Patriot News Article "School has returned to roots" 4-3-09

School has returned to roots, O'Brien says

Friday, April 03, 2009

BY MONICA VON DOBENECK

Of The Patriot-News

Retiring Milton Hershey School president John O'Brien leaves behind a facility with a culture much changed from the one he inherited in 2003.

In a wide-ranging interview Thursday with The Patriot-News editorial board, O'Brien said the residential school founded by chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey and his wife, Catherine, has returned to its root mission -- helping the neediest children become contributing members of society.

The Derry Twp. residential school feeds, clothes, educates and provides other services to about 1,800 underprivileged children at no cost to their families.

O'Brien, a 1961 graduate of the school, said he had three main purposes when he started -- to find the neediest children; enroll more children; and re-establish a deep work ethic, which had drifted into entitlement during troubled years.

He was joined in the interview by John Hanawalt, president of the school's alumni association. While some alumni still disagree with O'Brien's leadership, gone are the battles between alumni, administrators and the board that characterized the 1990s.

"Our relationship is excellent and getting better," Hanawalt said. "We're very pleased with the direction the school is taking."

The Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools, which recently conducted a yearlong review of the school, commended the administration for realigning the school's direction with Milton Hershey's vision.

The report read, in part, "the entire community has been reenergized as evidenced in the genuine sense of purpose and the authenticity of pride that filters through every aspect of the organization."

Some of the changes since O'Brien came on board include:

·  Reaching out to children whose families live under the poverty line and to those with the fewest stable adults in their lives. Students must now be below the 150 percent poverty level of about $18,000 for a family of four. At least half are below the poverty level of about $12,000. Expanding enrollment from about 1,200 to 1,800, with a goal of reaching 2,000 by 2013.

·  Making students earn college scholarship money through their effort and behavior. Better matching of students with higher education, whether it be college or a technical career.

·  Following up with students in college with the help of mentors and advisers. In 2003, while 95 percent of the students went on to college, only about 40 percent finished, O'Brien said. That figure is now 62 percent.

·  Getting Milton Hershey students more involved with the larger Derry Twp. community, including getting them internships with The Hershey Co., Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Co. and Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

·  A transitional living program for seniors to help them adjust to a more independent post-school life.

While it has been suggested that the Milton Hershey School establish satellite campuses, the deed says the school must remain in Derry Twp. and cannot be changed without going through the courts, O'Brien said.

But perhaps the school's trust could establish day "feeder schools" in other locations to help needy youngsters who would eventually come to the main campus, he said.

O'Brien would like to see another alumnus or a long-time school employee succeed him as president because "the place is so unique and very complex." Hanawalt said the alumni feel the same way.

"We're now on the right course, but the roots are still fragile," O'Brien said. "I'm nervous because it's so important."

The board should name a new president by mid-June. O'Brien's last day is July 31, but he said he will continue to be involved.

MONICA VON DOBENECK: 255-8216 or mdobeneck@patriot-news.com 

MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL

·  The Derry Twp. residential school serves about 1,800 children.

·  Students from pre- kindergarten on live in student homes, most containing eight to 12 students, with full-time houseparents. They have a schedule of chores, study time and classes.

·  The school is funded by a trust set up by Milton S. Hershey. All profits from Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Co., which owns several Hershey attractions including Hersheypark and the Giant Center, go toward the school. The trust also owns 30 percent of The Hershey Co.