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Alumni Fireside Event

Alumni Fireside Event

Come join us for the Hershey Montessori School

Alumni Fireside Event

This is for alumni, alumni families, current/past staff, families, and students, intended as an inclusive event for people who want to remember their years at Hershey Montessori School.

Friday, March 22nd | 5:00-7:00 pm

at Punderson State Park

Take a trip down memory lane. Spend a relaxing time visiting with new and old friends.

This will be a beautiful opportunity to rekindle your Hershey spirit and take pleasure in a fun evening under the stars.

Enjoy appetizers, beverages, prizes, and so much s’more!

18 & Over | Dress for the Weather | Bring Your Lawn Chair 

Watch for information and RSVP here: https://onecau.se/_45g2e1

Thank you to our sponsor 

We look forward to seeing you!

Montessori Live!

Montessori Live!

Elementary and Beyond!
From elementary core subjects to upper school micro-economy, this will be an interactive experience. The children love to teach you skills and concepts they learn in Montessori.

You won’t want to miss this live event!

Thursday, February 9 | 5:00-6:00 pm

at our Concord Campus

*Childcare is offered to children who are not presenting. Please remember to RSVP, thank you!
RSVP@hershey-montessori.org or call 440-357-0918.

Hershey Alumni Summer Social

Hershey Alumni Summer Social

Join us for Hershey Montessori School’s Alumni Social!

The Alumni Social is open to Hershey alumni and guides. Hershey defines “Alumni” as any person who has been enrolled at Hershey Montessori School for any length of time. Come connect with us and to one another!

Date: Thursday, June 15, 2023

Time: 5-7 pm

Location: Westel’s | 4084 Erie St., Willoughby

Cost: $15

Register at: https://one.bidpal.net/westles2023/welcome

Alumni Spotlight: Makenna Venaleck

Alumni Spotlight: Makenna Venaleck

This Alumni Spotlight is devoted to Makenna Venaleck. Makenna is in her fourth year as a full-time student at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where she lives with her three roommates and Wybie, their “wonderful” cat. She will graduate in May with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Applied Mathematics. Makenna is originally from Concord, and upon graduation, she will be relocating back to the Cleveland area to begin working as a Systems Engineer for RoviSys, an automation engineering company in Aurora.

Enjoy our interview with Makenna, below.

 

Hi Makenna, thank you for your time today. Let’s start with first things first. What brought you to Hershey Montessori School and how long were you here? 

I came to Hershey because my mom worked/works there and used to bring me to school with her as a baby. I officially started Hershey in the YCC (Young Child Community). I spent all my school years at Hershey — From YCC to 12th grade — from 1 year to 18 years old!

 

How amazing. What did you like most about your Montessori education?

I liked the holistic approach to every topic of education. Being able to see the connection between the abstract concepts being taught and the physical land that was present was very valuable and kept me invested in my own education solely for the purpose of learning. I was able to dive deeper into every topic purely because it was interesting to me and because I felt the joy of learning.

 

Yes, it’s an incredible approach. Do you have a favorite Hershey memory?

My favorite Hershey memories are from community work and cooking in the kitchen. I loved the sense of community and feelings of accomplishment involved with community work — whether it was cleaning out the cow stalls or painting murals for the play. I also loved cooking in the kitchen because it was fun to get to know the people I was in the kitchen with, and it felt great to help provide something for the whole community.

 

What is one thing about Hershey you would like others to know?

The real power of Hershey is the community that is fostered and the compassion that it builds. I was able to care not only about the educational concepts I was learning but for the people that I was learning about as well. The designated seminar periods where everyone was encouraged to share their thoughts on a subject broadened my view on what a respectful discussion should consist of and how to listen to differing opinions. The genuine care that everyone (both the students and the guides) had for each other taught me to hold that compassion and maintain curiosity for everyone I encounter. All of these things, other than just the education, are what have really helped me as I’ve carried on in life.

 

Where is your favorite place to go?

When I’m home, I love going to Lake Erie. I love the sound of the waves and the serenity of the water.

 

We’re fortunate to be so close to the lake! So, what is your favorite thing to do?

I love to travel and experience new cultures, food, and activities. But on a day-to-day basis, I love getting outside and going on hikes with my family and friends!

 

I see the connections to nature Hershey provides has not been lost on you! Now, we know you have a mathematical mind by your chosen career path, but do you have hobbies or other specific interests?

I enjoy taking time off to do my creative hobbies like playing piano and drawing.

 

It’s great that you still make time for those creative expressions. Can you share a little-known fact about you?

My favorite bird is an indigo bunting.

 

How neat! Do you have a favorite book?

I love to read all book genres from Harry Potter to Pride and Prejudice. It’s too hard to pick!

 

Do you have a favorite quote?

“Life is available only in the present moment.” (Thic Nhat Hanh)

 

Excellent quote and reminder! What is your favorite movie?

I love a good documentary/docuseries about nature/culture/true crime, but also could re-watch any Marvel movie any day.

 

Who has made the biggest impact in your life and what does that impact look like?

My mom impacts me every day through her constant example of intentional mindfulness. It has taught me patience, compassion, and given me tools to see joy in every day.

A previous Hershey legend, Jim Ewert-Krocker, has also impacted me by providing an example of diligence and hard work. His example motivates me to place my full effort into the work that I do so I can produce results that positively affect the people around me. Using this diligence, I can be proud of myself daily because I know that I did my best at whatever task, big or small.

 

That is beautiful, Makenna. How would your friends and family describe you, and how would you describe yourself?

This is a tough one, but probably that I’m driven, creative, and loyal.

I would say that I simply care a lot about what I contribute to the world, how I do that, and who that affects. I’m motivated by personal success but mostly by achieving the big picture goals. I also place a lot of value on the creation of interpersonal connections along the way.

 

Love your intentionality. What has been your happiest moment?

Any moment spent with my friends and family outside in the sun is where I am happiest.

 

That is perfection, isn’t it?! Do you have a life lesson you would like to share with others?

It’s not only okay but is essential to take breaks. We define what productivity and success mean to ourselves and sometimes that means actually taking a moment for ourselves. Stopping to take a breath, to cook a meal, or to get outside are all investments in yourself and are just as important to personal success as completing a physical task on your to-do list.

 

Perfectly stated. Is there anything else you’d like to share or let others know?

I really would not be the person I am today without Hershey and I am constantly grateful for the experience I had there. My sense of self and desire to cultivate community can be attributed to my time there. The small daily human connections I’m encouraged to make due to my experience in the close Hershey community directly impact the prioritization and achievement of my daily and long-term goals.

 

That is such a beautiful way to wrap up our interview. We are grateful for your time and continued contributions to school and community, Makenna. We are glad to know you and admire your continued growth and success in all areas of your life. Thank you for sharing with us today. We wish you all the best!

Alumni Spotlight: Sarah (Whitaker) Siems

Alumni Spotlight: Sarah (Whitaker) Siems

In this month’s Alumni Spotlight, we are recognizing Sarah (Whitaker) Siems. Sarah, a native to Concord Township, came to Hershey Montessori School when she was just eighteen months old in our Parent-Infant class. Her dad was the first dad to be in the Parent-Infant class. She remained at Hershey’s Concord campus through 6th grade and then attended the Huntsburg campus through eighth grade.

Sarah now lives in Dallas, Texas, with her husband, Philip, their two sons, Henry (4) and William (2), and their “very fluffy cat” named Roly Poly. Sarah is a nationally certified personal trainer and trains her clients via her website and app, train.fitstyled.com. She is also the author of the cookbook Cooking without a Kitchen, as well as Fit in 20 Minutes, the only pre-made, yet customizable workout plan. She most recently released her new children’s book Hippos Go to Hawaii, coauthored with her husband. All her books are available on Amazon.com.

Enjoy our interview with Sarah, below.

 

Hi Sarah, you’ve been busy! Tell us where you landed after high school. Did you go to college, and if so, where did you attend?

Yes, I went to Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

 

What degree(s) or training did your pursue?

I have a Bachelor of Science in Applied Physiology & Enterprise from SMU and am a nationally certified personal trainer through American College of Sports Medicine. I also have certifications in yoga, lifestyle and behavior management, and sports nutrition.

 

That is impressive! Is there something about your Montessori education that stands out to you? What in particular did you like most about it? 

Primarily, I liked the close-knit community. Additionally, I also felt that we were able to foster more creativity by growing up in a Montessori environment.  The way everything was structured made me feel that it was okay, and encouraged, to think outside the box, which I believe has had a tremendously positive impact on my life and in the way I raise my own children.

 

That is truly wonderful to hear. Can you tell us what your heart’s passion is?

My children. Beyond that, making people happy and finding fun and creative ways to show love for them.

 

Do you have any hobbies or specific interests?

I love genealogy and organization. The latter is due to having lived in a dorm!

 

Speaking of dorms, and Hershey having a boarding community, what is your favorite Hershey memory?

I loved the Thanksgiving feast in the gym. It was so fun to get paired with a younger student and I specifically remember how the corn bake and cranberries tasted.

 

What has been your happiest moment to date?

Finding out I was pregnant!

 

What is a little-known fact that others wouldn’t know about you?

I was in the Justin Bieber movie at a time when I didn’t really know much about him. 🙂

 

Tell us where your favorite place to go is.

Hawaii! This is partly why Hawaii is the first location for our book series.

 

And, what is your favorite thing to do?

I love taking walks with my family.

 

This may be obvious, but what is your favorite book?

Hippos Go to Hawaii!

 

Can you give us one of your favorite quotes?

“If you don’t ask, the answer is already ’no.’”

 

Do you have a favorite movie?

Legally Blonde. I know every word. I think Elle Woods is smart, driven, and kind, all while fashionable.

 

Love it! So, how do you think your friends and family would describe you?

I just asked, and they said “loving, kind, creative, and funny yet professional.”

 

And what do you think? How would you describe yourself?

Well, the things they said were nice, so I think I like that list!

 

Absolutely! As we wrap up with the last few questions, is there one thing about Hershey you would like others to know?

I would like them to know that it really is like a family.

 

This is more of a personal question. Who has made the biggest impact in your life and what does that impact look like?

My mom. She’s a hard worker, smart, and fun. She also prioritized big family trips with extended family and we love to do the same.

 

Last question. Do you have a life lesson you would like to share with others?

Life is short. Tell people you love them every chance you get!

 

That is great advice, Sarah. It’s been a pleasure to catch up with you and to see all that you have done. Where you have taken your life thus far is an inspiration to us all. We look forward to continuing to watch you flourish!