PIKE COUNTY, Georgia — Students at Pike County Elementary School threw a surprise 85th birthday party for their beloved custodian on Wednesday.
Mr. Haze Mabry Jr. has been the school's custodian for years. The party's theme was "better than gold" because it's Mabry's favorite color and the students said he's the most valuable person at their school.
The students recorded videos about how much they love him and surprised him with the school's hallways decked out with handmade birthday decorations in gold, of course!
"It’s the best, most special day of the year! The day when Mr. Haze, a man better than gold, was born. Birthday wishes and signs of love fill the hallways for Mr. Haze, and he will read every single one. This is just the beginning of the celebration!" the elementary school wrote on social media.
The teachers also got in on the birthday festivities and made him a custom jersey with "Haze 85" written on it. To top off the celebrations, they surprised Mabry with a delicious donut breakfast.
The gratitude the students are showing doesn't stop there. They are working to raise money to buy Mabry his dream car -- a red Toyota Camry. First Bank of Pike is housing an account for donations to be collected.
In a video posted by the school, Mabry thanked the school for the surprise.
"I love Pike County... we've got a lot of good people in Pike County," Mabry said in the video. "I appreciate every one of you."
Check out the heartwarming photos of the surprise below:
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at WhereAtlantaSpeaks@11Alive.com.
MORE WAYS TO GET 11ALIVE
- Download our streaming app on Roku and Fire TV
- Download the 11Alive News mobile app
- Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
- Watch live streams on YouTube
