#USA #Hershey #CORE #Milton Hershey School #Maria Kraus

Maria T. Kraus '89 Recognized with CORE Trustee of the Year Award

Maria T. Kraus, an esteemed alumna of Milton Hershey School (MHS), has been honored with the prestigious CORE Trustee of the Year Award during the Coalition of Residential Excellence's annual conference in Waco, Texas. Serving as the Chairwoman of the MHS Board of Managers, Kraus is the first female MHS graduate to hold this vital position, reflecting her deep commitment to the mission of the school and its students.

The CORE Trustee of the Year Award is designed to recognize those individuals who exemplify exceptional leadership and dedication within their respective educational institutions, particularly those offering residential education. This honor underscores the values of leadership, advocacy, and transformative opportunities for children and youth, qualities that Kraus embodies beautifully.

Peter G. Gurt, MHS President and fellow graduate, expressed pride in Kraus's accomplishments, stating, "Milton Hershey School is fortunate to benefit from Maria's visionary leadership and deep personal commitment to our mission. As an alumna, Board Chair, and tireless advocate for our students, she brings passion and purpose to everything she does."

Kraus's journey with MHS began when she enrolled as a student, not knowing the profound impact that experience would later have on her life. Today, her role as Board Chair involves a collaborative effort with fellow managers and school leaders to ensure that MHS students receive the support they need to thrive—both during their education and beyond.

In addition to her duties with MHS, Kraus also chairs The Hershey Company's Board of Directors and is a member of The M.S. Hershey Foundation’s Board of Managers. "I am humbled and honored to receive this acknowledgment," Kraus remarked after receiving the award. "When I enrolled at MHS, I had no idea the impact it would have on my life, and I certainly never dreamed that I would one day have the privilege of serving the very school that gave me opportunity and hope."

Her heartfelt acknowledgment underscores a profound sense of gratitude that guides her decisions as a board member. She expresses a deep responsibility to ensure that current and future students at MHS are afforded the same transformative opportunities that she was lucky to experience.

Milton Hershey School stands out as not only a leading educational institution but also a community where students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade are supported in innovatively unique ways. The full cost of education is covered for qualifying students, enabling them to focus fully on their learning and personal growth.

CORE, founded in 1994, aims to represent and strengthen residential programs for children and youth who require additional support as they navigate their education and life. By recognizing contributions from exceptional individuals like Kraus, CORE continues to highlight the importance of dedicated leadership within these critical educational settings.

For more information on Milton Hershey School and its impactful programs, interested individuals are encouraged to visit mhskids.org.