Hartford Memorial Middle School students get ready to pose for a photo with Principal John Grant, who is retiring after 29 years at the school, on June 1, 2016, in Hartford, Vt.
Hartford Memorial Middle School students get ready to pose for a photo with Principal John Grant, who is retiring after 29 years at the school, on June 1, 2016, in Hartford, Vt.

Hartford Memorial Middle School students, staff and faculty this morning surprised Principal John Grant, who is retiring after 29 years at the school.

“I was just honored,” Grant said afterward. “It was very sweet.”