2023 Spartan Hall of Fame
Milton Hershey School Introduces 2023 Spartan Hall of Fame Inductees
Milton Hershey School inducted seven graduates and a team into the Spartan Hall of Fame on Sept. 22 during Homecoming 2023. To be considered for induction into the Spartan Hall of Fame, an individual or team must be nominated and then vetted and approved by a selection committee.
Visual and Performing Arts Inductees:
Todd Cress, Class of 1993
Todd demonstrated his talents in both instrumental and vocal music during high school.
He began his involvement in instrumental music as a freshman. He participated in Jass Band and Varsity Band through senior year. During senior year, he also became a member of the Indoor Drumline.
Todd also began his involvement in vocal music as a freshman when he became a member of Varsity Choir, and he continued to be a member of Varsity Choir through senior year.
As a junior, Todd expanded his involvement with vocal music when he earned a spot with New Horizons. He continued to perform with New Horizons as a senior.
Todd’s musical talents were also recognized beyond Milton Hershey School. As a junior, he was selected to perform with the County Chorus. His senior year, Todd was again selected for County Chorus. That same year, he was also selected for District, Regional, and State Chorus.
Kevin Hanna, Class of 1993
Kevin was involved in a wide range of visual and performing arts programs. He performed with several vocal and instrumental groups; was active in theatrical productions, and entertained students and fans as the first school mascot, “Sparty,” as a freshman and sophomore. He participated in VPA activities from freshman through senior year.
As a freshman, Kevin played in the Jazz Band and Varsity Band, and continued as a member of the Varsity Band through his junior year.
In the area of vocal performance, Kevin sang with the Varsity Choir grades 9 through 12. He was selected for New Horizons as a sophomore and performed with that group through senior year. He performed with the Chamber Choir grades 10 through 12.
In the area of theater at MHS, Kevin was a member of the Spartan Player grades 9 through 12. He was selected for membership in the International Thespian Society grades 10 through 12, and he served as president of that organization as a senior.
Beyond MHS, Kevin was selected for District Chorus grades 10 through 12 and participated in Pennsylvania Youth Musical Theatre during that same time. During senior year, he qualified to attend Harrisburg Area Arts Magnet School. He won the Pennsylvania State Drama Championship in 1991.
Derek Proctor, Class of 2017
During high school, he, like other inductees, excelled in theater, instrumental and vocal performance.
His involvement began with Varsity Choir freshman year. He performed with the Varsity Choir through senior year, and same with the Gospel Choir during grades 11 and 12.
Not limited to vocal performance, Derek was a member of the MHS Drama Club as a sophomore and junior, and performed with the MHS Strings, sophomore through senior years.
Beyond MHS, Derek was selected for the Lebanon Valley College Honors Choir during his junior year. That same year, He was also selected for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 7 Choir, the PMEA Region 5 Choir, and the PMEA All-State Choir.
As a senior, Derek was selected for the PMEA District 7 Choir and the National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Choir.
Derek recently returned to Milton Hershey School to teach music in the Middle Division.
Shakim Smith, Class of 2013
Shakim was involved in a variety of music programs during high school.
Shortly after enrolling in Milton Hershey School, Shakim set out to get involved in Visual and Performing Arts programs.
From freshman through senior year, Shakim demonstrated his vocal talent as a member of Varsity Choir, New Horizons, and Gospel Choir.
He continued to immerse himself in the performing arts, participating in Marching Band in 2011 and becoming Marching Band manager in 2012.
In 2011 and 2012, Shakim was a member of the Indoor Drumline and was involved with HALO (Hands of Love) organization.
Athletic Inductees:
Sam Ballah, Class of 2001
Sam was a multi-sport athlete who excelled as a Spartan football and basketball player. He lettered for three years in each sport.
As member of the Spartan football team, Sam was the first Spartan football player to start as a sophomore on offense, defense, and special teams. In addition, he was named Cocoa Bean defensive player of the game in the annual game again Hershey High School Trojans.
Sam’s accomplishments as a football player earned him recognition beyond Milton Hershey School. He was named to the all-conference football team as a defensive lineman and offensive linemen, and he received honorable mention as a tight end.
During the 2000-2001 basketball season, Sam led the team to its best start in school history, achieving a win-loss record of 10-0 before winter break—a record that stood for 15 years. Sam was also named Most Valuable Player of the Spartan New Year Classic Tournament. Again, earning recognition beyond Milton Hershey School, Sam was named to the all-conference basketball team as a forward.
Donte Blakey, Class of 2006
Donte was a multi-sport athlete and excelled in both football and wrestling, while also achieving Academic Honor Roll.
As a football player, Donte was named Defensive MVP for the MHS win during the Cocoa Bean game in fall 2005. He earned first place for the Spartans team tackle points and for pancake blocks.
Donte’s skills were also recognized beyond Milton Hershey School. He was named to the Mid Penn Conference First Team Offensive and Defensive Line. He was also leader of Top Ranked Defense in District 3.
Townson University awarded Donte a full athletic scholarship for football.
As a wrestler, Donte achieved an overall win-loss record of 66-11 with 47 falls, the third best, all-time at MHS. He set the following school records at MHS: most dual points in a season—118; most dual meet points in a career—367; and most falls in a season —22.
During his MHS wrestling career, Donte placed in numerous tournaments. He was a two-time York Suburban Tournament Champion and a one-time Pequea Valley Tournament Champion. He placed second at the District 3 Sectionals, third at the PIAA District 3 tournament, and fourth at the Southeast Regional Tournament.
Donte’s wrestling skills earned him recognition as a two-time Mid Penn Conference First Team Capital All-Star. He was a PIAA state qualifier, was named to the PIAA AA All-Star Team, was selected as a Patriot News BIG 15 All-Star, and was a member of the Mid-Penn Capital Divisional Championship Team.
Pat Lynch, Class of 1990
Pat excelled in more than on program. He was a wrestler and football player.
As a wrestler, Pat achieved 65 career wins, the most in MHS school history at the time, and 32 wins in a season, also the most in school history at the time. His success qualified him to be named to the All-time Spartan Wrestling Team.
Pat became a sectional champion and regional champion, and he placed fifth in the PIAA State Championship. Pat was also named to the Mid-Penn Conference All-Star First Team.
As a football player, Pat was a Spartan Tackle Award winner and a Spartan Pancake Award winner. He was named CCNB player of the week.
A versatile athlete, Pat was selected as the Mid Penn Conference Outstanding Defensive Player and he was named to the Mid Penn All-Star First Team offense and defense. He was also named to the Big 33 Checklist.
1995 Girls’ Track Team
The 1995 Girls’ Track Team continued a winning tradition for track and field teams at Milton Hershey School.
The team, comprised of athletes from the Class of 1995-1998 grades, won the Pan Ram Invitational and were champions at the Manheim Relay. They went on to win the Mid Penn Conference Championship, the district championship, and the state championship.
The district title was the 17th consecutive year for the MHS girls’ track and field team, and the state title was the seventh consecutive year for the team. At the state meet, several team members contributed to the overall team championship by placing in various competitions.
In the 4×800 relay, the following athletes placed 6th: Judy DeBor ’95, Vanessa Swalm ’97, Emily (Archambault) DiLorenzo ’96, and Jennifer Karachi. Mameidee George ’95 placed first in the 100- and 300-meter hurdles. Tamalia Christian ’95 placed third in the 400 meters. Shahidah Bilal ’96 placed 7th in the high jump. The following athletes placed first in the 4×400 relay: Edith (Hutchins) Penn ’95, Shadaya Reynolds ’96, Jewel (Saxton) Williams ’97, and Angie Szumowski ’96.
Spartan Hall of Fame Nominations
Nominations for candidates for Spartan Hall of Fame induction are accepted year-round; however, nominations for 2024 consideration closed in December 2023.