SPRING GROVE, Pa. — The York Suburban High School marching band surprised a Spring Grove Township resident for his 100th birthday on Monday with a rendition of "Happy Birthday."
John Barnhart has lived across the street from the school for the last 50 years and said he always enjoyed hearing the band practice in the school's parking lot.
His granddaughter, Ella Klein, said asking the band to play for him was the most appropriate way to show her family's appreciation for him.
"He loves music," Klein expressed. "He can’t see very well anymore, so why not let him be able to listen? I just reached out to the high school because he always enjoyed listening to [the band] practicing in the parking lot, and the director was very nice and got permission to come over and play 'Happy Birthday.' They did a great job."
Klein hopes the students in the marching band take her grandfather’s humility from his century of life into their own.
“Very humble, very kind, always been there for his family, supports everyone," Klein said. "That’s the best thing you could say: Be humble, be kind.”
Barnhart also received a letter and signed photograph from President Joe Biden to commemorate the birthday.