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Hershey High School
Hershey High School
from Wikipedia

Hershey High School is a comprehensive four-year public high school located in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The high school is one of four buildings which comprise the campus of the Derry Township School District and serves students in ninth through twelfth grades. Along with Hershey Middle School, the high school is nationally recognized as a Blue Ribbon School.

Key Information

As of the 2019-2020 school year, the school had an enrollment of 1225 students and 82.48 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 14.85:1.[1]

Awards, recognition and rankings

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Hershey High School ranks consistently as one of the top public schools in the state of Pennsylvania. U.S. News & World Report ranks it as the number one rated school in the Harrisburg metropolitan area, and the tenth best high school in Pennsylvania.[2][3] Niche ranks the high school as the 14th best in the state.[4]

Nationally, Hershey High School is ranked as the 471st best high school in the United States according to U.S. News & World Report,[2] and the 599th best high school according to Newsweek.[5]

In 1996, the school was nationally recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education for its academic excellence.[6]

Extracurricular activities

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Hershey High School has a drama program which produces a musical each year, in addition to smaller productions throughout the year. The pit orchestra for Hershey's musicals has won the Hershey Theater Apollo Award for Best Student Orchestra in four of the last six years.[citation needed]

There are a number of clubs such as Future Business Leaders of America, Key Club, Youth and Government, Young Democrats, Young Republicans, C.A.L.L., Student World Action Committee, and other organizations available for students. A student-produced online newspaper, the nationally-accredited "Broadcaster", is updated throughout the year. A literary magazine, "Nexus", is also produced with works by students.[7]

Athletics

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Hershey High has football, ice hockey, cheerleading, boys and girls basketball, wrestling, powerlifting, field hockey, boys and girls golf, boys and girls volleyball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, track, cross country, swimming and diving, boys and girls lacrosse, and boys and girls tennis. Hershey High is a member of the Mid-Penn Conference of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, or PIAA. It is a AAAAA school. Hershey High has a marching band and pep band, which support athletics throughout the year along with the cheerleaders. The bands perform songs that can be coordinated with a dance put together by the cheerleading squad.

Swimming and diving

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In the 2009-2010 season the boys team went 13-0 in their duel meets and moved on to win both their district championship meet and the PIAA state championship. At the state meet David Nolan set a national age group record for high school boys going a time of 1:43.43 in the 200 yard IM, as well as setting the state record in the 100 yard freestyle. The medley relay set the national age group record with a time of 1:30.27. They earned 7 gold medals out of a possible 12 and had 17 swimmers qualify and participate at the meet. Hershey also set the record for the highest points ever scored at a PIAA state meet with 416. The Hershey High School boys swim team was the top-ranked boys' public high school team in the United States in 2010 according to Swimming World Magazine.[8]

For the 2010-2011 season, both the Hershey boys and girls swimming and diving teams remained undefeated, winning the Commonwealth division 13-0 each, the Mid-Penn conference meet (seven combined meet records for swimming and one for diving) and the District III meet (seven first place and three district records for girls; nine first place and five records for the boys).

At the 2011 PIAA state championship meet, the women's 400 yard freestyle relay team set the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) public school record (3:22.85). The boys' 200 yard freestyle relay team set the NFHS and NISCA national records (1:21.01) as the fastest high school team to that time in any class, public or independent. The boys 400 yard freestyle relay team also set the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA) public school record (3:00.71) as well as the individual 100 yard national freestyle record (42.34) and two other individual national records during the state meet: 45.49 in the 100 yard backstroke, and 1:41.39 in the 200 yard IM. As of the end of 2015, both the boys and girls teams remain undefeated.[citation needed]

Both the boys and girls swim teams won their 2011 state meets, with nine first-place finishes and eight state records combined (including the national records). The girls team accumulated a state record 269.5 points. By the end of the season, the boys team had produced ten NISCA All-America swimmers and one diver, and the girls team seven All-America swimmers, for a total of 56 event honors. In addition, four swimmers were also named Academic All-America. Swimming World magazine chose the Hershey High School men's swim team as the best in the nation in 2011 (Swimming World magazine, September 2011, 52(9):14).[9]

School symbols

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  • Hershey High's school colors are blue and orange. The mascot is the Trojan, and on November 16, 2007, a costumed mascot made its debut.
  • Hershey's principal rivals are Lower Dauphin High School, Milton Hershey School, and Palmyra Area High School, all of which are in the vicinity of Hershey.
  • Every year, Hershey plays a football game against the Milton Hershey School, which is called the "Cocoa Bean Game". This, along with homecoming, is generally the best-attended game each year.[10]
  • The fight song is "Onward Trojans", which is sung to the tune of "On, Wisconsin."

Administration

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Core members of the school's administration are:[11]

  • Lindsey Schmidt, Principal
  • Gregory Miller, Assistant Principal
  • Laurie Wade, Assistant Principal

Demographics

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Race/Ethnicity as of 2019-2020[1]
Group Number of Students Percentage
Total 1225 100%
White 875 71.43%
Asian 152 12.41%
Hispanic 87 7.10%
Black 60 4.90%
Two or More Races 45 3.67%
American Indian/Alaska Native 5 0.41%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander 1 0.08%
Gender as of 2019-2020[1]
Group Number of Students Percentage
Total 1225 100%
Female 616 50.29%
Male 609 49.71%

Notable alumni

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Hershey High School is a public four-year located in , serving grades 9–12 as part of the Derry Township School District. With an enrollment of approximately 1,100 students, it operates from a modern 231,000-square-foot facility built in 1996 and expanded in 2007, featuring specialized spaces such as a 1,300-seat auditorium, CAD labs, and a library media center. The school's origins trace back to 1905, when the Derry Township School Board, encouraged by chocolate magnate , established the township's first high school at McKinley School on land he donated, marking a shift from one-room schools to consolidated education. Hershey's philanthropy continued, funding facilities like the 1914 M.S. Hershey Consolidated School and the 1925 Hershey Junior-Senior High School, which included vocational programs, and later through the M.S. Hershey Foundation established in 1935 to support public education in the community. Academically, Hershey High emphasizes rigorous coursework, requiring students to earn 24 credits for graduation, including four in English, three each in , , and , and offerings in arts, humanities, health/physical education, and electives. The school provides a robust (AP) program with courses in subjects like , , U.S. , and ; in 2024, students took 769 AP exams, with 85% scoring 3 or higher. Performance on standardized tests is strong, with a 2024 ACT composite score of 27.3, SAT averages of 609 in evidence-based reading and writing and 599 in math, and advanced proficiency rates on Keystone Exams exceeding 30% in I, , and literature. Notably, the Class of 2024 saw 81.7% of graduates pursue higher education, including 39% at four-year colleges, and the school has produced National Merit Scholars, with 10 students commended in the 2026 program. In athletics, Hershey High competes as a member of the Mid-Penn Conference within the (PIAA), offering varsity and junior varsity teams across multiple sports and fostering a program that emphasizes student development and community involvement. The school's Athletic Hall of Fame, established in 2004, honors alumni, coaches, and contributors for significant achievements, providing role models for current students. Recent highlights include the boys' team's historic run to the 2025 PIAA Class 5A state championship game, where the Trojans led at halftime before a narrow defeat, marking the program's deepest playoff advancement. Beyond sports, extracurriculars encompass over 50 clubs, music programs, and productions that have earned Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards for outstanding student orchestra performances in multiple years.

Overview and history

Establishment and development

Hershey High School was established in 1905 as a public high school serving grades 9-12 within the Derry Township School District in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The Derry Township School Board, encouraged by philanthropist Milton Hershey, voted in May 1904 to construct the school's initial building, known as McKinley School, after demolishing the earlier Greiner School; construction began in June 1904 and the facility opened in 1905, accommodating the growing needs of the local youth. Hershey donated $500 and the necessary land to support this effort, marking the beginning of a public education system distinct from his later private initiative, the Milton Hershey School, founded in 1909 for orphaned boys. The school's development closely paralleled the expansion of Hershey's chocolate industry, which began with the factory's opening in 1905 and drove rapid population growth in Derry Township from a few hundred to over 1,000 residents by 1910. This influx necessitated enlargements, such as the 1911 addition to McKinley School, and further advancements including the 1914 opening of the M.S. Hershey Consolidated School for grades 1-12, the 1925 construction of a dedicated junior-senior high school building with 20 classrooms and an auditorium, and the 1929 addition of a vocational school. By the late 20th century, the current Hershey High School facility was built in 1996 and expanded in 2007 to meet ongoing educational demands. In 2004, the Derry Township School District established the Hershey High School Athletic Hall of Fame to honor significant contributions to athletics by former students, coaches, and supporters. Recent milestones include the 21st induction ceremony held on September 5, 2025, at the Hershey Country Club, recognizing inductees such as Paul Blackburn, Harold Brantley, and others for their achievements. Additionally, the Class of 2025 held its commencement ceremony on June 4, 2025, at the , celebrating the graduates' accomplishments.

Campus and facilities

Hershey High School is located at 550 Homestead Road, Hershey, PA 17033, on a suburban campus spanning 231,000 square feet. The facility features a card access system for secure entry, along with phone, television, and available in all classrooms to support instructional needs. Key amenities include a 1,300-seat used for assemblies and performances, two (CAD) laboratories for technical education, and dedicated spaces for arts and such as band and orchestra rooms, art studios, a full gymnasium, weight room, and cardio exercise areas. The campus also encompasses athletic fields, parking lots, sidewalks, and roadways, all maintained by the Derry Township School District's Buildings and Grounds department to ensure safety and functionality. Facility usage requests are processed through the athletic office on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to programs and groups; external organizations must provide rental fees and proof of . These resources support extracurricular activities, including productions in the auditorium.

Academics

Curriculum and programs

Hershey High School requires students to earn 25 total credits for graduation, including specific distributions across core subjects. These include 4 credits in English, 3 credits in science with a requirement to pass and enroll in and , 3 credits in including passing I, 3 credits in , 1.5 credits in , , and highway safety, 2 credits in arts and humanities (any combination including or ), 0.5 credits in personal , and electives to meet the total. The school offers a range of advanced academic programs, including (AP) courses that receive a weighted GPA factor of 1.05 to recognize the rigor of college-level work. Hershey High School does not calculate , emphasizing holistic academic achievement instead. Elective options in provide practical skills through courses such as Fundamentals of , , and , allowing students to explore in and . As a public institution, Hershey High School is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, ensuring alignment with statewide academic standards. The district's , Instruction, and Assessment department oversees and provides instructional support to maintain consistency and quality across programs. Students engage in a course selection process guided by teacher recommendations, which are reviewed and locked in via the district's online system to match individual abilities and goals. Additionally, access to the Trojan Virtual Academy enables flexible online learning options as an extension of the high school's offerings.

Awards and rankings

Hershey High School received national recognition as a School from the U.S. Department of Education in 1996 for its academic excellence. In the 2025-2026 rankings, the school placed first among high schools in the Harrisburg metropolitan area, 18th in , and 652nd nationally, based on factors including state assessment performance, graduation rates, and college readiness. According to Niche's 2026 rankings, Hershey High School is rated as the 19th best public high school in and 715th nationally, drawing from statistics on academics, teachers, and student reviews. The school demonstrates strong performance on Pennsylvania state-required tests, with 83% of students proficient in reading and 83% in math, exceeding state averages. It also shows robust participation in programs, with 58% of students taking AP exams and an 81% passage rate.

Administration and student body

Administration

Hershey High School is led by Principal Lindsey Schmidt, who assumed the role in 2022 and became the school's first female principal. She is supported by two assistant principals: Gregory Miller, who joined the school in the 2022-2023 academic year after serving in administrative roles at Shippensburg Area , and Laurie Wade, who has been an assistant principal since the 2007-2008 school year and currently oversees the Online Learning Academy. As part of the Derry Township School District, the high school's administration operates under the oversight of Superintendent Dr. Stacy Winslow, who manages district-wide policies and resources. The leadership team is responsible for key operational functions, including approving course recommendations from teachers to guide student academic paths, authorizing facilities usage for school events and community activities, and coordinating student services such as counseling to support academic planning and personal development. The administrative structure supports a of 83.00 teachers during the 2023-2024 school year, ensuring effective instructional delivery across the curriculum. This team also contributes to broader student body management by integrating demographic considerations into policy decisions and resource allocation.

Demographics

Hershey High School enrolled 1,079 students in grades 9–12 during the 2023–2024 school year, down from 1,225 students in the 2019–2020 school year. For the 2024-2025 school year, enrollment was approximately 1,100 students. The student-teacher ratio stood at 13:1 in 2023–2024, an improvement from 14.85:1 in 2019–2020. The gender distribution in 2023–2024 was nearly even, with 50.23% (542 students) and 49.77% (537 students). This closely mirrors the 2019–2020 figures of 50.29% and 49.71% . Racial and ethnic diversity has shifted modestly since 2019–2020. In 2023–2024, the breakdown was as follows:
Racial/Ethnic GroupPercentage (2023–2024)Number of Students
67.56%729
Asian15.66%169
Hispanic or Latino8.80%95
Black or African American3.89%42
Two or more races3.80%41
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander0.19%2
American Indian/Alaska Native0.09%1
Compared to 2019–2020 (the last year with comparably detailed breakdowns available prior to recent updates), the proportion of students decreased from 71.43%, while Asian students increased from 12.41% and students from 7.10%; students declined from 4.90%, two or more races rose slightly from 3.67%, American Indian from 0.41%, and Native Hawaiian from 0.08%. Approximately 24% of students qualified as economically disadvantaged in 2023–2024.

Student life

Extracurricular activities

Hershey High School offers a robust drama program through HHS Theatre, which produces annual plays and musicals to foster student creativity and performance skills. For the 2025-2026 season, the program includes the fall play , the winter musical Disney's Frozen, and the spring show Legends and Icons Cabaret Night. Recent past productions include : The Musical (2024-2025 season) and (2023-2024 season). The school supports a variety of clubs focused on leadership, service, and artistic expression. Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) emphasizes developing leadership abilities and preparing students for business careers through competitions and workshops. , an international service organization sponsored by International, meets twice monthly to plan local, national, and international projects, such as the annual Walk for Clean Water to address the global water crisis. The Youth and Government Club provides a student-led mock , teaching democratic processes through simulations and advocacy activities. Publications clubs enable students to engage in and . The Broadcaster serves as the school's online student newspaper, covering campus news, events, and features produced by student staff. , the literary arts club, publishes an annual magazine showcasing student , , , , and visual art, while hosting events like nights to promote artistic expression. Student government operates through elected representatives who advocate for student interests and organize school-wide initiatives. Community service opportunities are available via dedicated clubs like the , which coordinates volunteer projects such as support to build and local engagement. Arts electives in the integrate with extracurricular activities, allowing students to extend classroom learning in , , and through club participation. These offerings complement academic programs by providing practical applications of skills in leadership, communication, and creativity.

Athletics

Hershey High School's athletic programs are governed by the (PIAA) and compete within the Mid-Penn Conference, with the school classified in PIAA Class AAAAA for sports such as football. The Trojans field 15 varsity sports for boys and girls, encompassing football, , , wrestling, and diving, , , soccer, , , cross country, , , , and . These programs emphasize competitive development, utilizing campus facilities like the Hershey High School Stadium for practices and home games. The boys' swimming and diving team has been a standout program, capturing the PIAA Class AAA state championship in the 2009-2010 season and earning the top national ranking for public high schools from Swimming World Magazine. Building on this success, both the boys' and girls' teams achieved undefeated records in the 2010-2011 season within the Mid-Penn Conference's Division, while setting multiple national high school records, including in the 200-yard medley relay and individual events like the 100-yard . Hershey High School maintains an Athletic Hall of Fame, which has inducted classes annually since 2004 to honor outstanding contributors to its sports programs; the 21st class was enshrined in September 2025, featuring inductees such as coach Paul Blackburn, athlete Harold Brantley (class of 2012), and others recognized for their achievements in various sports. Athletic traditions include robust support from the school's and pep band, which perform at games and events to energize crowds. A key rivalry exists with nearby Lower Dauphin High School, particularly in sports like football, soccer, and , where matchups often draw intense local interest.

School identity

Symbols and traditions

Hershey High School's official colors are and orange, which are prominently featured in school apparel, events, and spirit activities. The school's is the Trojan, a costumed character that represents the institution's athletic teams and fosters at various events. The current Trojan mascot debuted in 2007. The , titled "Onward Trojans," is performed by the and cheerleaders during athletic competitions. Key traditions include the annual Game, a football rivalry matchup against that dates to 1943 and serves as a community event highlighting local heritage. Additional rivalries exist with Lower Dauphin High School and Palmyra Area High School, particularly within the Mid-Penn Conference Keystone Division. These symbols and traditions appear in athletics events to rally student and community support.

Notable people

Alumni

Hershey High School has produced several alumni who have achieved prominence in , particularly in football and . Scott Campbell, a 1980 graduate, played as a in the , primarily with the from 1984 to 1986 after being selected in the seventh round of the ; he also appeared in games for the . His professional career followed a standout tenure at , where he set several passing records. John Huzvar, class of 1947, was a fullback who played professionally in the for the during the 1954 and 1955 seasons, appearing in 24 games and rushing for 162 yards. Prior to his pro career, he earned multiple varsity letters at Hershey and played at the and . Scott Eatherton, a 2010 graduate, pursued a professional basketball career as a after starring at Hershey, where he averaged 18.6 points and 11.0 rebounds per game as a senior, leading the team to a 21-6 record. He played at and , then competed professionally in leagues including the , EuroCup, and Japanese , most recently with in 2023. Andrew Nelson, from the class of 2013, was a highly regarded offensive tackle recruit rated 89.51 by On3, earning three varsity letters at Hershey under coach Matt Gingrich before signing with Penn State University. There, he started 25 games over four seasons, contributing to the offensive line as a in 2013 and earning All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2016. Christian Pulisic, class of 2016, is a professional soccer player who captains the men's national team and has played for clubs including , , and .

Faculty and staff

Hershey High School's faculty supports a rigorous academic environment, particularly through the delivery of (AP) courses that enable students to engage in college-level coursework across subjects such as mathematics, sciences, and humanities. These educators ensure that the curriculum meets the standards set by the , preparing students for advanced studies and demonstrating their commitment to academic excellence. In addition to classroom instruction, faculty members serve as advisors for a wide array of extracurricular activities, including academic clubs, , and initiatives, fostering student and holistic development. This advisory role helps cultivate a supportive school culture where students can pursue interests beyond the core , contributing to overall engagement and achievement. Notable recognition for staff contributions comes through the Hershey High School Athletic Hall of Fame, established in 2004 by the to honor coaches and others for significant impacts on athletics. Since its inception, the hall has inducted several coaches, including Paul Blackburn in the 2025 class for his leadership in school sports programs; Robert Dailey and John Walizer in the 2024 class, acknowledged for their coaching achievements; and earlier inductees such as those from prior years who guided teams to competitive success. These honors highlight the enduring legacy of faculty coaches in developing student-athletes and promoting .

References

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