Meet Trachanda García ’02 & Mary Pratt-Lauchle ’96

For many alumni, graduation is not the end of their Milton Hershey School journey. Milton Hershey School Alumni Association (MHSAA) President Mary Pratt-Lauchle ’96 and MHS Director of Alumni Relations Trachanda Garcia ’02 are two dedicated graduates who are excited to lead and engage with our alumni family. Reflecting on their time at MHS and beyond, Mary and Trachanda share how their stories developed their vision for the future.

Tell us about your time at MHS.

Mary: I joined MHS at the start of ninth grade and was immediately embraced by a vibrant community of friends and activities. While academics remained my top priority, I eagerly spent my free time at Founders Hall, immersing myself in the stage crew program. With the unwavering support of my teachers, mentors, and peers, I flourished both personally and academically. My active involvement in stage crew, theater, band, and various other extracurriculars played a significant role in shaping the person I am today.

Trachanda: When I look back on my time as a student at MHS, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunities that shaped my life. Like every Milt, I could talk for hours about the family like connections, chores, and those unforgettable core memories that still make me smile. But as the years pass, it’s the deeper, quieter gifts that mean the most. For the first time in my life, I was allowed to simply be a kid. Not just in the playful sense—but in the way every child deserves: safe, supported, and seen. I used to think love was just hugs and kind words. But at MHS, I learned that love could also look like a warm meal waiting for you, clean clothes that fit just right, a bed you could count on, and adults who believed in your potential even when you couldn’t see it yourself. It was love in the form of structure, of second chances—of learning how to fail and try again. It was the freedom to breathe deeply, to feel emotionally steady, and to grow into someone who could think critically and act with purpose. I found discipline—not the harsh kind, but the kind that builds you up and stays with you long after you leave. MHS gave me more than an education. It gave me a foundation. I knew I was safe from the dangers of the world.

How has your MHS experience impacted you?

Mary: My MHS experience shaped the core of who I am today. It taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and the importance of giving back. Being part of a community built on shared purpose and compassion instilled in me a lifelong commitment to lead with integrity and to help others whenever I can. The relationships I built and the lessons I learned there continue to influence how I show up in every area of my life.”

Trachanda: Milts have always had a way of working together, thinking deeply, bridging cultures, and thriving in fast-paced environments. Looking back, I realize just how much of a head start MHS gave me. When I left campus, I carried with me not just knowledge, but a quiet confidence that set me apart from my peers. Because of that boost, I found myself saying yes to opportunities I once only dreamed of: living and traveling abroad, exploring unique and meaningful careers, and embracing a life full of adventure and purpose.

 

What is something a fellow alum may not know about you?

Mary: I recently achieved a long-held personal goal: earning my bachelor’s degree in strategic communications from Penn State University. This accomplishment was the result of years of dedication, perseverance, and balancing various life commitments. It serves as a powerful reminder—to myself and to anyone reading—that it’s never too late in life to discover your ‘why.’ The journey may be challenging, filled with long nights and obstacles, but the fulfillment of achieving a long-held goal is immeasurable.

Trachanda: I am a huge Doctor Who fan! Some of my earliest memories are of me sitting on the living room floor— while my Mom-mom made popcorn, the glow of the TV as we watched old episodes on PBS. I’d fall asleep to them every time. There was something timeless about those moments. Years later, when the show was rebooted, a dear friend reintroduced me to it, and it was so much fun. I was instantly hooked all over again. Since then, I’ve followed the show’s adventures faithfully, episode after episode, year after year.  

What’s your vision for the future of Alumni Relations and its collaboration with MHSAA?

Trachanda: The bond between Milton Hershey School and its alumni—a connection that stretches across generations, rooted in shared experiences and a mission that continues to shape lives, it is timeless. That’s why MHS Alumni Relations and the MHSAA exist: to be the proverbial handshake between the school and its alumni family.

In MHS Alumni Relations, everything we do is rooted in one simple truth: this school gave us so much, and now, it’s our turn to give back.  That is why I am here. To work hard to help build capacity so that alumni can reconnect with the place that shaped us, not just out of a sense of nostalgia, but because our kids need us. They need to hear from those who’ve walked the same paths, faced the same challenges, and emerged stronger on the other side. That kind of hope and that kind of empathy can change a life. I often say that as alumni, we grow into the adults we once needed as kids. And that’s the heart of what I want for the future of MHS Alumni Relations—to be a living embodiment of Milton S. Hershey’s words: “One is only happy in proportion as he makes others feel happy.” Let’s be that source of happiness, of hope, of strength—for the next generation of Milts.

When I think about the incredible network of Milts —talented, dynamic, and deeply committed—I can’t help but feel proud. During my time in Alumni Relations, I hope to build on that connection. I want to see more alumni engaging with our enrolled students, parent/sponsors, and recent graduates—because your stories, your presence, and your continued efforts to “break the cycle” are powerful reminders of what’s possible. MHS gave us more than an education—it gave us a foundation, a family, and a future. Now, it’s our turn to give back. Through lifelong learning, structured mentoring, and philanthropic engagement, we can empower one another at every stage of life to make a lasting impact on the school and beyond.

Mary, why should your fellow alumni get involved with MHSAA?

To realize our vision for the Alumni Association’s future, it’s essential to actively involve as many fellow alumni as possible. The strength of our association lies in the engagement and voices of its members. We aim to see alumni from all classes participate, ensuring their perspectives contribute to the association’s growth and inclusivity. 

What do you love about working with each other?

Mary: I love working with Trachanda because she brings an extraordinary level of passion and dedication to everything she takes on—qualities that are truly contagious. She skillfully combines empathetic relationship-building with strategic program management, creating a powerful blend that drives real connection and results. Her commitment to MHS is unwavering and clearly reflected in her tireless focus on nurturing alumni connections. She is easygoing in nature and inventive in spirit which makes her a natural at navigating the complex web of alumni relationships.

Trachanda: When I think of Mary, she has this effervescent spirit, like everyone’s favorite sister. Her warmth is genuine, her laughter contagious, and her intention is always in the right place. She has an unwavering dedication to our Milt family and students. She shows up—not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard. She gives her time, her energy, and her mentorship with a positive spirit—without hesitation. That kind of commitment is rare, and it’s deeply admirable. She wants to see Milts thrive.

What was your first job after college graduation? How did you land it?

Mary: My first job after college was with a local commercial real estate company, where I started as a marketing administrator. It was the perfect entry point, allowing me to learn the industry from the ground up. Over time, I earned my real estate license and joined a team, gaining hands-on experience and developing my skills in sales and client relations. It was an incredible introduction to the professional world and taught me the value of persistence, communication, and growth through experience.

Trachanda: My first job after undergrad was a deeply meaningful chapter of my life—serving as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, through the Pennsylvania Campus Compact program. Serving in the heart of Lock Haven, I had the privilege of working alongside passionate community partners, forging connections between Lock Haven University, the Lock Haven City Council, and the John Yost Center. Together, we created a lasting impact, reaching over 1,180 local youth, 522 college students, and 12 dedicated faculty members. Those days were filled with purpose and discovery. I had the honor of overseeing service-learning programs, organizing a virtual conference, and guiding student AmeriCorps volunteers—recruiting, training, and supporting them as they found their own paths in service. It was a time of growth, both for the community and for me, and I carry that year of service to my country with deep gratitude.

How has your career path changed since graduating high school?

Mary: After high school, I was certain I knew exactly what I wanted to be when I grew up—an archaeologist, the next Indiana Jones, of course. I pursued a degree in anthropology with that dream in mind. But life, as it often does, threw me some curveballs. I got married and became a parent to three amazing children, which naturally shifted my priorities and my career path. That shift led me into real estate sales, which opened the door to advertising, and ultimately brought me into the automotive industry, where I found my true professional calling. Looking back, it wasn’t the path I planned, but it turned out to be the perfect, imperfect journey.

Trachanda: As a teen, I always imagined I’d grow up to be a diplomat, living abroad and helping to shape a more connected world. At the heart of that dream was a simple but powerful desire—to bring people together and make the world a better place through understanding and shared purpose. While my path didn’t lead me to embassies or foreign capitals, it did lead me to something just as meaningful. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of building bridges and fostering community—whether among alumni reconnecting with their alma mater, students stepping into the transformative experience of studying abroad, communities engaging in service learning, or international students and scholars finding their place in the U.S. Each role has been a thread in a larger tapestry of connection, and looking back, I see how those early dreams quietly shaped the work I’ve done all along.

What is one of your proudest professional achievements?

Mary: In the last five years, I’ve continued to invest in my personal and professional growth. I proudly graduated from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Dealer Academy—a prestigious and highly respected program for automotive leaders. At the same time, I pursued and earned my bachelor’s degree in strategic communications from Penn State University, graduating in May 2025.

Trachanda: If you had asked me a year ago whether I’d find myself back at MHS, I probably would’ve smiled and said, “Probably not.” And yet—here I am. Life has a funny way of bringing us full circle, and now that I’m back, I can honestly say it feels like coming home.

It’s a true privilege to return to this place that shaped so much of who I am, and to carry forward the work of those who came before me. Together, we’re building on a legacy—strengthening the bond between alumni and our school and creating something even more meaningful for the students who walk this campus today. There’s something incredibly special about giving back to the place that once gave so much to you. Even if you were too young to fully understand it.