Sippican School students erupted into applause and cheers when physical education teacher Joseph Resmini entered the auditorium.

Hired in September of 1981, Resmini will retire this month after 33 years at the school. Friday was "Mr. Resmini Day," and a boisterous and heartfelt farewell showed the longtime educator just how much he was appreciated.

“He has been a friend to all of us, grown ups and children,” Principal Lyn Rivet said. “He’s a very special man who will be our friend forever.”

Staff and students somehow kept the festivities a secret from a teacher known for surprises of his own.

“You’ve been very kind. I’ve loved every moment that I’ve been here,” Resmini said. “I was shocked. You got me today. I didn’t see it coming.”

Students and staff wore sportswear for the day, mimicking the gym teacher’s outfit.

Fifth grade teacher Janice Proc let students know that there’s more to his wardrobe than athletic wear.

“When he was in high school he received a special award. Do you want to know what it was?” Proc asked.

One student was quick to reply: “Class clown?”

“No,” Proc responded. “Best dressed.”

Later, a slideshow featured photographs of Resmini as a child, high schooler and educator. More than a few featured him in a suit and tie.

While the slideshow played, the student chorus, a few band members and some teachers sang a version of “Sweet Caroline” that swapped Neil Diamond’s lyrics (the chorus became “sweet pal o' mine”) for ones about Resmini’s time at Sippican School.

He also received official citations from the Massachusetts State Senate and House of Representatives.

On behalf of the Volunteers at Sippican Elementary, Bonnie Lavoie said a bench would be built and dedicated to Resmini. Lavoie, who was once Resmini's student, said when her son came home from his first day of kindergarten four years ago he was talking all about Resmini.

At Sippican School, it's tradition to place a book in the library dedicated to retiring teachers. Librarian Jessica Barrett said the books are carefully chosen to reflect a teacher's personality.

Barrett chose “The Big Book of Who: ALL-STARS” for Resmini.

“It’s inspiring stories of people who did incredible things, and he has done some incredible things,” Barrett said.

A second book, “Dreaming Big,” was given to the library by Rivet.

"The message is things don't just come to us," said Rivet. "It starts with a dream, but you have to put in the dedication...Mr. Resmini is all about getting up and trying again.”

On behalf of the school, Assistant Principal Sarah Goerges presented a book composed of pages that had thanks and inspirational messages from every single student and staff member.

Resmini addressed the crowd visibly moved from the outpouring of gratitude.

“Students, you’ve given me so much happiness and a bit of pain,” he said, adding that he’s enjoyed watching generations of kids grow up in his classes.

He also thanked his wife Donna who he met while she was a teacher at the school.

“She’s the rock of my life, my soul," he said. "She’s made me the person I’ve been for 30 years.”