The basketball legend surprised students at Milton Hershey School and recorded his podcast at his
gummy-inspired Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk℠ ride at Hersheypark.
HERSHEY, Pa., Oct. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shaquille O'Neal brought his larger-than-life energy—and his Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies—to Hershey for a day full of inspiration and fun, making memorable stops at Hersheypark and Milton Hershey School (MHS).
O'Neal Wows MHS Students
O'Neal surprised students during the school's "Our Big Pledge Challenge" event, where he played games and encouraged the crowd to embrace values such as strength, purpose and perseverance. He then joined 2,500 students and staff in signing a commitment wall, leaving both a literal and symbolic mark on the school's history.
"Hershey showed up with heart today," said Shaquille O'Neal. "I came to remind these kids that they've got greatness in them. When you believe in yourself and put in the work, there's no limit to what you can do."
"Shaquille O'Neal's presence today brought energy and a powerful message to our students," said Peter G. Gurt '85, President of Milton Hershey School. "His story of perseverance and purpose aligns with our mission and the values we've upheld for a century."
Bringing Big Laughs to Hersheypark
The excitement continued at Hersheypark, where O'Neal and a group of MHS students checked out the newly launched Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk, an immersive overlay of the indoor glowing coaster offered as part of its Hersheypark Halloween and Dark Nights seasonal event, which runs through Nov. 2, 2025. The first-of-its-kind coaster overlay features graphics, lighting and enhanced audio-visual treatments, including a curated voice over by O'Neal.
While in the park, O'Neal also recorded an episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq.
Big, Meet Delicious
Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk is inspired by O'Neal's Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies, created in partnership with The Hershey Company. The oversized gummies are available now in Original, Sour and new Sneaker Shapes. Following its launch in 2024, Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies became Hershey's #1 sweets launch of the year.
The day concluded with O'Neal's keynote address at the PA Chamber Annual Dinner at Hershey Lodge.
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.
ABOUT HERSHEY ENTERTAINMENT & RESORTS
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company is a world-class entertainment and hospitality company dedicated to preserving the legacy of Milton S. Hershey. Founded in 1927 by Milton S. Hershey, HE&R and its subsidiaries own and/or operate the Hersheypark Entertainment Complex, Hersheypark Arena & Stadium, ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park, Hershey Bears AHL Hockey Club, GIANT Center arena, The Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge, Hersheypark Camping Resort, The Spa At The Hotel Hershey, MeltSpa by Hershey, Hershey Country Club and Hershey Golf Collection. For additional information about HE&R, visit www.HersheyEntertainmentandResorts.com.
ABOUT THE HERSHEY COMPANY
The Hershey Company is an industry leading snacks company known for making more moments of goodness through its iconic brands, remarkable people and enduring commitment to doing the right thing for its people, planet, and communities. Hershey has more than 20,000 employees in the U.S. and worldwide who work daily to deliver delicious, high-quality products. The company has more than 90 brand names in approximately 80 countries that drive more than $11.2 billion in annual revenues, including Hershey's, Reese's, Kisses, Kit Kat®, Shaq-A-Licious, Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers, and Ice Breakers, and salty snacks including SkinnyPop, Pirate's Booty and Dot's Homestyle Pretzels.
For over 130 years, Hershey has been committed to operating fairly, ethically and sustainably. The candy and snack maker's founder, Milton Hershey, created Milton Hershey School in 1909, and since then, the company has focused on helping children succeed through equitable access to education.
To learn more, visit www.thehersheycompany.com.
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SOURCE The Hershey Company