We created a Staff Spotlight series to bring recognition of the many amazing guides and administrators while connecting with them in a personal way.
This month, we honor:
Aaron Miller
Aaron is from Mentor-on-the-Lake and now resides in Painesville. He attended John Carroll University and Lake Erie College earning a degree in History. He was a two-sport athlete at JCU playing baseball and basketball. Aaron is in his eighteenth year with the United States Coast Guard now serving as a reserve at Station Cleveland Harbor, Ohio.
Aaron was led to Hershey by other staff members whom he admires. Those staff members trusted Aaron and saw the gifts and talents he possesses as traits that would be a great contribution to the Hershey adolescent community. For the past two years Aaron worked part-time at our Middle School teaching Humanities and Physical Expression. This year, he is a full-time guide and classroom assistant at the Middle School.
Aaron is a valued member of our Hershey family. We invite you to get to know him.
Tell us about your family:
I’m married to Michelle Miller. Our oldest son, Ethan, is 11 years old. We have nine-year-old twins, Jonathan (Johnny Boy) and Alec. We have a dog named Chewy, a cat named May-May, a Beta fish named Bubbles, and two Hermit crabs.
What brought you to Hershey?
It was my wife, Michelle, and [staff members] Tania and Judy. Once I started working here, I could see really quickly how the environment was positive, open, and exciting. You don’t see that many places, let alone in a school setting.
Aaron Miller engages student in “Rock, Paper, Scissors” during first day of school activities.
What is your favorite Hershey memory?
Personally – getting hired full time.
With the students – challenging them during projects and watching them grow through them. Competing with the students during Physical Expression is one of my favorites each week. The different hikes, playing sports against each other, or building shelters are great. Those activities have already produced so many good memories.
On the farm – working with the animals and working the gardens. Making friends with Clay [the horse] was a great memory; so was the time he almost ran me down. 🙂
What is your favorite place to go?
Caribbean Islands – mainly St. Thomas and St. Johns. Locally, I’d say our fishing cabin in Potter, Pennsylvania.
What is your favorite thing to do when you are at home?
I like to play sports with my boys, and socialize with family and friends as much as possible.
Little known fact?
I like taking care of plants, growing herbs, and bird watching/identifying.
Who has made the biggest impact in your life and what does that impact look like?
My parents, my coaches, my friends and family … they are all different but surrounding myself with positive people has always worked best for me.
What is your favorite book?
In the Heart of the Sea by Nathanial Philbrick.
What is your favorite quote?
The success you’ve had in the past doesn’t mean anything tomorrow.
What is your favorite movie?
A Few Good Men, Caddieshack, and Forrest Gump.
How would your friends and family describe you?
Active, spontaneous, sarcastic, a dreamer, a person who does not like the cold, and belongs on the water or at a beach.
How would you describe yourself?
A big thinker, traveler, and never at rest with ideas.
What is your happiest moment?
Holding my oldest son for the first time.
Aaron Miller guides student instruction during outdoor classroom time.
Is there anything else you would like to share or let others know?
Success comes from dedicated work. Even though our country seems in chaos, it’s still one of the best places to live on this beautiful planet Earth. I had an admiral tell me when you live in other countries half your life, you realize how much America is like staying at The Ritz.
What is one of your biggest life lessons you would like to share with others?
No matter how bad something seems in the moment, the sun will rise tomorrow, and you get to start all over again.
Thank you for your work and dedication, Aaron. We appreciate all you do and the energy you bring to our community. We are happy to know you – and to now know you even better!
