Janitor Receives 80th Birthday Surprise from More Than 750 Students
In the best cases, work becomes more than just a place to earn a living — it becomes a second home. Employees become friends, and the people you see every day are more like family than coworkers.
While not everyone gets to experience this kind of work environment, Haze Mabry or “Mr. Haze” was recognized for all his hard work over the years when his place of employment threw him a big party for his 80th birthday.
“He’s just very caring,” Lori Gilreath, a reading teacher who’s known Mabry for over a decade, told CNN. “He’s just so much more than just a staff member. He doesn’t know how special he is.”
The school, Pike Elementary, posted photos and video from the surprise party, and it’s clear from the kids‘ enthusiasm that Mr. Haze is one-of-a-kind.
“This man works hard all day until 5:30pm and he does it with a smile on his face!” the post reads. “He makes time to speak to every child and staff member he passes.”
“Mr. Haze makes everyone feel important, special, and loved. It may be his birthday, but we are the ones who receive a gift. The gift of having him in our school, lives, and hearts. This is the good stuff! Mr. Haze, you sir are loved, admired, and adored here at PCES. Happy 80th Birthday! We wish you the best today and always.”
Mabry claimed he didn’t know anything was in the works, and even when he saw people bustling about, didn’t realize they were putting something together for him.
“I didn’t think nothing of it, you know,” Mabry said. “Yeah, they got me real good.”
“I feel great,” he added. “You know, all them little kids they call my name, they’re giving me cards, they’re running up and hugging me … It’s something else, you know. It’s a lifetime experience.”
The story has been shared in multiple countries, and the comments on the school’s post illustrate just how well-known and appreciated Mabry is by locals and the parents of Pike Elementary students.
“Amen!! We are so blessed to have you at our school,” commented Kathy Coker. “We love you so very much!!”
“The world needs more great people such as you thank you for your kindness,” wrote Betty Brannon.
“Mr. Haze is such a kind, hard-working, loveable gentleman!!” added Dorothy Dunbar Rogers. “Love him!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️”
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