A William B. Ward elementary school teacher got an early 50th birthday surprise from her students and colleagues.

Ann Briscoe's students and colleagues threw a surprise birthday party for her as a way to show their love and appreciation for her.

The party was filled with flowers, balloons and speeches from the partygoers, each echoing positive sentiments about the birthday girl.

"You're one of the most creative and [most fun] teachers I [have] ever met," a student said. "Your class taught me how to be smart and independent, and now it's your day to shine."

Another student said Briscoe is "the best teacher ever."

The fifth-grade teacher shares a class with Matthew Reid. While Briscoe focuses on language arts and social studies, he teaches math and science.

Reid expressed his gratitude for his co-teacher and her spirit.

"You make us all feel so loved," Reid said.

Willam B. Ward principal Franco Miele said the birthday celebration was a no-brainer to throw, as Briscoe has been an essential part of the school for nearly a decade.

"Ann is the true heartbeat of Ward School," Miele said. "She is truly what an educator should be: positive, hard-working, warm."

Now officially half a century old, Briscoe said the approaching day was a little daunting for her.

However, the party made her realize how "amazing" it was "to feel so loved" by her students and community.

"As you get older, you're like 'Ahh I'm no longer 40,'" she said. "To have these smiling faces cheering me on and wishing me a happy birthday makes it so much easier."