Hundreds of students, teachers, parents and, yes, even firemen turned out for a surprise “flash mob” Friday morning at Sierra Madre Elementary School.
Planned by teachers and parents, and rehearsed for weeks ahead of time, what seemed to be an early morning fire drill quickly turned into a massive surprise of song and dance for retiring Principal Gayle Bluemel.
After the rendition of the Beatles' "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da," a visibly emotional Bluemel told the group of performers that she “knew something was up,” but that she had been caught completely unaware by the seemingly impromptu performance. Bluemel thanked the group for their choice of song, shouting in agreement with the refrain, "life goes on."
Bluemel of this year, following more than 20 years at Sierra Madre Elementary and Middle Schools. Her retirement will take effect on June 30, 2011.
For her years of service to the children of Sierra Madre, Bluemel was also recently of the upcoming Fourth of July Parade.
