Hershey News
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Remembering Michael Bagiackas: A Foundational Guide for Hershey Montessori
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Michael Bagiackas. Michael was not only a beloved Montessori guide but also Hershey Montessori’s first principal, whose vision and dedication laid the foundation for our school.
From 1983 to 1995, Michael served as Teaching Principal, guiding students and families with wisdom, warmth, and an unwavering commitment to Montessori principles. He taught early and upper elementary, inspiring countless children while also leading the way in expanding our programs. Under his leadership, the school bought land and built the first phase of the Concord campus. The program by then had grown beyond its early beginnings by adding birth-to-three programs and the elementary classrooms that continue to thrive today.
Michael’s influence extended far beyond the classroom. He was a mentor to parents and educators alike, encouraging many to deepen their understanding of Montessori education. His passion for learning and his gentle, thoughtful approach left an indelible mark on our community.
Debbie Guren, Hershey board member, philanthropist, and long-time supporter, recalls:
“Michael taught all three of my children. He was a phenomenal guide who inspired me to learn more about Montessori. He helped grow our little school by adding elementary and birth-to-three programs. In 2013, I ran into him at the Montessori Congress in Portland, and it was like no time had passed—his warmth and passion for Montessori were as strong as ever.”
Others remember Michael’s quiet humor and his ability to make every child feel seen. He had a gift for turning everyday moments into lessons of independence and wonder. Alumni often share stories of Michael sitting cross-legged on the floor, listening intently to a child’s discovery, or guiding a group through a hands-on science experiment with contagious enthusiasm.
Michael’s leadership was visionary. At a time when Montessori education was still finding its footing in Northeast Ohio, he championed growth with courage and creativity. Under his guidance, Hershey Montessori expanded beyond its early beginnings, laying the foundation for the thriving community we know today.
Michael is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kaemaple Cotter; his children Maya May Holmes (and husband Brian), Ananda (and partner Jonathan DeVilbiss), and Emrys; his grandson Dylan Haviland; his siblings Claudia, Jean, Kat, and Thomas; and several generations of extended family.
Michael’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those he taught and the programs he helped build. We invite alumni and friends to share their memories and reflections. Your stories will help us honor Michael’s life and celebrate the enduring impact of his work.
A gathering of remembrance will be held at the Plainfield Opera House in Plainfield, Vermont, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at noon. All are welcome. More information can be found here.
Celebrating 25 Years of Innovation: Hershey Montessori Huntsburg Campus Marks Milestone Anniversary
HUNTSBURG, OH — Nestled among the wooded acres of Geauga County, Hershey Montessori School’s Huntsburg Campus is celebrating a remarkable milestone: 25 years of pioneering adolescent education rooted in the Montessori philosophy. Since its founding in 2000, the campus has grown into a globally recognized model for experiential learning, sustainability, and community-minded, project-based education.
A Vision Realized
The Huntsburg Campus was the first in the world to fully implement Dr. Maria Montessori’s vision for adolescent education. Built on 97 acres of farmland and forest, the campus integrates academics with purposeful work, including farming, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Students aged 12 to 18 live and learn in a setting designed to foster independence, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.
“Twenty-five years ago, we planted a seed—an idea that adolescents could thrive in a place rooted in trust, purpose, and connection to the earth,” said Debra Hershey Guren, HMS board emeritus, major donor, alumni parent, and current grandparent. “Watching that vision grow into a vibrant, global community has been one of the most meaningful journeys of my life. Hershey’s Huntsburg Campus is more than a school—it’s a living expression of Montessori’s cosmic vision, where young people are truly seen, challenged, and inspired.”
From Seed to Legacy
What began as a bold experiment has flourished into a living community of growth and connection. For more than a quarter of a century, the Huntsburg Campus has welcomed adolescents from around the world, each bringing unique cultures, perspectives, and gifts.
“I still remember when I first visited the Huntsburg Campus. I saw students joyfully working in the garden—so confident, so connected. It was clear this was more than a school. For 25 years, Hershey has honored the adolescent journey with purpose, trust, and deep respect. Watching young people grow into themselves here has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” said John Buzzard, Huntsburg Campus Director.
The intentional design of Hershey Montessori’s academic and social programs, open the door for students to engage in purposeful work that nurtures independence, responsibility, and care for others.
The Production & Exchange program is one example—an opportunity for adolescents to experience meaningful work and economic literacy through real-world practice. This essential program, and many others, have been supported and sustained through the generosity of a number of donors, among them The Hershey Foundation, the Rig III Foundation, The Dekko Foundation, and the Jerome T. Osborne and Georgeanne S. Osborne Charitable Trust.
Looking Ahead
With its foundation firmly rooted in Montessori principles and its gaze set on the future, Hershey Montessori’s Huntsburg Campus continues to evolve.
“As we celebrate 25 years of the Huntsburg Campus, we honor not just a milestone, but a movement—one that has redefined what adolescent education can be. This campus began as a bold vision rooted in Montessori’s Erdkinder principles, and today it stands as a living, breathing example of what happens when young people are trusted to lead, grow, and contribute meaningfully to their world,” said Diana LeSieur, Interim Head of School and Director of Admissions. “Looking ahead, our commitment is stronger than ever—to deepen our impact, expand access, and continue evolving with the needs of our students and the world they will inherit. The next 25 years hold extraordinary promise, and we are ready to meet them with purpose, passion, and possibility.”
For more about the Huntsburg Campus and its programs, visit the Hershey Montessori School website.
Keeping Up Newsletter – Fall 2025
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Hershey Receives $150k from The Dekko Foundation
Concord & Huntsburg, Ohio — Hershey Montessori School is honored to announce receipt of the second and final payment of $150,000 from The Dekko Foundation for the two-year grant award of $300,000 entitled, “Rebuilding Capacity for Sustainability.”
This capacity-building investment strengthens Hershey Montessori’s enrollment and retention efforts, placing the school on a new upward trajectory toward long-term financial sustainability. With these funds, Hershey will expand its marketing plan, deepen domestic and international engagement, and implement campus-based retention strategies.
“Our mission is to provide beautiful Montessori environments, where learning and work are integrated within a community experience engaging the intellectual, moral, and social development of children and adolescents from birth to eighteen years,” said Interim Head of School Diana Le Sieur. “We are deeply grateful for The Dekko Foundation’s partnership in this mission.”
Through this investment, Hershey Montessori School will continue to guide children and adolescents in developing a strong sense of self, equipping them to thrive in changing times, and preparing them to contribute to the world as stewards of peace and humanity.
Hershey Montessori School, with campuses in Concord and Huntsburg, Ohio, serves children from birth through age 18. As an internationally recognized Montessori school, Hershey is a model for best practices and a hub for Montessori teacher training.
Hershey Receives Ohio Arts Council ArtsSTART Grant
Hershey Montessori School is deeply grateful to the Ohio Arts Council for the generous $3,642 ArtsSTART grant for the 2024–2025 school year.
This support enriched our arts program across both campuses, providing materials and resources that fostered creativity, self-expression, and cultural awareness from kindergarten through 12th grade.
The grant allowed professional teaching artists to collaborate with classroom guides, integrating visual arts, music, and performance into academic subjects and daily learning. Students applied these artistic experiences in class projects, performances, and exhibitions, sharing their work with peers, families, and the wider community.
This holistic, hands-on approach reflects the Montessori philosophy of nurturing the whole child and developing creativity, confidence, and critical thinking for life.
Hershey Receives $20K Award to Support Huntsburg Campus, Farm
Huntsburg, OH — Hershey Montessori School (HMS) is pleased to announce a $20,000 award from the Rig III Family Foundation to support capacity building at its Huntsburg 7th-12th Grade Campus.
The funding will address infrastructure and operational needs, including building repairs and professional development for staff. Additionally, this award will fund repairs to animal fencing, upgrades to campus facilities, and support operational costs, such as mental health specialists and educational resources.
The campus farm is central to HMS’s mission to provide an environment where learning and work are integrated within a community experience, engaging students’ intellectual, moral, and social development.
Hershey’s campus farm serves as small-scale community for students to practice real-life skills while benefiting from the integration of the farm with their academics, i.e., sciences, mathematics, and history. Timely and relevant lessons are also incorporated, such as energy, environment, water, and sustainability practices.
Founded in 1978, HMS serves over 250 students, offering a unique program at its 97-acre Huntsburg Campus. The program provides day and international boarding students with hands-on, real-world learning experiences, fostering growth in agriculture, sustainability, personal responsibility, and community.
“We’re grateful for this support, which helps us continue providing an exceptional, holistic education that prepares students for the future,” said Paula Leigh-Doyle, Head of Hershey Montessori School.
$10K Gift from Osborne Charitable Trust Supports Hershey’s Production & Exchange Program
Huntsburg, OH, — Hershey Montessori School is grateful to The Jerome T. Osborne and Georgeanne S. Osborne Charitable Trust for a $10,000 gift supporting its Huntsburg 7th-12th Grade Campus Production & Exchange program.
The Production and Exchange program (formerly known as Microeconomy) is a key component of Hershey’s Adolescent Community as it aligns with Dr. Maria Montessori’s vision of preparing students for economic independence. Through real-world business endeavors at markets, events, and online, students develop creativity, problem-solving, and financial acumen.
This funding will help to enhance students’ financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills through hands-on experiences in business management, product creation, and sales.
Located on a 98-acre farm, Hershey’s Huntsburg campus provides an immersive learning environment featuring organic gardens, beekeeping, maple sugarbush, domestic animals, a greenhouse, and dedicated artisan spaces. These experiences foster independence and responsibility, equipping students with essential life skills.
“We deeply appreciate this generous support from The Osborne Charitable Trust,” said Paula Leigh-Doyle, Head of School at Hershey Montessori School. “This gift will empower our students with real-world financial and entrepreneurial experiences.”
Hershey Montessori School Hosts Multi-School Peace & Education Summit
Students enjoy presentation
Student presentation
Student presents on brain science
Students engaged in workshop
Students listen to keynote
Hershey’s Matt Sorrick addresses students
Student presentation on suicide
Keynote speaker addresses students
Students learning from keynote speaker
Hershey Montessori School hosted the Peace & Education Summit on March 6th and 7th. This two-day professional conference involved Hershey middle school students and more than 70 visiting middle school students for an incredible learning experience.
Students from White Pine Middle School in Michigan, Hudson Montessori School, Lake Ridge Academy, Cleveland Montessori School, and Ratner Montessori School engaged with Hershey students for this exciting event.
The theme of the Summit was Global Health & Health Justice. This powerful student-led and student-centered conference was designed to create collaboration and inquiry into topics related to education and peace. Of special focus was the role of global medicine and how global response to health concerns impacts peace in the world. Students researched specific health problems, gathered evidence to support that there are problems, and investigated obstacles and solutions. They planned and prepared interactive and engaging workshops that they presented to middle school students throughout the conference. These were 40-minute workshops in which students shared the knowledge they gained about health issues, engaged the audience members in the topic, and reflected on how it relates to Peace & Education.
- Mutation Impossible: The (COVID) Experience
- Your Mental Health: Why does it matter?
- Opioids: Understand the Crisis, Know the Risks
- Gene Editing: Superpowers not included…yet
- The Hush about Women’s Health
- The Harmful Environment We Live In
Keynote speakers included Jonathan Sague, DNP – CEO of UH Geauga, Conneaut, and Geneva; Dr. Marlea Miano, MD – Chief Medical Officer, UH Geauga, and Dr. Bob Tupa, DO, who shared his observations made while providing medical mission work in Kenya.
Much gratitude to our staff and students and especially Matt Sorrick, Hershey Upper School Science Guide, for his leadership and coordination of this tremendous event. Questions and interest in future multi-school events can be sent to Matt at msorrick@hershey-montessori.org.
Hershey Family Foundation’s Transformational Gift Strengthens Montessori Education
Concord & Huntsburg, OH — Hershey Montessori School joyfully announces a generous $300,000 gift from The Hershey Family Foundation in support of the school’s educational programs, services, and daily operations. This gift nurtures the foundation of Montessori education, empowering children and adolescents to develop as capable, compassionate, and engaged global citizens.
Since its founding in 1978, Hershey Montessori School has provided authentic Montessori environments where learning is seamlessly integrated with purposeful work and community engagement. Serving students from Ohio, across the U.S., and around the world, the school’s two campuses—Concord (infant to age 12) and Huntsburg (ages 12-18 including a boarding program) — offer a fully immersive Montessori experience from birth to adulthood.
With heartfelt gratitude, the Hershey Montessori community celebrates this meaningful partnership. The foundation’s generosity sustains core operations, enhances administrative needs, and advances essential programs that shape the future of young learners. The hope is that this gift inspires others to give an annual gift, sponsor, or otherwise invest in the school’s mission – reinforcing this shared commitment to peace, humanity, and the boundless potential of every child.
To contribute, please go to: Hershey Montessori School | Hershey Montessori School Giving | Donate
Hershey Montessori School Welcomes French Exchange Students
Hershey Montessori School announces the arrival of adolescent students and adults from Mios Montessori School, based in France, for a three-week exchange experience.
Hershey Montessori’s Upper School community welcomed the group‘s arrival on Tuesday, January 21. Due to frigid temperatures, classes were canceled, giving our French guests additional time to assimilate and connect with Hershey’s current boarding students, some day students, and staff members.
“We are excited to welcome eight students and two adults from the south of France into our Upper School community for three weeks,” said Stori Zinkhann, Dean of Enrollment Management and College and Career Counselor. “These adolescents will enjoy an immersive experience at Hershey Montessori School as they explore new perspectives in global education, create life-long friendships, and learn new ways to engage in our world. “
School in France is not in session this time of year, which made the January exchange a perfect time for the group to travel to the United States. In return, the group from Mios Montessori invited Hershey students to France in June for a similar exchange experience.
Hershey aims to provide opportunities to connect with Montessori schools across the globe as an enrichment opportunity for all involved. Experiencing diverse cultures and customs, and exposure to foreign languages and traditions helps elevate students’ understanding of a global society.
Zinkhann said, “Hershey’s adolescents are excited to explore a new culture through the eyes and hearts of the French visitors as well as learn a bit of their language, history, and culinary techniques!”
Any school that is interested in an exchange experience at Hershey may contact Stori Zinkhann at szinkhann@hershey-montessori.org or by calling 440-935-4880.
Campus visits, tours, and student shadowing opportunities are also available and can be scheduled through Ms. Zinkhann.