Millie McDonald was sure in for a surprise Thursday afternoon as the Greenville High School choral and piano instructor’s 80^th birthday was celebrated with students, teachers and friends.

“Totally surprised,” McDonald said when she realized that a party was being thrown for her.

McDonald has been teaching, in her estimation, between 45-48 years.

When asked why she loves teaching, McDonald said it’s the love she has for her students.

“I want to see them go to college,” she said. “I want to see them be successful.”

Those who may not know, McDonald has 15 pianos in a room just down the hallway where the party was being thrown.

When asked whether she plans on putting the baton down for good, McDonald said she has no intention on it any time soon.

“People have asked when I intend to retire,” she said. “That’ll happen when I fall off of a piano bench.”