Springboard Academy Observation

All,

I attended last evening's Springboard Academy program for multiple reasons.

1. To meet the new students
2. To better understand the program
3. To meet the people who are dedicating their time to this program
4. To see the complex itself.

I have to admit that I was impressed with the development of the students to date. All of the students that I talked to were recently enrolled into MHS only since September 2007. Every student seemed to be very polite and appreciative of and for their new surroundings. They were all very enthusiastic about meeting alumni and proud to take us around their homes and campus for a tour. Most of the students chose to dress in their Sunday best, in lieu of a more casual attire. They were not forced to do so, however, they were very excited about the event.

The two students [both seventh grade boys] that were teamed with me were very informative and energetic. They seemed to thoroughly enjoy meeting me [an old head alumnus] and wanted to share with me their experiences to date. They took me around the Springboard Academy Campus and their individual homes to explain to me the various rooms and their useful purposes.

They also explained the process of how they were assigned chores, and how their assignments differed from the girls assignments. Of course they conveyed to me that they were much more organized and did much more work than the girls! This included household chores, cooking and outside work. I smiled!

Each shared in the conversation and provided their personal perspective on the tour. Prior to the tour they also interviewed me and asked several questions.

1. Are you related to Dave Chappelle - my response - "Why yes, he's my twin brother - don't we look alike?" One of them even replied - "Well I guess a little bit around the chin!" Are you going to be on his show?

Then I told them the truth - of course not - we're not really related - Dave spells his last name differently from me, he adds that silent "e" at the end!

I did tell both that I have a twin brother named Ron and that we both graduated from MHS, but that while I had a younger sister, she didn't go to MHS because at the time they didn't enroll girls.

2. Did I like MHS when I was in school? I answered "No, not really but I learned to appreciate the "Home" much more after I graduated." Then I told them that we called MHS the "Home" because we thought of it as our home, and that we called each other "Homeboys", because when I graduated we didn't have girls!"

The next question was answered with my response to the above.

3. Did you have a highschool sweetheart in MHS when you were here?

"No but I did marry my highschool sweetheart and we had three children, but we eventually divorced!" One of the boys asked "How could that happen?" I told him that she went to Hershey High School. He then smiled and said "Oh, okay!"

I explained to both boys that my class was the last all white male class to graduate from MHS, and that was a good thing, because after 1970 the classes were integrated and that was better, and then later on girls were allowed in the school, which was even better!

One boy smiled and said "You got that right!"

4. What was your favorite class? I told them printing but that it is probably called graphic arts now!

5. I was then asked "How did you get enrolled in MHS?" I told them that when my father died, my Mother wanted us to go to MHS, but that I refused to go. Then when my Mother died, one of my older brothers worked with a friend who went to MHS. His name was Ray Garber of the C/O '45. He helped my brother Les enroll Ron and I!" - August 6, 1964.

6. When did you graduate? - June 1, 1970.

I asked them a few questions.

1. Do you like MHS?

One boy said "So far!" then he explained that when his father died, his Mother decided to put him in MHS to keep him safe and off the streets. He also said he likes being able to do so many fun things like playing, and skate boarding, and doing new things where he can be safe! He said he likes knowing that his Mother doesn't have to worry about him.

The other boy said he didn't like it so much, but that he did like one thing! I asked "What!" He said "You know, and motioned his head to the left!" [I think he nodded towards Amy and Angela] I looked at him and asked "What does that mean?" He said "You know - the girls - I like being around all these girls!" We both smiled and he winked!

2. I asked them what they wanted to do when they grew up.

One boy said he wanted to go to college, he liked science, but then said quickly that he also wanted to skateboard more![*]

The other boy said he wanted to become a professional basketball player and also sing. [**]

3. I asked them what subject they liked best?

* Science class

** Of course -- Gym class and choir!

4. As it was growing closer to meal time, I asked each boy what their favorite meals were.

One boy said he like macaroni and cheese, and the other said he like meat loaf. I asked them if they liked vegetables and if so what type. Mac and chesse said, not so much, meat loaf said corn, then added he like salad too. Mac and cheese said he likes salads too.

They both said they like to help with making meals on the week-ends!

They both seemed surprised that so many alumni knew each other, and that we spoke to each other during the evening when we passed each other. I explained to them that after they graduate they will find out that it doesn't matter how old you are or when you graduate, if you went to MHS, we all treat each other like brothers and sisters.

We then grabbed some grub, and just chatted small talk, while other students stopped by the table to talk with these two. I told both boys and everyone else that was gathered around that they had established history by being the first group of students to experience the Springboard Academy and that they should be proud of their role in MHS history.

The both seem to be very popular boys, as there was a pretty good gathering at the table. After we finished eating, all the students gathered in the gym and listened to the managers provide feedback on their night. Their excellent behavior was well observed and applauded. I was glad to have been part of this event.

Like unclelarry, I believe this program is a wait and see program, but I think the students are being cared for properly and that the individuals who are managing this program are truly dedicated to ensuring each and every student receives quality care.

The students seem to be sincerely happy with their new lives. The program leaders seem to have a deep commitment for caring and nurturing each student.

The structure itself, was designed to serve as a temporary housing facility, so in that respect the arrangement might be most appropriate.

The most critical issue is going to be determined by the long term success rate of retaining students. Once again I offer my own opinion of MHS student retention.

It is not necessarily a bad thing if after some students are enrolled, and if their families become more capable of providing a stable environment, that the parents/guardians decide to withdraw their child/ren and bring them back into their homes. This type of event, in my opinion, is a good thing and MHS's purpose has been properly served. Milton Hershey himself envisioned that type of occurrence even written into his DOT - at least that's how I interpret the DOT.

The reason for student withdrawal could be a determining factor for evaluating success.

I would envision though that the program will be successful, I was impressed with the dedication of the program managers, the housing arrangments, the chores programs, the attitude of the students, and of course the continued mission of saving children from environments that would expose them to harmful or unhealthy activity.

I encourage every alumnus to become involved in programs like this program and to offer assistance to new students in adjusting to life at MHS.

I know a while ago one alumnus recommended a program where we could support students' parents by providing transportation to those who can not drive down to visit their children. I applaud that alumnus' initiative [DelVal Chapter] for developing such a program. I know one of the students that I talked with last night said his Mother can't visit because she lives in Wilkes-Barre and that the drive is too far. All of us should examine opportunities where we can provide some support mechanism to help these young students through their development.

Ellen Cummins invited alumni to continue visiting the Springboard Academy. I recommend to all who wish to involve themselves in some useful program to contact her to see how they can assist.

Sincerely,