The students, faculty and staff at HIS were on hand to celebrate Principal Gaylon Parker’s 50th birthday. | Randy Garrison

Just because your 50th birthday falls on Saturday does not mean you get to skip all of the fun and jokes that come with turning half a century of age. Hartselle Intermediate School Principal Gaylon Parker had a lot of surprises when he came to school last Fri., Jan. 8. He first found a handicap-parking permit in his usual parking space.

When he entered the school he found the faculty and many students also dressed in black in honor of his big day. When he walked into his office the floor was covered in black balloons.

To remind Parker of his past youth, a photomontage of his younger days was placed on the stage in the cafeteria. Dr. Vic Wilson even joined in the fun, pushing Parker around in a wheel chair just in case he became too tired to continue the festivities.

The entire student body came together and sang “Happy Birthday” to their principal who seemed to take all of the pranks, signs and photos in good stride.

A cake was also included in the fun and a bucket of gifts for those reaching a certain age was also presented, including arthritis pills and Ben Gay.

Parker was sure made to feel loved on the last day of being 49. We wish him many more birthdays, and I am sure pay back maybe in the foreseeable future for some.