Latest news with #MiltonHersheySchool
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Health
- Miami Herald
College athlete — brother of NFL player — shot and paralyzed in MN, dad says
A college football player was shot outside a Minnesota home, paralyzing him and ending his football dreams, according to local authorities and the victim's father. Michael Blidi Jr., who earned a scholarship to continue his football career at Iowa Central Community College, was shot May 29 in Brooklyn Park, police said. 'According to the victim, he was standing on the sidewalk when a vehicle stopped, the suspect got out of the vehicle, fired a single shot, and struck him in the abdomen,' the Brooklyn Park Police Department said in a Facebook post. The accused gunman fled, police said, and no arrests have been announced as of June 4. 'Thursday night, our son fell victim to gun violence, sustaining a gunshot wound that has shattered our family,' the victim's father, Michael Blidi Sr., said in a Facebook post. 'His football career has been abruptly terminated.' A standout at Milton Hershey School in Pennsylvania, according to Blidi Jr. was a member of the Stonehill College football team in Massachusetts during his freshman season. Set to transfer, Blidi Jr. has now been told he will not walk again, his father said in a GoFundMe. 'His dream was terminated by a gunshot wound to his spinal cord, leaving him paralyzed from the knee down,' according to Blidi Sr., who described his son as 'a loving child full of life.' Emilio Diaz, a former high school teammate of Blidi Jr., described him to PennLive as a 'genuine kid' who 'devoted himself to wanting to get better.' 'I'm glad to know he is alive right now and his medical team is doing everything they can to keep him alive and on this earth,' he told the publication. 'I'm a faithful young man. This is a horrible tragedy, but it can lead to a larger triumph because I know Mike, and if he can do everything that he can, there's no doubt God has something planned for him, and I know that he is capable of more.' Blidi Jr. is the brother of former Auburn University defensive tackle Philip Blidi, who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans in April.
Associated Press
28-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Milton Hershey School Names 2025 Alumni of the Year
James E. Hanawalt '65 and John B. Hanawalt '70 recognized for community leadership HERSHEY, Pa., April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Milton Hershey School (MHS) has named James E. Hanawalt '65 and John B. Hanawalt '70 as the 2025 Alumni of the Year for their exceptional, decades-long commitment to community leadership. James, who passed away on June 26, 2024, is being honored posthumously with this distinction. James, known to most as 'Jim,' spent 37 years in the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board's Human Resources Department. John entered the financial world after earning his diploma from Susquehanna University. Their career successes, John said, were rooted in the lessons they learned in Hershey, Pennsylvania. 'While the Hanawalt brothers had fruitful careers, their hearts for service set them apart. Jim and John remained close to Hershey—never forgetting their roots and allowing them to stay connected to their alma mater in impactful ways,' MHS President Pete Gurt '85 said. 'They have played pivotal roles in the school's student recruitment efforts within the Central Pennsylvania region, and as members of the MHS Alumni Association, the brothers organized celebrations and community service projects for MHS students of all ages.' After seeing a need in his community for young girls to get involved in sports, Jim organized and led the Paxtonia Basketball Association for 22 years, serving both boys and girls. A strong core of volunteers, including 200 coaches and support staff under his leadership, ensured the players received the individualized attention they needed to succeed. John donated his time and talents to many organizations, including his church, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, American Cancer Society, and the Optimist Club. In addition to devoting time to their families, professions, and communities, the Hanawalt brothers always found ways to give back to MHS. Through the Harrisburg Chapter of the MHS Alumni Association, Jim organized a tailgate party before Homecoming games. Generations of MHS students benefited from Easter parties and summer pool parties Jim helped organize. Meanwhile, National Honor Society (NHS) students learned the importance of community service through the Hanawalts' example. As volunteers for the MHS Admissions team, the Hanawalts have shared the importance of an MHS education with potential students. Reflecting on the 2025 Alumni of the Year honor, John said, 'The magic of Milton Hershey School is what I was able to do for my children and my communities. We never sought this. I was very surprised to receive the call, but I wish Jim was here with me. He didn't do anything for accolades. He was all about helping others, and he taught me to do the same.' More information about Milton Hershey School can be found at ABOUT THE ALUMNUS/ALUMNA OF THE YEAR AWARD The Milton Hershey School Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award began in 1954. Recipients of the award have demonstrated humanitarianism and exemplary service to others, achieved distinguished service in their careers, and exhibited high standards of achievements, both personally and professionally. ABOUT MILTON HERSHEY SCHOOL Milton Hershey School is one of the world's best private schools, where qualifying students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade live on campus and receive an exceptional educational experience—with all costs covered. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Milton Hershey School
CBS News
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Extras needed for Hershey biopic filming in Pittsburgh
A casting call is out for paid extras needed when the Hershey biopic comes to film in Pittsburgh. Mosser Casting is looking for background actors of all ages to be in "Hershey," a movie that follows chocolate pioneer Milton Hershey and his wife Kitty. Production is set to begin in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas next month. Starring Finn Wittrock of "American Horror Story" and Alexandra Daddario of "The White Lotus," the movie is set in the late 1800s and early 1900s as it follows Hershey's quest to build his chocolate empire. Because of the time period, Mosser Casting is looking for extras with natural hair colors, and women have to be willing to wear a corset. Extras can expect 12 to 14 hour days, with a pay of $225 for a 12 hour guarantee. More information about requirements and the application process can be found online . The movie will be directed by Mark Waters, whose work includes "Mean Girls" and "Spiderwick Chronicles." "Against all odds, Milton achieved great success, but unlike a lot of other wealthy men of his time, he shared his success with the working people and community around him," Waters said in a press release from Hershey. "The core of HERSHEY , the movie, will be the special love story between Milton and Catherine Hershey, who inspired his greatest legacy - the creation of Milton Hershey School. I'm excited to have Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario to portray these two visionaries, who believed in leaving the world a better place than they found it - the kind of wonderful, true story that audiences are hungry for right now." The movie is set to release in 2026.
CBS News
09-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
New movie about Milton Hershey to film in Pittsburgh
A motion picture film titled "Hershey" will start production in May 2025. The film crew will stop for production in the Pittsburgh area according to the Pittsburgh Film Office. The movie will focus on the founder of The Hershey Company, Milton Hershey, a man who had failed ventures in business and became a chocolatier. The main cast features Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario as Milton and Catherine Hershey. "Against all odds, Milton achieved great success, but unlike a lot of other wealthy men of his time, he shared his success with the working people and community around him," said Director of the Hershey movie Mike Waters. "The core of Hershey, the movie, will be the special love story between Milton and Catherine Hershey." The Milton Hershey School was inspired by his motivation to bring good to the world. Five Hershey affiliated establishments, The Hershey Company, Milton Hershey School, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, The M.S. Hershey Foundation and Hershey Trust Company collaborated with Dandelion Media to ensure the portrayal of Milton's life is authentic. "Milton and Catherine Hershey's greatest achievement wasn't chocolate, it was creating a home and school for generations of children in need," said President of Milton Hershey School, Pete Gurt. "As an alumnus of Milton Hershey School, I've seen firsthand how their vision transforms lives." The film is set to release in 2026.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Alexandra Daddario, Finn Wittrock to Lead ‘Hershey' Biopic From Director Mark Waters
Alexandra Daddario and Finn Wittrock are set to lead the biopic 'Hershey' about America's first family in chocolate, Dandelion Media and the Hershey Company announced on Tuesday. Coming from 'Mean Girls' director Mark Waters with a screenplay by Sharon Paul and Timothy Michael Hayes, the film will follow Milton Hershey's 'rags-to-riches journey and his profound impact on the world,' per a press release. The 'American Horror Story' actor is set to play chocolatier Milton, while the 'White Lotus' actress will play his philanthropist wife Kitty Hershey. Filming is set to begin in May — including on-location in Hershey, Pennsylvania — for a 2026 release. 'Against all odds, Milton achieved great success, but unlike a lot of other wealthy men of his time, he shared his success with the working people and community around him,' Waters shared in a statement. 'The core of 'Hershey,' the movie, will be the special love story between Milton and Catherine Hershey, who inspired his greatest legacy — the creation of the Milton Hershey School. I'm excited to have Finn Wittrock and Alexandra Daddario to portray these two visionaries, who believed in leaving the world a better place than they found it — the kind of wonderful, true story that audiences are hungry for right now.' 'Milton Hershey's story exemplifies the American Dream,' Hershey Company president and CEO Michele Buck agreed. 'This movie will reveal how Milton and Kitty built something far greater than a chocolate company. Their legacy extends beyond sweet treats to education, community and opportunity for thousands. We're proud to support a film that shares the full Hershey story — one of resilience, vision and impact that continues to inspire today.' Producers include Paul, Mark Tilghman for Dandelion Media, Mary Aloe for Aloe Entertainment, Daniel Hank and Will Hardy, with Josh Harris and Joanne Marlowe as financing partners. Additionally, Dandelion Media promises historical accuracy as the Hershey historical archives are put to screen for the first time ever. ''Hershey' celebrates imagination, generosity and, of course, the joy of chocolate,' they teased. The post Alexandra Daddario, Finn Wittrock to Lead 'Hershey' Biopic From Director Mark Waters appeared first on TheWrap.
