South High has had many great teachers that come and go with retirement. However, a student favorite business teacher Robb Bock retired last year after a strong 30 years at South, which was a huge loss for students enrolled in business classes.

Senior Caitlyn Schmitt talked about her memories of Bock before he retired.

“I remember seeing him in the hallways after having him as my teacher and he always remembered who I was and said hi and waved. It just made me feel special and made my day better!” Schmitt said. 

Before his retirement, Bock taught Marketing 1, Business Internship, and was the DECA Club sponsor. He worked with primarily juniors and seniors who were sad to see him go. Students are often sad when a teacher retires, however, most don’t think about it from the teacher’s perspective.

“I missed all the connections I made with my coworkers and students. You don’t realize how many interactions you have in one day in school with hundreds of people versus being at home,” Bock said.

Although Bock was loving all the free time of retirement and had many plans for his future, he said a few days back at South was exactly what he needed.

“I’m teaching two Personal Finance classes so I am only at school 2-3 times a week for a few hours each day which is an absolutely great and ‘chill’ schedule,” he said..

With his new work lifestyle things aren’t the same as they were when he left. With much practice of teaching juniors and seniors and more exciting curriculum like DECA and Marketing, teaching sophomores and Personal Finance came as a shock to him but he learned how to make the most with his new schedule. 

“The students are almost all sophomores and never had me before. I take a little getting used to. Before they get my sense of humor and my crazy antics. But I enjoy them, I just wish we could continue to build that relationship again next year in a class like Marketing,” he said. 

Sophomore Abby Eickhoff said she loves having Bock as her Personal Finance teacher this semester.

“He makes class so much fun, he’s hilarious! I wish I could have him next year for Marketing 1 as well,” Eickhoff said. 

As much fun as Bock is having back at South High, all good things must come to an end. Although he doesn’t know when he will leave for certain,  he plans on traveling a lot more especially once his wife also retires. 

“In the next few years, I will see myself traveling around small-town America more often. I want to see all the fun stuff and eat at all the unique ‘dive’ restaurants. (kinda like Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives). Also camp at some of the National Parks,” he said. 

As he transitions more toward actual retirement in the next few years,  he expresses he is sad to leave the place he has taught for so many years.

“I just wanted the kids and teachers to know how much I ended up missing them. South High is really a great school and a wonderful place. Whether it is for 4 years or a 30 year career,” he said.