5K
Departments
4 School and Student News
8 Department of School History
10 Fellowship Weekend 2012
Scrapbook
14 Alumni Relations News
16 Alumni Association News
and Class Notes
10
12
6
2
Thy TradiTions dear 1

As they celebrate the 50th anniversary of capozucca
Brothers plumbing and Heating in pittston, Al ’54 and
ray ’57 capozucca know their lives could have turned out
quite differently without the wisdom of their mother and
the generosity of Milton s. Hershey.
in 1945, their father died of black lung disease—the result
of working in the coal mines near their home in pittston.
their mother struggled to raise three young boys on social
security benefits, prompting their oldest brother, reno, to
quit eighth grade and work in the mines. not wanting to lose
her entire family to the mines, their mom took the advice
of a family friend, Dino stella ’41, an MHs (then Hershey
industrial school) graduate from a nearby town, and found
what promised to be a better way for her youngest sons.
Al and ray arrived at MHs in september 1949. ray
was going into fifth grade, and Al
started in eighth grade. the opportunity
to learn a trade at the school would give
them options other than working in the
mines or the factory back home. they
both wanted to be carpenters, but their
uncle Arthur encouraged them to learn
the plumbing trade so they could work
all year long and work indoors.
the boys were close, living together
at green Hill for all but one year of their
time together at the school. When they
needed to speak to each other privately,
they spoke in italian, a skill they learned
from their mother and grandmother.
Both recall their years at MHs
fondly. they worked hard and bonded
with their classmates. Many of their
friendships continue today through their
involvement in the alumni association
and participation in MHs events.
2 Thy TradiTions dear
Celebrating 50 years in business:
Capozucca Brothers credit Milton
Hershey with giving them their start
By Emily Nardella
“i have only missed three homecomings,” says Al, who
sometimes made six to seven trips to the school each year,
“two when i was in the service and in germany and one
when my son was born.”
“the friendships, the closeness we had. it’s an
experience that you go through—like being in the service.
it’s hard to explain,” says ray. “our ties are still very
strong. My dearest friends for more than 60 years are [the
late] Bob Adair ’57 and Dave Bowser ’57. i still keep in
touch with Bob’s wife, Bev, and Dave. these are guys you
will never forget in your life. they used to call us home
boys, and they knew what they were talking about.”
in addition to building friendships, they learned their
trade as their mother wisely put their social security
benefits into savings.
“our teachers and houseparents were
all super people. they looked out for
our betterment. their hearts were in it,”
says ray.
“it was a very special place,” says
Al. “through the legacy of his school,
Mr. Hershey took over where my
father couldn’t and gave me a home
and education. i always said i had two
fathers—the one who brought me into
this world and Milton Hershey.”
they were thankful for the
opportunities at the school but looked
forward to returning to pittston. Al
declined an offer to work for the
Hershey estates after graduation, and
ray, who excelled in wrestling, turned
down a college wrestling scholarship.
they both worked for area plumbers
when they got out of school and learned
the electrical trade on the job.

the desire to stay rooted
in pittston fueled ray’s
decision to start the business
after both brothers completed
military service. He was
frustrated by the wages
contractors paid him and
vowed he would start his own
business or move to a larger
city to find work. When
he started his plumbing and
electrical business in the
spring of 1962, he quickly
accumulated more work than
he could handle alone and
convinced his brother to join
him that fall.
the young capozucca
brothers were very
compatible in business. they shared the same work ethic
and put in long hours, often working seven days a week.
in the late 1970s, a good family friend died, and they
purchased his retail fuel and oil burner business, adding it
to their complement of services.
“it’s been great. We’ve worked for one big boss—the
public. We never had a day off, but we never had to lay
anyone off either,” says Al. “We were very fortunate to
have rewarding work that has enabled us to live a good,
comfortable life in an area that’s very depressed.”
“Milton Hershey school gave me my life. it’s that
simple,” says ray. “they educated us in a trade and gave
us the opportunity to stay with it and earn a good living.
We’ve been able to give our children so many opportunities
because of it.”
While they both regret missing time with their
budding families, there is satisfaction in having created a
strong business for the next
generation of their close-knit
family to carry on. Al retired
in 2005, giving his half of
the business to his son, Allan.
Al’s wife, pat, continues
handling bookkeeping for the
company as she has for more
than 30 years. ray’s son,
ray, Jr., is prepared to assume
the other half of the business
when ray retires in a couple
of years.
Al wishes he could have
personally thanked Milton
Hershey, who died just four
years before they came to his
school, for the opportunities
he was given, and he has
uttered many quiet thank you’s to him throughout his life.
“i thought about Milton Hershey many times while i
was out on the road in the middle of the night to make
a repair,” says Al. “that school was my life, and saying
‘thank you’ helped keep me going. He never left my mind.”
“if it weren’t for Mr. Hershey, i don’t know what we
would have done. Mom didn’t have the money to send us
to college. We would have had to work in the factory like
all the other kids. He made our life everything it is today.
We owe that to the Milton Hershey school,” says ray.
their mother made the sacrifice of sending her two
youngest sons away to school for several years, but she had
many years to be proud of their success. she died just seven
years ago at the age of 94. ray claims that, although she
only had an eighth-grade education, her decision to let
them go to Milton Hershey school proved just how smart
she was.
Thy TradiTions dear 3

The Student Voice
10th-Grader writes
about District Chorus
experience
by Riviera Sperduto,
MHS Sophomore
As the choir began to sing and
the voice parts melded together
at the start of the first rehearsal,
you could tell that this was not
your ordinary choir. i came into
Waynesboro High school not knowing what to expect, wondering if it was
going to be similar or different than the District chorus. When i walked into the
auditorium, my old friends from District chorus came in to greet me warmly,
almost immediately. it was a welcoming experience like no other. i also made
some new friends there, and they were just as friendly as my old District chorus
friends were. i made a great connection with them over those three days and i
will not forget the experiences i had with them. Also, i auditioned for All-state
chorus while there. it was nerve-wracking, but i still managed to do my best on
it. overall i placed 12th out of 26, so i was six places away from going to Allstate.
i am proud of what i did, and i am going to work my hardest so that i can
improve my skills and hopefully go to All-state next year. When it came time
for the concert, all 200+ of us put forth our best efforts and created a spectacular
concert. As a kid only in high school, i am looking to try to pursue a career in
musical theater and hope to be up on the big stage of Broadway someday.
Student finds success by
choosing health lifestyle
by Deleila Alloui, MHS Junior
A healthy lifestyle entails
making various changes in
your life that include eating a
well-balanced diet, exercising
regularly, and maintaining a happy
and stress-free life. At Milton
Hershey school, we recognize
the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles to both the student body and the
faculty on our campus. this year, our goal is to make sure that we all not just
learn about the factors of being healthy, but also make these factors part of our
everyday lives.
the school has been doing it through various activities on campus, such as
zumba dance classes, keeping the fitness room open daily, and even holding
workout sessions after school. the students have been meeting this goal by taking
part in these activities, and they are slowly changing their lifestyles in a positive
way. the student government Association has been encouraging these students
through posting interesting facts around campus and awarding the students who
are taking part in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
it is important to know that anybody can obtain their personal goals if they
are willing and determined. last year, i decided that i needed to change my
lifestyle to be healthier, which included eating better, and working out more.
After about half a year, i lost 50 pounds. this just shows that determination in
meeting your fitness goals can get you very far.
4 Thy TradiTions dear
Senior learns to be better
leader through wrestling
by Sharron Townsend, MHS Senior
Wrestling to me is more than just
a hobby or an activity; it’s my life. i
have been wrestling for four years.
i joined wrestling because i knew
it could teach me a lot, and that it
did. it taught me how to become a
champion, how to battle, and how to
be a better leader.
in wrestling, i was always
surrounded by people similar to
myself -- young, full of energy,
motivated for success, and self-less.
everyone was there to push others.
i can recall one kid who never
wrestled a varsity match, but yet he
came to practice day in and day out
to give 100 percent every day. even
though he didn’t wrestle as much,
he knew that because of his efforts
he was bettering someone else. We
strongly believe, “team above self.”
the toughest time for me was
when we started post-season. things
just weren’t the same without all of
the guys in the room. i had to adjust
to that. time was winding down
and there were things that i still had
wanted to accomplish. We worked at
stepping things up in the room, and
the results showed. Wrestlers made
names for themselves and represented
Milton Hershey well. one wrestler
in particular, omri Johnson, had an
incredible career, not to mention one
of the best seasons he has had yet,
ending as a two-time state qualifier
to join me on the wall with my
sixth-place finish in the state piAA
Wrestling tournament.

Senior David Demler
receives Manada
Conservancy Environmental
Achievement Award
Milton Hershey school ® senior
David Demler has been named a
recipient of a Manada conservancy
environmental Achievement Award by the Hummelstownbased
Manada conservancy. the award is given annually
to a high school senior from MHs, as well as lower
Dauphin and Hershey High schools, who has “excelled in
environmental studies and contributed to the stewardship
and protection of natural resources.” Winners receive a
cash award and a conservancy membership.
Demler, of newville, has been an MHs student since
seventh grade. He served as an environmental education
department intern since ninth grade and has participated
in numerous activities promoting good environmental
practices at MHs. He also is a member of the ice hockey
team and participates in the art media co-curricular
program.
currently, Demler has an internship with great saves
productions at the giAnt center in Hershey. He plans
to attend point park university in pittsburgh to major in
cinematography.
“He really ‘gets it, when it comes to being green,”
said crystal Huff, director of MHs Agricultural and
environmental education. “While his career ambitions
are not in the environmental field, he has developed an
environmental ethic that will help him to be a good citizen
of the planet earth.”
the Manada conservancy is a land trust — a local,
non-profit organization — dedicated to the preservation of
the natural, historic, agricultural, and scenic resources of
Dauphin county and to the promotion of environmental
education.
Tops in
Pennsylvania
senior John
Blanton left the
April skillsusA
state competition
with a gold
medal in related
technical Math,
while senior emily schurgin earned a silver medal
in culinary Arts. skillsusA is a national nonprofit
organization serving teachers and high school and college
students who are preparing for careers in trade, technical,
and skilled service occupations. congratulations to the
medalists and all of MHs’s state competitors, pictured
here with co-Advisor Josh Brunk ’05. From left, Kaylee
Kilgore, tyrone robinson, Brunk, Anna Marhefka, John
Blanton, and emily schurgin.
School and Student News
Agricultural Secretary visits MHS class
in recognition of national teach Ag Day, March 15,
pennsylvania secretary of Agriculture george greig
stopped by nick isenberg’s Agriculture and natural
resources class. pictured here are, from left: Brittany
strausser, Krystal Moore, lily o’Brassill, tevin scott,
shakira Morales, ryan lake, robert guseman,
secretary greig, saraBeth royer, and Jenna Mosser.
royer and Mosser both are pennsylvania FFA officers.
secretary greig also presented isenberg with a certificate
commending him for excellence in agriculture education.
Visit to Twizzler
plant
eighth-graders Jerrica
Bechtold, gianna trivett,
and Jabesso yadeto shinka
model the latest in hairnet
fashion while visiting y&s
candies, the Hershey
company subsidiary that manufactures twizzlers licorice.
the students and adults, paired with their student homes
through project Fellowship, toured the plant in April. More
than 700 people – including students and staff from 35 student
homes – attended the event. project Fellowship volunteers
comprise staff from the Hershey company, Hershey
entertainment & resorts, the M.s. Hershey Foundation, and
the penn state Milton s. Hershey Medical center.
Good dog!
sixth-grader gavin
Harris works with lucy,
a service dog in training.
sharon stalker and her
husband Brian, houseparents
at student home sherman,
have trained numerous
dogs over the years for
susquehanna service Dogs.
students in the home can volunteer to assist with the care
of the dogs. sharon was featured in March in a story on
ABc27 for her work with the service dog organization.
Thy TradiTions dear 5

At Aquarium of the Pacific,
alumnus teaches respect and stewardship
for marine environment By Perry Hampton ’76
i recently had the distinct pleasure of hosting a dinner
and reception with Milton Hershey school and the
MHs Alumni Association for alumni who live in the
southwest united states at the Aquarium of the pacific in
long Beach, calif., where i am vice president of animal
husbandry. it was great to see all the alumni, most of
whom i had never met, and just a few who i remembered
from my days at MHs. everyone seemed to enjoy the
evening with updates and comments from senior
Director of Alumni relations and programs
ralph carfagno ’73, chair of the Hershey
trust company and the MHs Board of
Managers robert cavanaugh ’77, and
member of the Board of Directors and
Hershey trust company Joe senser ’74. i
was thrilled that MHs chose to hold the
event at our aquarium.
Working in the public aquarium field is
admittedly a rather unusual profession, and
certainly not something i ever imagined
that i would be doing when i was a student
at MHs. like many of the other students
who experienced working in the barns at
6 Thy TradiTions dear
the time, i wasn’t thrilled about having to go out in the cold
mornings to have my feet stepped on, or my face slapped by
a cow’s wet tail, but even then i had a special affection for
the animals which i’m sure somehow helped guide me into
my later career. of course, the animals that my staff and i are
responsible for now are a far cry from the cows at MHs.
i learned over the years, however, that whether it’s a
cow, shark, snake or sea otter, caring for them requires
patience, attention to detail and, most of all, a deep
sense of responsibility. the animals don’t care
that you had a tough day yesterday, or that
it’s a holiday, or that you really want to cut
out early today to get to the game. they
depend upon us for everything, so we have
to deliver. the work and study habits i
developed at MHs helped to instill those
View of the Long Beach Aquarium’s Great
Hall of the Pacific, featuring a life-sized model of
an adult blue whale and calf.
Perry moving a Southern Pacific rattlesnake
that was loaned to the Aquarium from the
Los Angeles Zoo as part of an exhibit featuring
venomous animals.

values in me as a young student, and i try to
pass them along to my staff.
i started as a volunteer at the new england
Aquarium in Boston, shortly after graduating
from long island university, where my
interest in all things related to the ocean was
cultivated. it was also where i met my future
wife Jackie. We soon moved to Maryland,
where i was fortunate enough to get a
position at the newly built national Aquarium
in Baltimore. i ended up spending 15 years
there, caring for most of the animals in the
collection at one time or another, supervising
the volunteer diving program, and eventually
serving as assistant curator of fishes.
in 1997, after talking it over with my
family, we decided that it was time for a
change of venue and moved to long Beach,
where the Aquarium of the pacific was under
construction. i became one of the curators
responsible for hiring staff, building animal
holding facilities and acquiring the specimens
that would eventually make their way into the
Aquarium’s displays.
i am extremely fortunate to have been
able to pursue a career that puts me in daily
contact with lots of interesting and unusual
animals, but the best part without any doubt,
is the opportunity to work with a great group
of people who are highly motivated and
passionate about their work.
it is especially rewarding to see the
reactions of our guests, particularly children,
as they marvel at the strange, but
often beautiful, creatures
behind the glass. our
goal, however, is to
be more than a
building full of
pretty fish. We
hope that our
visitors will
leave with a
greater sense
of respect and
stewardship
for the marine
environment, and
from what they are
telling us, it seems to be
working.
Perry briefs other staff members before a specimen
collection dive in California’s Northern Channel Islands.
Guests watch as volunteer SCUBA divers work in
the Aquarium’s Blue Cavern exhibit.
Thy TradiTions dear 7

Department of School History
History’s Mystery: A second date stone on
The Homestead
recent renovations to the birthplace of Mr. Hershey
uncovered an unusual architectural feature – and one
hidden from view for more than 100 years.
When isaac
and Anna
Hershey, great
grandparents
of Mr.
Hershey, built
the stone
portion of
the Homestead in 1826, they included a date stone on the
second floor over the main entrance. A recent renovation
to the front porch exposed the original brownstone
entrance stoop. A closer examination of the stoop proved
this to be no ordinary stoop, but a second date stone also
inscribed with the date of 1826.
the appearance of two date stones with the same
date is not uncommon in this area of pennsylvania. in
recognition of the pennsylvania german heritage of the
area, a farmhouse might include one stone in german, like
the one on the second floor stone at the Homestead, and
a second adjacent stone in english. What is unusual is that
the second stone located in the stoop only includes a date,
yet appears to be in the same style and hand as the secondfloor
stone.
the reason
behind the
location of the
stone is also a
mystery. Did the
Hersheys change
their mind? Did
they decide they
wanted more
than just a date
to appear on their stone? Being good pennsylvania german
farmers, perhaps they then decided to reuse the stone –
taking advantage of its size and strength and recycling it for
a very practical purpose.
While we may never know the answer, the stone
has been removed from its place of hiding and placed in
storage at the MHs Heritage center. A solid piece of stone
measuring slightly longer than four feet long and two
feet deep, its sheer size and weight prevent its immediate
exhibit, though visitors can request to see the stone on their
next visit.
8 Thy TradiTions dear
Students march in Hershey Memorial Day
Parade
A contingent
of students again
honored Milton
Hershey school’s 55
gold star alumni in
this year’s Hershey
Memorial Day
parade on May 28. A
number of students who participated last year have already
expressed interest to march again this year. Many positive
comments about the school’s participation were received,
including this from a local resident, “At the Memorial Day
parade yesterday, the most moving tribute was the senior
Division Milt group, with the gold star…with the t-shirts
that had a photo of a fallen Milt. there was clapping from
everyone who saw that group...What honor they paid to
those fallen.”
Test your knowledge of cultural fun facts
the “centennial timeline” located in the Milton
Hershey school Department of school History at
Kinderhaus highlights 16 watershed events in the life of
the school between the signing of the Deed of trust by
Mr. and Mrs. Hershey in 1909, to the year-long, schoolwide
centennial celebration in 2009. A new interactive
component to the timeline allows students and visitors
to test their knowledge of popular culture and American
history for each of those 16 years. the activity is
appropriate for children of all ages and can be completed by
individuals, families, and even adults. We invite you to test
your knowledge on your next visit!
Fun Fact Answer
The Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Philadelphia Phillies. Pirates win 8-5. The game was
broadcast from the studios of KDKA with sound effects since the announcers
were not present at the game, but simply given reports from a telegraph wire.

Thank You, donors,
supporters
the Department of school
History thanks the following people
who donated objects and/or photos
to the MHs Heritage center at
Kinderhaus as of April 30, 2012.
it also extends appreciation to
those who shared objects with the
center. if anyone has inadvertently
been missed, please contact the
Department of school History so
the listing can be included in an
upcoming issue.
Donald Allender ’51
terry Baylor
nelson Durand, HM
stacey Fink
Brian garman
John geist ’37
Harrisburg Veterans center
gary Hawbaker
Harry Heath ’60
Millie landis-coyle
gerald long ’55
Bruce McKinney ’55
Joseph Meizen ’55
Michael Mulderig ’71
luther o’shell ’58
lois peterman, HM
Jane seiverling
Jennie stella
Department of School History
Alumnus added to Gold Star exhibit
A new gold star alumnus and casualty of the
Korean War is now part of the exhibit in the
Founders Hall Heritage room. corporal paul
H. rickmers ’48 was killed sept. 15, 1951, in an
automobile accident in Arkansas enroute home from
randolph Field, texas, where he was stationed with
the Air corps. An article in the november 1951 The
School Industrialist reported that, “paul was well-liked
by all.” paul learned the printing trade at Hershey
industrial school and worked for the Morning Press in
Bloomsburg before joining the Air corps. An article
in that paper a few days after his death confirmed
his former classmates’ view, “it is going to be quite a
time until most of us around the office will come to
realize fully that the lad with the sunny smile won’t
be dropping in anymore to say ‘hello.’”
What do Dan Marino, Godzilla, and SpongeBob
SquarePants have in common?
At one time or another, each of these
personalities has been immortalized in
chocolate by the Hershey company.
next time you are on campus, take
some time to visit Kinderhaus and see
the variety of molds — both metal and
plastic — that help trace the history
and evolution of the chocolate-making
process. thanks to the generosity of the
Hershey company, students and visitors
now have the opportunity to handle
molds once used in production, trace
past marketing and promotional tie-ins
with outside companies, and observe how
the molding process has changed from
Mr. Hershey’s earliest years in lancaster
to the present. this exhibit is an effort
to better enhance the overall heritage
curriculum of the MHs Department of
school History and to better connect our
students with a specific aspect of their
own legacy.
Revisit the days of Camelot at Homecoming
Do you have fond memories of the camelot room? Be sure to include
a visit to the clyde stacks gallery as part of your 2012 Homecoming
schedule. the gallery will be transformed into a realm of valor, honor,
courage, and good manners. if you have any photos of the camelot room,
please contact susan Alger at algers@mhs-pa.org or (717)520-2010.
Thy TradiTions dear 9

10 Thy TradiTions dear
Fellowship
201

Weekend
2
Thy TradiTions dear 11

MHS moves
from couch
to 5k
By Deanna (Bradley) R. Slamans ‘91
Q: What
A:
12 Thy TradiTions dear
do you get when you combine
six houseparents, 65 students, and
two home life administrators, three
afternoons a week for two months?
The first ever Couch-to-5K® training
program at Milton Hershey School!
During the winter months, on the campus
of MHs, students and houseparents find
it difficult to remain active outdoors due
to the busy days and shorter evenings. But
this past February, a group of houseparents
and students decided to start a new running program that
trains participants for a 5K race, 3.1 miles.
the training program is called couch-to-5K ® and
was started by cool runnings © , a run training program
that boasts becoming fit enough to run a 5K in just two
months. the program is nine weeks long and utilizes a
three-days-a-week run/walk method that slowly increases
the amount of time running while decreasing the amount
of time walking.
For example, during the first week of training,
participants are walking 90 seconds and running 60
seconds, alternating that walk/run method for up to 25
minutes. it is designed to slowly train your heart, body and
mind to the runner’s world.
As the training continued, the transformation began to
take place. students became more and more excited about
how long they were able to keep running. even the faster,
fit runners began to encourage the slower ones to keep
Above and on the facing page: MHS students line up before the first
race on May 2.

going, reminding them that they could
do it.
one student shared that she has used
her inhaler less, since she started the
program, sleeps better at night and lost
four pounds during the first two weeks
of training.
During the fifth and sixth weeks of
training, the intervals increase to 10
minutes of running and only three or
five minutes of walking, or recovery
time, for a total of 25-35 minutes. As
students began to run longer and faster,
they started to get excited about running a 5K.
they were able to show off all of their hard work during
the annual campus-wide Fitness Walk on May 2. the walk
is sponsored by the MHs Health and Fitness committee,
and the committee invites the school’s more than 1,800
students, along with houseparents and staff, to walk a 5K.
the couch-to-5K participants decided that, with their
training completed, they were going to run the entire
course. Along with the 70 couch-to-
5K runners, another 130 students and
staff members came out to run with the
participants, making it a race for 200
people!
the MHs Fitness Walk is not the
only race in which MHs students
participated during the school year.
Houseparents and students ran in the
chocolate tour, a 10K race, or 6.2
miles, to help raise awareness for cancer.
Houseparent Aimee sonderman has
run a 5K each month of the school year
with her student elijadah Warner.
couch-to-5K students and staff were selected as MHs
Wellness Warriors for the month of April because of their
commitment to fitness.
Editor’s Note: The writer, Deanna Slamans ’91, is one of the
houseparents who participated in the Couch-to-5K program.
Welcome
to MHS Wellness Revolution
the spartan Fitness room is a hub of activity before the sun comes up. Many
Milton Hershey school students are not only awake at 6 a.m. — but they’re actually up
and running. But that is not all MHs students are doing to embrace the spartan Wellness
revolution, the healthy living initiative the school launched at the beginning of the
school year. the school also made significant changes to student home and dining hall
menus. And entire student homes are joining the “revolution” by bicycling together,
walking together, and other activities that will set the course for a healthy future.
the goal is to effect a true change of mindset and practice among MHs students.
the school wants them to take responsibility for their individual health and fitness by
making wise food and beverage choices, getting enough exercise, limiting screen time
and getting adequate rest. “And, we want them to learn those habits so they carry them
into adulthood,” MHs president Dr. Anthony colistra ’59 said. “that’s a lesson that
will last a lifetime.”
Thy TradiTions dear 13

Alumni Relations News
Alumni re-connect at regional events
More than 80 gather for Florida Alumni Dinner
Alumni and their guests had an opportunity for
fellowship and an update about MHs and the MHs
Alumni Association on saturday in orlando. Among
those representing the MHs Board of Managers, MHs
and MHsAA were gen. richard zilmer ’70 (ret.), Dr.
Anthony colistra ’59, ralph carfagno ’73, catherine
skena, Amy (Mccloskey) tobin ’86, and Mark sauder ’95.
More than 60 gather for California Alumni Dinner
Alumni and their guests had an opportunity for
fellowship and an update about MHs and the MHs
Alumni Association on saturday at the Aquarium of
the pacific, long Beach, calif., where alumnus perry
Hampton ’76 is vice president of husbandry. Among those
representing the MHs Board of Managers, MHs and
MHsAA were Board chair Bob cavanaugh ’77, Board
Member Joe senser ’74, MHs senior Vice president
pete gurt ’85, senior Director of Alumni relations
and programs ralph carfagno ’73, Alumni programs
coordinator catherine skena, and MHsAA Vice
presidents John Mueller ‘92 and Matt Ward ‘91. pictured
are the alumni who attended.
14 Thy TradiTions dear
Alumnae lead ‘Girls Day with the Grads’ for
8th grade students
ten alumnae, Middle school principal tanya Barton,
and Alumni programs coordinator catherine skena lead
a day-long program for 8th-grade girls on March 10 at
catherine Hall. the goal of the program was to prepare
the students to be independent young women who focus on
making decisions for a sound future, and prepare them to
transition to 9th grade. thank you to the following women
for volunteering to spend the day with their future alumni
sisters: phillipa Ashby ’89, Deesha Dyer ’95, Kimberly
(Bishop) elenberg ’88, Asheleigh (Wykoff) Forsburg ’02,
stacie (yeager) gordon ’87, lisa (tameka peten) Haidara
’92, Kayla Hidlay ’08, Andrea (Mason) isenberg ’92,
Marilyn pantoja ’03, and Amy (Mccloskey) tobin ’86.
Pictured is one of the activities, the tarp challenge, during which
groups of students were given a short period of time to turn over a
tarp without any of them stepping off of the tarp.
New Dearden House display features
touch-screen videos
A new display in the Dearden House community
room exhibit area features a touch screen that showcases
portions of the Alumnus of the year videos and Milton
Hershey school Minutes. the MHs Minutes, created
by MHs Video Media Manager Doug legore, highlight
various aspects of life today at MHs. the one-minute
videos range from tributes to retiring employees and
special events to everyday student life. Many of the MHs
Minutes are shared through the “spartan Minute” that is
sent via email each week to alumni for whom MHs has
email addresses. When returning to MHs, please visit the
Dearden Alumni campus to see the new display.

MHS names Alumni Achievement Award recipients
During April’s Alumnisenior
Dinner, Milton
Hershey school announced
the three winners of the
Alumni Achievement Awards.
Developed in 1997, the awards
recognize graduates for
unique, specific, or significant
accomplishments in career
achievement, community
service, and academic
excellence. the school also
recognizes members of the
senior class who best mirror the
accomplishments of the alumni
being honored. photos of the
alumni will be on display in the Founders Hall rotunda for
a year. the 2012 winners are:
• Career Achievement: Marcus Paul James ’99 –
James is an actor, singer, and songwriter who currently
performs in the off-Broadway production of RENT and
recently released a new album. He was last seen in the
ensemble of the tony Award-winning In The Heights.
prior to that, he was a part of the closing cast of the
Broadway run of RENT as Mr. Jefferson and others. He
is a graduate of penn state university.
the senior class recipient of the award is Tyler scott,
who aspires to become a graphic communication and
design specialist and recently completed an internship with
Hershey entertainment & resorts co.’s creative design
department. He plans to attend st. John’s university.
• Academic Excellence: Anna-Christine Scull ’07 –
scull graduated from cornell university in 2011 with a
3.68 grade-point average. she majored in industrial and
labor relations, and plans to attend law school. While a
student at cornell, she was a member of the varsity track
and field team, served as a mentor to younger athletes, and
became involved with the spiked shoe society to perform
community service. scull earned listing on the dean’s list
every semester, earned All east Honors in track and field,
and was a member of the track and field team that earned
Taking time for a photo after the Alumni-Senior Fellowship Dinner,
from left are: MHS Alumni Association President Amy (McCloskey)
Tobin ’86; seniors Tyler Scott and Ashlynn Trimmer; MHS President
Dr. Tony Colistra ’59; Christine Scull, accepting on behalf of her
daughter Anna Scull ’07; senior Paul Lyons; and Bill Coskey ’79.
Anna Scull and Marcus James were unable to attend the dinner.
Alumni Relations News
the conference championship.
she is currently working
for a christian, nonprofit
organization, teachoverseas,
teaching conversational english
to underprivileged high
school and college students in
Hungary.
recipient from the senior
class is Ashlynn Trimmer,
who began taking honors
courses as a 10th-grade student
and continued through her
senior year. she is among the top
academic students in her class, is
enrolled in multiple Advanced
placement courses, and has earned a numeric grade greater
than a 94 percent average during her high school career.
this year, she also is enrolled at lebanon Valley college
where she is earning credits in accounting and psychology.
Ashlynn plans to continue her education at Bucknell
university where she will study accounting and finance.
• Community Service: Bill Coskey ’79 – Most recently,
he was the driving force behind the Alumni Association’s
cancer care committee, which raises money to assist
alumni who are battling cancer. the group’s major event,
the annual cancer care 5K run/Walk, was held during
Alumni Fellowship Weekend.
From the class of 2012, the award was given to
paul lyons, who has consistently represented MHs
throughout his high school career in service to the school
and the greater Hershey community. He has volunteered
as a year-round experiences camp counselor where he
supported, guided, and mentored younger students. He
also has served as a junior chapel leader, a member of
the national Honor society, the student government
Association, and the Hershey community youth
Alliance. He will attend lehigh university to major in
business and minor in political science.
Alumni who volunteer as spartan Ambassadors serve as hosts during Milton Hershey
school enrollment days, meeting and talking to new parent/sponsors and newly
enrolling students. the Ambassdors have also served as hosts for various other school and
community functions such as Milton’s Birthday parties, open Houses at catherine Hall
and the Homestead, and MHs opportunity Fairs just to name a few.
if you would like more information or think you would be interested
in volunteering as a spartan Ambassador, please contact Ken palovitz ’50 at
kpalovitz@verizon.net or 717-298-1311. Ken and his wife nancy coordinate the
spartan Ambassador activities.
please note that MHs requires all volunteers to complete background checks.
The MHS Alumni Relations and Programs Office hosted a luncheon at Highpoint Mansion for
Spartan Ambassadors following enrollment day in January.
Thy TradiTions dear 15

Alumni Association News
MHSAA President’s Letter
Dear Alumni,
As we head into June, we have
already accomplished so much. in
January, the Milton Hershey school
Alumni Association conducted its
first phone drive to reach out to a
segment of our graduates as both a
fundraiser and an opportunity to
connect. At MHs, alumni have been
enthusiastically involved in student programs, including:
sunday panel Discussions for high school freshman and
new students, “go reD” reading program for elementary
Division students, girls Day with the grads for eighth
grade girls, and career Day.
John Hanawalt ’70 was instrumental in recruiting
volunteers for the panel discussions and the reading program.
During the panel discussions, alumni volunteers from
various decades took time to share their student experiences
with current students at Dearden Alumni campus. For “go
reD (read every Day),” a group of alumni volunteered
to be guest readers for students at Memorial Hall. plans are
already under way to make it an annual event with even
more alumni readers. in March, a group of 10 alumnae spent
the day leading activities and discussion with eighth grade
girls and principal tanya Barton. this program was inspired
by previous Alumna of the year Mary trinh pentel ’86, and
has now become an annual program.
Whenever alumni and students build relationships
through these types of programs i’ve mentioned, there
is tremendous fulfillment on both sides. please look for
volunteer opportunities to be highlighted on the MHsAA
web site. We will let you know how to get involved.
Fellowship Weekend saw what will be the largest class
to graduate from MHs being hosted by graduates at the
58th Alumni-senior Fellowship Dinner. the room was full
Go R.E.D.!
MHs elementary Division students celebrated reading with a
very special evening at Memorial Hall. thank you to the following
alumni who volunteered as readers: laura Barth ’01, Michael Benson
’86, Vance cole ’83, Dirk Dixon ’70, charlie Dodson ’50, John Foley
’83, John Hanawalt ’70, Maureen Mattiello ’87, Joe McDonald ’55,
Ken palovitz ’50, Deanna slamans ’91, and Fonati Ward ’01.
16 Thy TradiTions dear
of Milton Hershey camaraderie, with Board of Managers
chairman Bob cavanaugh ’77 and Alumnus of the year
paul taylor ’53 as guest speakers. three well-deserving
alumni were recognized for outstanding achievement: Anna
scull ’07 for academic achievement, Marcus paul James ’99
for career achievement, and Bill coskey ’79 for community
service. Anna and Marcus addressed the graduating seniors
through videotaped remarks, while Bill received a standing
ovation for the humble acceptance of his award.
programming continued throughout the weekend, with
an Alumni Breakfast at purcell Friendship Hall prepared
by the Homestead chapter, a class Agent meeting, and
the incredibly successful cancer care 5K run/Walk.
More than 700 students, houseparents, alumni and friends
participated in the event. We raised more than $15,000 to
help alumni and their families stricken with the disease.
that evening, a group of alumni hosted a fundraiser for
three-year-old Joey tesche who is battling cancer; both of
his parents are MHs graduates. that event raised more than
$6,000. the weekend culminated with a student-Alumni
chapel service, where alumni readers Horace Flynn ’46,
John Hanawalt ’70, and shannon (cummings) Butler ’98
participated alongside students and MHs pastor Mike
Wagner in what one alumnus described as “offering a strong
message for our kids to ‘ask/learn’ from MHs alumni.”
When we work together in unity, there is nothing our
MHs family can’t accomplish. i ask of all graduates and
former students what i asked on Friday evening — please
consider doing at least one of the following things: pay
your dues, serve on a committee or run for the Board;
participate in at least one on-campus event each year;
or recommend one student applicant to Milton Hershey
school. We need each and every one of you to be an
involved and engaged part of our alumni family.
Amy M. Tobin ’86
President, MHSAA

Chapter News
Harrisburg Chapter
the chapter held its fifth annual easter egg coloring,
hunt and pizza party for the Memorial Hall students staying
at MHs during easter break. this event has continued to
grow since its inception.
For more information regarding the Harrisburg
chapter, you may call Maureen (gore) Mattiello at 717-
701-8085 or send e-mail to: mgmatt@comcast.net. Better
yet, you can contact or follow the chapter online at:
mhsaaharrisburg.com, or follow the chapter on Facebook
at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mhsaa-Harrisburgchapter/184064284963237.
Homestead Chapter
Alumni Association News
the Homestead chapter thanks everyone who attended
the Alumni Breakfast prepared by the chapter on April 21,
in conjunction with Fellowship Weekend. there were 125
people who attended.
the chapter continues to prepare home-cooked
breakfasts once a month to raise money to support various
programs. Among the programs benefiting proceeds is the
MHs Alumni Association cancer care committee. the
chapter presented a check for $1,000 to MHsAA at the
Alumni-senior Dinner.
Philadelphia Chapter
the annual philly chapter Family picnic is scheduled
for July 14 at parx casino and racetrack. it is free for all
Milton Hershey school alumni and their families. there
will be lots of fun activities for children and grandchildren.
the track will also have the MHs Alumni race; check the
program for the race number. please mark your calendars
now. For additional information, contact Bill Mottin ’74
wmottin441@comcast.net.
E-newsletters available to alumni
Milton Hershey School Alumni Relations and Programs and the MHS Alumni
Association work together to keep alumni informed about a variety of programs
and events. In addition to Thy Traditions Dear, they publish two electronic
newsletters that are sent to alumni for whom e-mail addresses are available.
“Spartan Minute” is sent once a week, and includes a link to an “MHS
Minute” video, athletic scores and student accomplishments, and a schedule of
upcoming events that alumni are encouraged to attend.
“Traditions Online” is sent every six weeks, and includes a “Did You Know?”
feature about the MHS Alumni Association, and news and announcements
about programs of interest to alumni.
If you’d like to be added to the distribution list for one or both of these
newsletters, send your name and class year, the newsletter(s) you’d like to
receive, and your email address to: mhsalum@mhs-pa.org.
Thy TradiTions dear 17

Class Notes
1940s
GENERAL CLASS NoTES
Charles Ted “Skinny” Weakley ‘41
celebrated his 90th birthday one day early
with friends and family. Pictured are, from
left, John “Lefty” Williams ‘40, Weakley’s
grandson Zane Cressler, and Weakley.
Darrell Blizzard ‘42, of Glenelg, Md.,
is a part-time export cargo inspector at
intertek Testing Co.
Anthony Perry ‘42, of Parkesburg, is
retired from G. o. Carlson, inc. after 39
years and now delivers auto parts for
naPa of Coatesville.
Fred Coble ‘43, of north hills, Calif., is
an author for Creative Concepts.
Joseph Kubisen ‘43, of elyria, ohio,
enjoys playing golf and exercising. he is
looking forward to homecoming.
Paul Yarnell ‘43, of harrisburg, met his
wife Phyllis at the hershey Park merrygo-round
after graduation in 1943. They
have two children, three grandchildren
and seven great-grandchildren.
Adam “Max” Daffner ‘47, of
Livermore, Calif., now resides in napa
Valley wine country, after living in Las
Vegas for 52 years.
Ralph Hetrick ‘47, is retired and lives in
hershey with his wife and son. he looks
forward to his 65-year class reunion.
Daniel Miller ‘48, of Charlotte, n.C.,
and his wife Lois celebrated their 54th
wedding anniversary on november 30.
1950s
George Tashie ‘50, of Thomasville,
Ga., and his wife celebrated their 58th
wedding anniversary on May 16.
Raymond Ballard ‘51, of Bethlehem,
is retired and works part-time at
Wegmans. he enjoys playing golf.
18 Thy TradiTions dear
John Resanovich ‘51, of Lebanon, is
retired from Metropolitan edison Co.
after 30 years, and from the Manheim
auto auction, the largest auto auction in
the World after 17 years. he volunteers
as an Mhs spartan ambassador.
Ronald G. Baker ‘53, of Coats, n.C., has
been married to his wife Peggy for 56
years. They have six grandchildren and
one great-grandchild.
Cloyd Bare ‘53, of Lakeside, ore., is a
part-time groundsman at ocean View
Memorial Gardens, and enjoys playing
golf.
Francis McCloskey ‘53, of stathmere,
n.J., and his wife rosemary celebrated
their 50th wedding anniversary on
May 12. They live in Florida six months
of the year and enjoy traveling, golf and
bowling.
Ronald Hockenbrocht ‘57, of Temple,
Texas, is retired and enjoys playing golf.
Robert Askey ‘59, of albany, Ga.,
retired from the U.s. Marine Corps
after 44 years; 20 active duty and 24
civil service. he and his wife nancy
will celebrate their 50th wedding
anniversary in october.
1960s
Lester Clore ‘60, of Bethlehem, and
his wife rosalyn have been married
38 years. They have six children,
seven grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.
Peter Devries ‘60, of rochester, n.y.,
is employed by Walmart as an apparel
associate. he enjoys painting in oils,
pastel and watercolor.
H. Irvin Davis ‘62, of newburgh, n.y.,
is a bus driver for Coach Tours, Ltd. he
and his wife Joy celebrated their 40th
wedding anniversary on april 22.
Charles Kendig ‘62, of Leesburg, Va.,
retired from Xerox Corporation after
25 years. he is currently senior vice
president of oracle Corporation, a
hardware and software company.
Daniel Bauer ‘63, of Palmerton, is
retired from new england Motor Freight.
he and his wife Carol have been married
43 years and have four grandchildren.
daniel serves as chaplain of Vietnam
Veterans of Carbon County.
James Gahagan ‘63, of Woodbury ,
Minn., is retired as senior lending officer
for Union Bank & Trust Company. he
enjoys golf, fishing, and hunting at his
northern Minnesota farm.
Michael Urbanavage ‘63, of hershey,
is a pharmacy technician at Giant Foods.
Gary Goldsmith ‘64, of Mays Landing,
n.J., is a security officer at the Golden
nugget hotel & Casino. he and his wife
anna celebrated their 45th wedding
anniversary on February 5.
John Kriner ‘64, of Chambersburg, is
a teacher’s assistant at Chambersburg
senior high school, Lincoln
intermediate Unit #12.
Frank Labertino ‘64, of hazleton, is
retired and enjoys fishing, camping and
gardening.
Clyde Moyer ‘64, of dover, del.,
recently retired as supervisor for Mealson-Wheels,
Modern Maturity Center in
dover.
Albert Wilson ‘64, of Middleton, idaho,
is a retired UPs supervisor. he is planning
a trip to the Panama Canal in May, and to
the Middle east, india, africa and south
africa in december, completing travel
to all seven continents. he is presently
a board member of “The Lightfoot
Foundation” which supports scholarships
for children.
Teacher Eric Koper’s science students listen
attentively to Mark Roth, Ph.D. ‘75, who is
a research scientist at the Fred Hutchinson
Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Wash.
Roth was among 60 guest speakers at
Senior Hall’s annual Career Day, held
in conjunction with Alumni Fellowship
Weekend. The weekend also included the
Alumni-Senior Fellowship Dinner, where
members of the senior class were hosted
by alumni at the Hershey Lodge.

John Swegart ‘65, of Bel aire, Kan.,
is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, U.s.
army. he does volunteer work in his
church ministry and choir, physical
fitness training, and enjoys cruising and
traveling abroad. he looks forward to his
50-year class reunion in 2015.
Terry Bittinger ‘66, of Westminster,
Md., is a machinist for Morris auto
Machine. he has two granddaughters
and enjoys playing ice hockey.
William Young ‘66, of Butler, is retired
from the U.s. Postal service after 32
years of service. he has three children
and a grandson.
W. Raymond Bucks ‘67, of new
Cumberland, is semi-retired certified
public accountant. he currently serves
as governor for the national society of
accountants.
Vincent Gravina ‘67, of dresher, is a
financial advisor with Morgan stanley
smith Barney, providing investment
strategies for retirees.
Henry Moe ‘67, of richmond, Va., is a
retired eMT instructor for the state of
new Jersey. he and his wife celebrated
their 23rd wedding anniversary on
May 29. They have 12 children and 16
grandchildren.
Joe Batrus ‘68, of Cragsmoor, n.y.,
retired in July 2011 from Metro north
Commuter railroad.
John Furmanak ‘69, of Media, is facility
manager at First Quality retail. he and
his wife nancy have been married 25
years and have one son.
1970s
James Beamenderfer ‘70, of
elizabethtown, is the lead receiver, dining
services, at elizabethtown College.
Robert Hary ‘71, of acme, is a rural
mail carrier for the U.s. Post office. he
has been married for 29 years and has
one daughter. he built his house with
the skills learned while at Mhs.
Bruce Hummel ‘71, of Palmyra, is
retired from The hershey Company and
enjoys life, playing golf and traveling.
David Mowrer ‘71, of Wilmington,
n.C., is owner of Mowrer’s Landscaping
& Tree service. he and his wife Myra are
therapeutic foster parents, having cared
for over 30 children. in the last two
years, they have adopted three children.
Dennis Hileman ‘72, of dillsburg, is a
construction superintendent for Lobar,
inc.
Robert Knaub ‘76, of york, is a
machine operator for rutter’s dairy,
where he recently received a gold
watch for 25 years of service. he and
his wife donna celebrated their 30th
wedding anniversary on January 3.
Dale Slusser ‘77, of asheville, n.C.,
works as coordinator/planning design
for helps international Ministries. he
is ready to publish his second book,
Ravenscroft at Asheville: The Story of a
School.
Randall Bleiler ‘78, of annville, is a milk
technician at The hershey Company and
serves as President of Local 464. he has
been married for 32 years and has four
sons and two grandsons.
Edward Maloney ‘79, of shamong,
n.J., is senior network engineer at
Comcast Cable Communications. he
has been married for 22 years and has
two sons.
1980s
John Boran ‘80, of Pottsville, is general
manager of Bon-Ton stores, inc. he
currently services as President of Board
of directors for Pottsville area school
district. he and his wife Michelle have
been married for 24 years and have two
daughters.
Timothy Poole ‘81, of Camp hill, is selfemployed
at Green diamond Trails.
Martin Henry ‘82, of Lancaster, is a
trooper with the Pennsylvania state
Police. he was promoted to major and
assigned as the director of the Bureau of
records and identification.
Class Notes
Ted Cogdell ‘83 and his twin sons recently
visited MHS teacher Ann Reigle. The twins
are in third grade this year, and Ann was
Ted’s third- and fifth-grade teacher.
Matthew Hughes ‘84, of oxford,
ohio, is Vice President of Phi delta Beta
Foundation.
Thomas Sorrentino ‘85, of allentown,
and his wife Carol celebrated 20 years of
marriage on July 1.
Rick Caranfa ‘87, of harrisburg, is vice
president of akens enginneering assoc.,
inc. he and his wife sonya have been
married for 17 years.
1990s
Lynda Gullett ‘90, recently moved
to Bozeman, Mont. she is a registered
nurse at Bozeman deaconness hospital
and plans to return to school for her
master’s degree in nursing. she enjoys
camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing
and cross-country skiing.
Ryan Smith ‘90, of Fort Leavenworth,
Kan., is a division transportation officer
in the U.s. army, 1st armor division.
Erica Ratiner ‘93, of redwood City,
Calif., received her real estate broker
license in 2011. she is the concierge/
project manager for deLeon realty.
A large contingency of MHS alumni attended a Feb. 26 benefit for John Long ‘83, who has
been battling Crohn’s Disease and been unable to work.
Thy TradiTions dear 19

Class Notes
Rolando Watley ‘93, of Paterson, n.J.,
is a school counselor at Passaic County
Technical institute.
Ray Metzger ‘94, of ephrata, is
employed by isaac’s Wyomissing. he
and his wife, Melissa Woodruff ‘02, are
expecting a child July 31.
Deesha Dyer ‘95, of Washington, d.C.,
is employed by the federal government
as deputy director, executive office of
the President.
Kelly Coulter ‘97, of ocean View, n.J.,
is a registered nurse at Cape regional
Medical Center.
Amy Kline, ‘99, of high Bridge, n.J., and
her husband nathan celebrated their
first wedding anniversary on May 28.
Ricardo Sepulveda ‘99, of
shiremanstown, is a data analyst at
Performance Plus.
Anastasios Trispagonas ‘99, of new
Bloomfield, is a financial advisor for
nationwide insurance/Grove Financial.
he and his wife expected their fourth
child in March.
2000s
Shanta Lawry ‘02, of Philadelphia, is
an assessment worker for Philadelphia
Corporation for aging.
Megan Newman ‘03, of alamogordo,
n.M., is owner/operator of Cookie
Craving. she is also a foster parent.
Johnnie Alexander ‘04, of sleepy
hollow, n.y., is a community care partner
at hudson river health Care.
In recognition of National Residential
Education Day on May 4, Josh Brunk ‘05,
Skills USA co-advisor was among the
staff members who walked Elementary
Division students to school. They met at
their residential homes and walked them
to Memorial Hall where they attend class.
20 Thy TradiTions dear
Deborah Achim ‘06, of anaheim,
Calif., is a licensed vocational nurse/ChT
at new Medicine. she is pursuing her
registered nurse degree.
Aimee Charles ‘06, of Lancaster, is
employed by Community services
Group in therapeutic support.
Tiffany Hwang ‘07, of harrisburg,
graduated from dickinson College in
May 2011. she is a financial services
agent with new york Life.
Lisa Whyms ‘07, of navarre, Fla., is a
certified pharmacy technician with CVs
Pharmacy, and is plans to become a
pharmacist. she has one daughter and
expected a son on March 3.
Alex Heider ‘08, of harrisburg, is a
photojournalist for CBs 21 news.
MARRIAGES
Lee Sorrentino ‘87, of emmaus,
married his Mhs dairyman’s daughter,
Jennifer Bucher simpson on dec. 17 in
Founders hall. Lee is a retired firefighter
for the city of allentown.
Amy Sakers ‘99, of high Bridge, n.J.,
married nathan Kline on May 28.
Carly Wahl ‘03, of Columbia, Md.,
married Patrick Gates on aug 27. Carly
is a business process analyst for Wells
Fargo Bank.
BIRTHS
Carly elizabeth Wright was born aug. 3
to Brian Wright ‘93 and his wife. Brian
works in the Pennsylvania office of the
attorney General as an asset manager.
The family resides in harrisburg.
Jack holden rodrigues was born nov. 20
to Kathryn Casey ‘95. They reside in
newport Beach, Calif.
Karigan elayne hicks was born nov. 28
to Brad Hicks ‘96 and his wife. Brad
works in industrial electrical sales at
Consolidated electrical distributors.
They reside in ingram.
elijah Frederick Kramer was born
sept. 7 to Peter Kramer ‘97 and his
wife. Peter works for Town Fair Tire as
sales manager. The family resides in
Westborough, Mass.
aliyah ejeme Walsh was born July 13 to
ododo Walsh ‘98 and her husband
Jonathan. ododo is a children’s mental
health professional at Child Guidance
resource Center. They reside in
Morgantown.
donte aaron was born Feb. 2 to
Courtney Ryan ‘00. Courtney is a
pharmacy technician at rite aid. They
reside in downingtown.
sir’Van ricardo anitas was born on aug. 4
to Harriett Page ‘05. harriett is a
registered nurse at Case Medical Center,
University hospitals.
a son was born sept. 1 to Donnalise
Wilson ‘05. donnalise is a direct
support professional for devereux, and
resides in reading.
DEATHS
Kenneth C. Fassnacht ‘37, of
Lancaster, died Jan. 5. he retired in 1982
as maintenance supervisor for sperry
new holland.
Ralph F. Wolf ‘37, of Lancaster, died
dec. 1. he was a retired machinery
builder and repairer for most of his life.
John W. Carson ‘42, of spokane, Wash.,
died on Feb 26. he was a retired Lt. Col.
in the U.s. air Force, serving in WWii,
Korea and Vietnam, was a PoW in WWii,
and recipient of a Purple heart and
Bronze star.
Arthur V. Hillyard ‘42, of College Park,
Md., died Jan. 15. he retired in 1983 as
lead mechanic from Pepco, where he
had worked for 28 years. he was a WWii
U.s. army veteran.
Clifford E. Little ‘45, of Pittsburgh,
died March 30. he was a self-employed
plumber, electrician and sign painter. he
was a U.s. army/air Corps. veteran.
Harold A. Houseal ‘46, of
elizabethtown, died Feb. 8. he was a U.s.
army veteran, and retired in 1989 from
the new Cumberland army depot after
32 years.
James H. Herb ‘48, of elizabethtown,
died Jan. 21. he was the owner of
Lebanon Valley Kitchens, Palmyra. he
was a U.s. navy veteran, and a member
of the american national Cane Club,
donating many canes to disabled
veterans.

Maynard L. Mayer ‘48, of Plum Boro,
died Jan. 29. he was employed by the
h. J. heinz Company in Pittsburgh, and
later became a teacher. he served as a
reservist in the U.s. army.
Theodore E. Scardefield II ‘49, of
new Castle, died dec. 16. he was a
certified benefits administrator for
the Tri-state United Food Commercial
Workers, retiring in 1995.
William R. Myers, Sr. ‘51, of Birdsboro,
died Feb. 28. he retired in 1998 as a
wood pattern maker for Birdsboro Corp.
and aluminum alloys, and a U.s. navy
veteran.
John Andonian ‘52, of Folsom, died
July 6. he was a mail carrier for the
Landsdowne post office for 30 years.
Harry Eardley ‘52, of Berlin, n.J., died
March 28. he was a retired member of
Pipe Fitters Union Local #322.
James Klinger ‘58, of Brighton, Colo.,
died Jan. 20. he was an employed by
the City of Broomfield.
Richard L. Klein, Sr. ‘59, of Llewellyn,
died dec 30. he was employed by the
former richmond screw & anchor Co.,
Tremont.
Dennis L. Penrose, Sr. ‘66, of
Pottstown, died Jan. 3. he worked as a
carpenter for shrum Construction Co.,
and earned a bronze star while serving in
the U.s. army during the Vietnam War.
Robert Sundermier, Jr. ‘69, of york,
died Feb. 5. he was a sales manager for
suburban Propane, and a U.s. air Force
veteran.
Michael J. Krause ‘73, of Mt. Laurel, n.J.,
died Feb. 13. he was a plumber for Local
690 in Philadelphia for nearly 40 years.
Peter Adamczyk ‘76, of highland Park,
n.J., died Jan. 30.
Peter J. Snyder, III ‘87, of Pittsburgh,
Pa., died Jan 12. he worked in the
construction industry for 22 years.
Charles David Wells ‘03, of
anchorage, alaska, died May 2, 2011.
RETIREE DEATHS
Lucina J. Cassel died March 19. she
began employment with Milton
hershey school on dec. 7, 1971, and
retired June 1, 1988. Lucina was a
supervisor over food preparation in the
supply Center.
Class Notes
Merle L. Eash Sr. died dec. 12, 2011. he
began employment with Milton hershey
school on June 12, 1967, and retired Jan.
1, 1989. he worked full time on the farms
and then worked part time in grounds
maintenance until May 28, 2002.
Clarabel H. Fink died March 4. she
began employment with Milton
hershey school on april 1, 1952, and
retired april 1,1983. she had been a
houseparent and then worked part
time in Founders hall as a host until
dec. 20, 2002.
Katharine E. Jeffries died Feb.
2012. Katharine began employment
with Milton hershey school on June 9,
1977, and retired aug. 1, 1983. she was a
houseparent.
Donald Phalen died May 2. a retired
houseparent, he began employment
with Mhs on aug. 15, 1977, and retired
sept. 1995.
Sandra Strunk, retired houseparent,
died dec. 19, 2010.
Edythe A. Whitfield-Lowther-Kern,
former housemother, died Jan. 16. she
was the widow the late doran Whitfield
‘48, and sister of Jerry Long ‘55 and sister
of Lois Peterman, retired housemother.
After almost 46 years of dedication to students and staff of Milton
Hershey school, Helen Delbridge retired to move back to pittsburgh. she
and her husband Dick moved from pittsburgh to Hershey in 1966, when
they made the decision to become houseparents at MHs.
Dick and Helen served as houseparents until 1985, at student homes
glendale and Habana with senior Division boys. During this time, Helen
and Dick helped many students by showing them love and concern for
their training, development, and general welfare. Following her career
as a housemother, Helen worked with houseparents as the home life
operations assistant. she again displayed the same type of love and concern
and, working tirelessly, guided and supported many houseparents through
the years.
Helen developed the student home chore program and, along with
her long-term co-worker and friend ernie corson, also developed the
houseparent training program.
Her hard work and loyalty to the school are unprecedented as she truly
is a living legacy on the MHs campus. Her efforts and personal examples
over the years to both the boys she has cared for, as well as the adults she has
mentored, are integral to our MHs culture and livelihood.
Thank you, Helen.
Thy TradiTions dear 21

Calendar of Events
June ‘12
2 5th Annual Spartan Boys
Basketball Alumni Game, open to
former varsity basketball players
10 Commencement
July ‘12
8 MHSAA Board Meeting
(tentative)
August ‘12
19 MHSAA Board Meeting
Milton Hershey School
Office of Alumni Relations & Programs
PO Box 830
Hershey PA 17033-0830
September ‘12
13 Milton S. Hershey’s Birthday
14-16 Homecoming 2012
15 MHSAA Annual Business
Meeting, Founders Hall
October ‘12
1 Deadline for 2013 Alumnus
of the Year and Alumni
Achievement Award
Nominations.
Nominations accepted
throughout the year.
November ‘12
12-16 Founders Week Events
non-profit org
u.s. postage
PAID
harrisburg, pa
permit#917
December ‘12
5 Elementary Division Christmas
Party with Alumni
10-14 Noontime Holiday Concerts
31 Deadline for 2012 Hall of Fame
Nominations. Nominations
accepted throughout the year.
Follow MHS on:
For details about the events listed, contact the Mhs office of alumni relations and Programs, toll free at 888 Mhs aLUM
(647-2586), or 717-520-2030; or the Mhs alumni association toll free at 800-292-4647, or 717-520-2045.