On Cocoa Avenue, Home Is the Heart of The Mitchells

At the center of Hershey—literally and figuratively—you’ll find the Mitchell family, settled into a century‑old home on Cocoa Avenue where community spirit, tradition, and everyday joy come together in the most unmistakably hometown way.
     Cameron and Andrea Mitchell, along with their daughter Ella, have called this corner of Hershey home for five years, though their roots here stretch much deeper. For Andrea, Hershey is more than a hometown—it’s a family legacy. A graduate of Hershey High School, she followed in the footsteps of her parents--Jeff and Sue (Madeira) McGuire--and even her grandfather, John Madeira, who once taught there. Cameron grew up in Downingtown, but when life, love, and opportunity aligned, the Harrisburg and Hershey area became the perfect place for the couple to build a life together.
     After college at West Chester University—where Andrea studied Communications and Cameron pursued Elementary Education—the newly engaged couple accepted jobs in the area and never looked back. A few years in Lower Paxton Township eventually gave way to their dream of living in downtown Hershey. When the right opportunity arose, they made the move, and years later, another chance brought them just a few blocks over to Cocoa Avenue. It’s a decision they’ve never once regretted.
     Their home, now more than 100 years old, is full of character and history—exactly what drew the Mitchells in. Andrea has an undeniable affinity for old houses and sees stewardship of such a meaningful piece of Hershey’s heritage as both an honor and a joy, even with its endless projects. The reward is a home that feels deeply connected to the town around it.
     That connection is something the Mitchells experience every day. From their backyard, they can see fireworks burst above Hersheypark. On warm nights, the sounds of concerts drift through the air, and on game days, the cheers from Hershey High School can be heard echoing down the street. Come fall, friends gather at their front door to watch the Halloween Parade pass by—just one of many reminders that life on Cocoa Avenue comes with a front‑row seat to the best of Hershey.
     The family itself is constantly on the move. Cameron serves as an assistant principal at Paxtonia Elementary School and co‑owns Deep Water BJJ in Harrisburg, where he coaches adults and kids alike while continuing his own training as a third‑degree black belt. When he’s not at school or on the mats, he’s often volunteering his time—and his sense of humor—at school events throughout the community.
     Andrea balances her role as a mom with her home and event styling business, Patina and Pearl Decorating. After years in marketing and event planning, she followed her passion for home décor, turning a talent for pulling spaces together on a budget into a word‑of‑mouth business beloved by local clients. Many of those professional relationships have grown into lasting friendships—something she cherishes deeply.
     Their daughter Ella is carving out a path of her own while still staying rooted in Hershey. Fresh off her freshman year at Millersville University, she’s pursuing Elementary Education, inspired by her dad’s career. Summers find her juggling classes, coaching preschoolers at the Gymnastics Center of Hershey, and filling in as a babysitter and housesitter around town. A former competitive gymnast and varsity cheerleader, Ella’s years of school activities helped anchor the family even more firmly in the Hershey community.
     And then there’s Nugget—the family’s nine‑month‑old Cavapoo—who has quickly become a neighborhood fixture of his own. Social, curious, and famously mischievous, Nugget can often be found surveying the backyard or greeting neighbors as they stroll past after work.
     Community involvement has long been a priority for the Mitchells. Andrea poured years into volunteering with the Hershey schools, serving on PTO boards, leading as PTO president, and supporting gymnastics and cheerleading programs. Cameron is equally committed to showing up wherever he’s needed, and together, the family embodies a sense of “Trojan Pride” that never really fades.
     When it comes time to celebrate, the Mitchells keep things simple and meaningful. With summer birthdays all around, many gatherings revolve around Cameron’s well‑known burgers on the grill. One cherished tradition stands out above the rest: Christmas Eve brunch at The Hotel Hershey with Andrea’s family—a festive morning of photos, good food, and moments they look forward to all year long.
     On weekends, you’re just as likely to spot them walking to the Market on Chocolate, browsing Fresh Market, exploring Crossroads Antique Mall, or enjoying a day at Hersheypark. These small routines, woven into the rhythm of the town, are what make Hershey feel like home.
     For the Mitchells, living on Cocoa Avenue means being immersed in the life of the community—close to schools, traditions, celebrations, and neighbors. It’s a place where pride in their town comes naturally, simply by stepping outside their front door.