Retired Milton Hershey School Teacher, Coach Reflects on Career with Pride

Bob Guyer spent more than 37 years of his career as a Milton Hershey School coach, teacher, and athletic director. He retired four years ago, and his face still lights up when he talks about his beloved MHS. As he shares stories, his focus is not on the final numbers on the scoreboard but the long-lasting, meaningful relationships he formed.

Why MHS?

Guyer joined the MHS staff eight years into his professional career as a physical education teacher and football coach. The Hershey, Pa. native was attracted to the school’s focus on character development, which founder Milton S. Hershey incorporated into the Deed of Trust in 1909. All MHS students and staff are required to uphold the school’s Sacred Values of Commitment to Mission, Integrity, Positive Spirit, and Mutual Respect.

“Those skills are far more important than just developing athletic skills,” Guyer said.

Guyer was not alone. He was surrounded by adults who were talented in their respective disciplines and embraced the mission and values of the school. Focusing on character development and accountability helps MHS teachers and staff form meaningful relationships with the students.

“Students don’t care what you know until they know that you care,” Guyer said.

After many of his students graduated, they maintained contact with Guyer as they navigated the next phase of their life.

“Once they leave MHS, they still need guidance, support, and encouragement,” he said.

Retired, Connected, and Proud

Teachers Guyer knew from other schools often memorized the number of days left remaining until retirement. While working, he had no clue what his number was, and neither did many of his MHS colleagues.

“You rarely hear that from people at MHS,” Guyer said. “They are genuinely happy to be working at the school because they are truly making a difference in students’ lives.”

Guyer retired in 2021, not because he was eager to do so but because the timing was right for the athletics department. The COVID-19 pandemic paused competitions, so Guyer was able to work with current Athletics Director Mark Zerbe on a smooth transition.

A few years into retirement, Guyer loves to return to campus. Homecoming has a different feel here than in other schools since MHS is a residential school that is truly home for its students. During Homecoming 2024, Guyer interacted with former students who traveled from many different locations, including Hong Kong.

Grateful for Resources

Guyer is also grateful the MHS retirement program allowed him to truly retire, and not be forced to find a second career to help make ends meet.

“I am blessed and grateful that the school gave me the opportunity to spend quality time I need with my family,” he said.

Those resources also helped him keep his focus on the students during his 37-year career. MHS is funded by income from a trust established by Milton and Catherine Hershey in 1909. MHS employs exceptional teachers and provides them with state-of-the-art classroom technology, free school supplies, common planning periods, and other resources.

“We have tremendous resources, but the backbone of our whole programming is the caring, capable adults and the uniquely talented students who come together in this whole mission to break through the cycle of poverty,” Guyer said. “How fortunate we are to be part of something that is so meaningful.”

Aligned with the MILT Plan, MHS strives to increase peak student enrollment to 2,200 during the 2024-25 school year. To reach these goals, MHS is recruiting mission-minded staff—including teachers, clinical and school psychologists, health care practitioners, and more. Guyer encourages qualified applicants with a passion for helping children to apply. He hopes that in several decades, those newly hired teachers can reflect on their careers with as much pride as he does.

“It’s incredibly meaningful work with an opportunity to genuinely change lives in a positive way,” he said.

Reflections: Bob Guyer