HERSHEY, Pa., April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley made a surprise appearance at Milton Hershey School (MHS) this week to motivate students to finish the year strong and commit to achieving their dreams. Barkley told the audience of about 2,400 students, teachers, and staff that "this is the best welcome I've ever gotten in my life."
During his visit, Barkley first met with a group of MHS third graders who had written him congratulatory letters following the Eagles 2025 championship run earlier this year. Later in the afternoon, during the school-wide assembly, Barkley participated in a live Q&A, delivering a heartfelt message about the power of perseverance, leadership, and setting goals.
"Milton Hershey School was founded on the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed," said Pete Gurt, President of Milton Hershey School. "Saquon Barkley's visit reminded our students that through hard work, dedication, and perseverance, they are capable of greatness. We're incredibly appreciative to Saquon and the Eagles organization for helping us reinforce that message in such a powerful and memorable way."
The program also featured performances by the Philadelphia Eagles drumline and cheerleaders, as well as an appearance by Eagles mascot, SWOOP.
"It was awesome," said Barkley. "I loved the school year theme about raising the bar, and how they tied the assembly to how well they did in (state) testing. But being here and having the love that they had for me was truly amazing. It was a cool event. I love doing stuff like this and being able to sit down and have conversations with the kids. Hopefully, my story and the stuff that I learned will help them in the future."
Founded in 1909 by famous chocolate maker Milton S. Hershey and his wife, Catherine, MHS provides high-quality education to 2,200 students from under-resourced and over-burdened backgrounds nationwide, with all costs covered.
Click here for video clips from the event.
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 mhskids.org.
SOURCE Milton Hershey School
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