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Hershey High School
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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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]This section needs additional citations for verification. (September 2021) |
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
[edit]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
[edit]This section needs additional citations for verification. (September 2021) |
- 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
[edit]Core members of the school's administration are:[11]
- Lindsey Schmidt, Principal
- Gregory Miller, Assistant Principal
- Laurie Wade, Assistant Principal
Demographics
[edit]| 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% |
| Group | Number of Students | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 1225 | 100% |
| Female | 616 | 50.29% |
| Male | 609 | 49.71% |
Notable alumni
[edit]This section needs additional citations for verification. (September 2021) |
- Scott Campbell, professional football player in the National Football League
- Scott Eatherton, basketball player
- John Huzvar, professional football player in the NFL
- Jules Jordan, class of 1992, film director, actor, and AVN and XRCO Hall of Fame inductee, born Ashley Gasper
- Kellen Kulbacki, professional baseball player in Major League Baseball
- Mark Malkoff, class of 1994, comedian and writer
- Jaime Pagliarulo, class of 1995, professional soccer player[12]
- Christian Pulisic (did not graduate), professional soccer player for AC Milan
- Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Tony Award-nominated actress known for playing Oda Mae Brown in Ghost the Musical on Broadway, Oscar winning actress for her role in the Holdovers
- Jay Taylor, professional football player in the NFL
- Chris Villarrial, professional football player in the NFL
- Michelle Wolf, class of 2003, comedian
- Warren Zeiders, singer and songwriter
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f "School Data for Hershey High School". NCES. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
- ^ a b "Hershey High School". U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
- ^ "What are the best high schools in Pennsylvania? U.S. News and World Report releases state, U.S. rankings". pennlive. June 12, 2019. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
- ^ "2020 Best Public High Schools in Pennsylvania". Niche. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
- ^ "Best STEM Schools - 501 to 1000". Newsweek. November 4, 2019. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
- ^ "Blue Ribbon Schools Program 1994-1996 Secondary Schools Selected for Recognition". US Department of Education. 1996. Archived from the original on December 5, 2006. Retrieved January 7, 2007.
- ^ "Clubs and Organizations Overview / Club and Organization Overview - New Look". www.hershey.k12.pa.us. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
- ^ [1], www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/SwimmersOfTheYear.asp.
- ^ http://www.rodfrisco.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/PIAA-G-SWIM-TEAM.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ Kiner, Deb (September 6, 2019). "Cocoa Bean football game is a longstanding Hershey tradition". pennlive. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
- ^ "Hershey High School / HHS Main Page". http. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
- ^ "Athletic Hall of Fame: 2005 Inductees". Derry Township School District. Archived from the original on August 25, 2019. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
External links
[edit]Hershey High School
View on GrokipediaOverview 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.[3][7] 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.[3][8] 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 GIANT Center, celebrating the graduates' accomplishments.[5][9][10]Campus and facilities
Hershey High School is located at 550 Homestead Road, Hershey, PA 17033, on a suburban campus spanning 231,000 square feet.[8] The facility features a card access system for secure entry, along with phone, television, and internet access available in all classrooms to support instructional needs.[8] Key amenities include a 1,300-seat auditorium used for assemblies and performances, two computer-aided design (CAD) laboratories for technical education, and dedicated spaces for arts and physical education such as band and orchestra rooms, art studios, a full gymnasium, weight room, and cardio exercise areas.[8] 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.[11] Facility usage requests are processed through the athletic office on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to school programs and groups; external organizations must provide rental fees and proof of insurance.[11] These resources support extracurricular activities, including drama productions in the auditorium.[8]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 Biology and enroll in Chemistry and Physics, 3 credits in mathematics including passing Algebra I, 3 credits in social studies, 1.5 credits in health, physical education, and highway safety, 2 credits in arts and humanities (any combination including music or world language), 0.5 credits in personal financial literacy, and electives to meet the total.[12][13] The school offers a range of advanced academic programs, including Advanced Placement (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 class rank, emphasizing holistic academic achievement instead. Elective options in business education provide practical skills through courses such as Fundamentals of Business, Accounting, and Marketing, allowing students to explore career pathways in commerce and finance.[1][14][15] As a public institution, Hershey High School is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, ensuring alignment with statewide academic standards. The district's Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment department oversees curriculum development 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.[16][17][18]Awards and rankings
Hershey High School received national recognition as a Blue Ribbon School from the U.S. Department of Education in 1996 for its academic excellence.[19] In the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the school placed first among high schools in the Harrisburg metropolitan area, 18th in Pennsylvania, and 652nd nationally, based on factors including state assessment performance, graduation rates, and college readiness.[20] According to Niche's 2026 rankings, Hershey High School is rated as the 19th best public high school in Pennsylvania and 715th nationally, drawing from statistics on academics, teachers, and student reviews.[21] The school demonstrates strong performance on Pennsylvania state-required tests, with 83% of students proficient in reading and 83% in math, exceeding state averages.[22] It also shows robust participation in Advanced Placement programs, with 58% of students taking AP exams and an 81% passage rate.[20][22]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.[23][24] 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 School District, and Laurie Wade, who has been an assistant principal since the 2007-2008 school year and currently oversees the Online Learning Academy.[23][25] 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.[26] 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.[17][27][28] The administrative structure supports a faculty of 83.00 full-time equivalent teachers during the 2023-2024 school year, ensuring effective instructional delivery across the curriculum.[29] This team also contributes to broader student body management by integrating demographic considerations into policy decisions and resource allocation.[26]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.[30][29] The student-teacher ratio stood at 13:1 in 2023–2024, an improvement from 14.85:1 in 2019–2020.[29] The gender distribution in 2023–2024 was nearly even, with 50.23% female (542 students) and 49.77% male (537 students).[29] This closely mirrors the 2019–2020 figures of 50.29% female and 49.71% male.[29] Racial and ethnic diversity has shifted modestly since 2019–2020. In 2023–2024, the breakdown was as follows:| Racial/Ethnic Group | Percentage (2023–2024) | Number of Students |
|---|---|---|
| White | 67.56% | 729 |
| Asian | 15.66% | 169 |
| Hispanic or Latino | 8.80% | 95 |
| Black or African American | 3.89% | 42 |
| Two or more races | 3.80% | 41 |
| Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander | 0.19% | 2 |
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 0.09% | 1 |
