After 38 years at Marian, there's little that can surprise Jack Malarkey.

There was a look of genuine amazement on Malarkey's face, however, as he gazed into a gymnasium full of students and teachers gathered to honor him with a surprise reception.The faculty and students of the Hometown parochial school took the opportunity to honor "Mr. Marian" with gifts and affection on the occasion of his retirement as principal at the end of June.Malarkey told the standing-room-only gymnasium crowd, "It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you, and every day has been a special day because God has given me the opportunity to give to others."