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LNP | LancasterOnline: ‘Grounded in gratitude’: Milton Hershey president reflects on expansion into early childhood education

In a March 1, 2026, feature by LNP | LancasterOnline, Milton Hershey School (MHS) and Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) President Pete Gurt reflected on his lifelong connection to the school and his leadership in expanding education through CHS.

President Gurt shared how his own experiences as a student shaped his approach, the importance of serving children from six weeks to age 5, and the significance of opening new centers in Lancaster County to honor Milton and Catherine Hershey’s legacy.

Catherine Hershey Schools

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning are subsidiaries of Milton Hershey School and will be staffed and operated independently of the Milton Hershey School core model.

Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning will not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion or religious creed, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected under applicable federal or Pennsylvania law (collectively “Protected Characteristics”), against any applicant for admission, enrolled children, or any other individual(s) who participate(s) in the programs, services, and activities at our Centers.

© 2026 Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning