For decades, teachers in the Hershey School District stepped out of their classrooms and into the spotlight, performing in annual productions sponsored by the Hershey Education Association (HEA). What began in the fall of 1977 under the direction of HHS English Teacher Tom Zimmerman became a tradition that blended entertainment, fundraising, and community connection.
The idea, as Miriam Collins, a social studies teacher, explained, was to give HEA members a way to get involved in the community while raising money for student scholarships. She worked behind the scenes on productions like Miracle on 34th Street, helping with props, makeup, and organizing the popular basket raffle. “The community loved it,” Collins said, noting how the funds directly supported graduating seniors.
Creativity played a major role in bringing the shows to life. For instance, Meghan Kerwin, a math teacher who also served as a choreographer for The Wizard of Oz in 2005 and HEA Goes Country in 2006, described how she would receive music from Zimmerman on cassette tapes and create dances at home using her boom box.
On stage, teachers embraced a wide range of roles. David Anderson, a social studies teacher, performed as Captain Hook, his favorite, as well as Jafar in Aladdin, Edgar Allan Poe, and Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. He said memorizing lines could be challenging, but performing for students made it worthwhile. “It was very fun,” Anderson said, recalling the audience’s laughter and cheers.
That same excitement was shared by Michelle O’Brien, HHS English teacher, who starred in shows like The Hobbit and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She also performed in The Wizard of Oz, even taking on the role of a flying monkey and a Munchkin Barrister. One of her most memorable moments came during Peter Pan, when she played Smee and tripped while jumping off the stage. Despite the challenge of balancing rehearsals with teaching, the experience was “awesome” and a great way to connect teachers across the district.
For Lori Ogle, who is a math teacher, the productions were both fun and meaningful. She performed on American Idol as a “nerdy” singer and in The Wizard of Oz, one of her favorite shows. Over the years, she also took part in productions like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Peter Pan, and Aladdin. “It was a really fun experience, and you got to see them in a different light,” Ogle said. The experience even shaped her personal life; she met her husband during one of the productions.
Across all of their experiences, one theme remained consistent: the sense of community. Teachers spent long evenings rehearsing after full school days, building friendships across different buildings. Students loved seeing their teachers act silly and step outside their usual roles, often talking about the shows long after they ended.
Despite their popularity, the productions ended around 2015. After Zimmerman retired, it became difficult to find someone willing to take on the responsibility of organizing such large-scale events. Teachers cited busy schedules and family commitments as major factors.
The end of the HEA play was emotional for many. Some, like Anderson, were deeply disappointed, feeling that something meaningful had been lost. Others, like Ogle, felt a mix of sadness and understanding due to personal responsibilities. Still, all agreed that the productions created lasting memories and strong connections among staff.
Looking back, teachers say the HEA plays were about more than just performances. They built community, supported students, and allowed teachers to connect in ways that extended beyond the classroom. And while today’s students may not have experienced them, the stories and the impact remain.
