History Made on Founders Day: Inside the Largest MHS Student Leadership Conference
On Saturday, Nov. 15—Founders Day at Milton Hershey School—the campus transformed into a hub of leadership and legacy as conference spaces and classrooms hosted dynamic breakout sessions for the annual Student Government Association (SGA) Leadership Conference. In a record-breaking gathering, nearly 1,100 Senior Division students came together to honor Milton Hershey’s vision while learning from more than 60 influential leaders from across the Hershey entity partners. The day, designed to spark ambition and celebrate purpose, began with a compelling keynote from The Hershey Company CEO Kirk Tanner.
Drawing from decades of experience leading global brands, Tanner encouraged students to rethink leadership as an upside-down pyramid, where consumers sit at the top and leaders serve from the base. His servant-leadership approach reflected Milton Hershey’s own philosophy and reminded students that true success starts with serving others. Throughout his message, Tanner passed the microphone to students, inviting them to share their own approaches to learning and even pitching creative ideas for new candy products. This interactive moment set the tone for the rest of the day, encouraging students to carry those leadership principles from the Founders Hall Auditorium into the impactful programming ahead.
“You don’t become successful by doing great things by yourself,” Tanner said. “It is critical to surround yourself with people who will pick you up and hold you accountable. I’m here because of people who did that for me.”
Students attended a series of breakout sessions based on their interests and career objectives. Sessions covered topics ranging from emotional intelligence and building trust, to influencer marketing and securing the right internships.
MHS President Pete Gurt ’85 centered his session on “Starting with the End in Mind,” challenging students to visualize what success will look like when they walk across the graduation stage. Through interactive exercises, they mapped out goals and identified obstacles that could stand in the way. The experience gave students a clear, personalized roadmap to turn aspirations into action.
“The adversity we have experienced in our lives is actually our advantage,” President Gurt said. “If we use it as fuel, the struggle will make you stronger.”
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts President and CEO John Lawn spoke about integrity as a cornerstone of personal branding and the value of “failing well.” He brought the concept to life with stories of celebrities whose early setbacks paved the way for remarkable success. Their setbacks didn’t stop them—and Milton Hershey’s professional journey was no different. Despite repeated failures, his perseverance ultimately created opportunities that have shaped generations, including the students who were sitting in the room. That dedication, reflected in the MHS School Pledge, reinforced that resilience and purpose create impact that lasts.
“Failure is not a final place. It is just a moment in time,” Lawn said. “If Milton Hershey would not have kept going, none of us would be here.”
A favorite breakout session among students was led by MHS Director of Religious Programs Will Ogle, who presented on the power of public speaking and the role of culture in leadership. His words encouraged students to see public speaking not as something to fear, but as a tool to influence and inspire the world around them. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, students learned how to present confidently, communicate effectively, and be a positive influence wherever they lead. By the end, they walked away with a new perspective—seeing themselves as leaders in their everyday environments and recognizing the power of their voice to create meaningful change, both in their personal lives and future careers.
“Hearing stories of leaders from the Hershey entities and MHS staff encouraged me to know that I can push through and live out every aspect of Our Pledge to be successful in my future endeavors,” MHS Senior Timothy Geynovich said.
Students left this historic SGA Leadership Conference both challenged and empowered. It was a unique opportunity for students to envision who they want to become by learning directly from those who have walked the professional path before them. From executives who decide how candy reaches store shelves to the creative teams that make Hersheypark unforgettable, these leaders brought more than just industry insight to campus; they inspired students to imagine what’s possible.