Students at a Georgia elementary school just came together to surprise their janitor with an eightieth birthday party.

Haze Mabry, an Army veteran and father of four, was stunned when he walked into work at Pike Elementary School in Zebulon and was met by hoards of students rushing to wish him happy birthday in the hallway. Haze, who is known as Mr. Haze to his students, refers to the kids at the school as his own children.

Haze was touched by the gesture, which he never saw coming.

“They got me good,” he said. “All those little kids, I feel like they’re my own.”

Haze, who has been married to his wife Betty for 55 years, has been working at the school for 13 years and calls it the “best job” he’s ever had.

“There’s always something interesting going on,” he said.

Lori Dailey Gilreath, a reading teacher at the school, explained that Haze is loved by students and staffers alike.

“He is the heart of our building and he is the sunshine of our building,” she said. “This school would not be the same without Mr. Haze.”

“This man works hard all day until 5:30pm and he does it with a smile on his face! He makes time to speak to every child and staff member he passes,” the students wrote. “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!” they continued. “We wish you the best today and always! #EightyYearsLoved.”

Happy birthday, Mr. Haze!