Milton Hershey School Welcomes Retirees for Luncheon and Founders Hall Tours
As a token of gratitude for Milton Hershey School employees who retire from the school, MHS hosts an annual retirees luncheon to celebrate their contributions in the classroom, student home, on athletic fields and Visual and Performing Arts stages, in lunch lines, and more. The event was paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving an anticipation for its return on Sunday, Dec. 11.
The event began in the Founders Hall Auditorium with a memorial service to remember the retirees who passed away since late 2019. The service was officiated by retired Pastor Mike Wagner and included a video commemorating each retiree who is no longer able to celebrate with us and their role at MHS.
Afterwards, retirees and their guests explored the newly-renovated Founders Hall Visitors Center and interacted with displays that weave together historic artifacts and moments in time. Guests were greeted by the MHS Spartan Strings Ensemble, playing holiday favorites as they entered the dining room for light refreshments.
Culminating the event was a seated lunch where MHS students volunteered to serve the retired staff community. MHS student Evan Meyers, MHS senior, welcomed guests to the meal and read a prayer to bless the food and occasion.
MHS President Pete Gurt ’85 played a look-back video reminding guests of all that has happened at MHS since the onset of the pandemic. Gurt adds, “Watching that video is a reminder that MHS is the best home and school on Earth—and a big reason why is because we have the best employees on earth. Each of you played a role in our success.”
Gurt also reflected on the school’s latest milestone—an early childhood education initiative—that began in 2020 with the launching of Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning. CHS will open six Early Childhood Education Centers in Pennsylvania to support children from birth to age five.
The luncheon concluded with a performance from the MHS Jazz Band and retirees sharing in camaraderie about their service to the school, which spans decades.