One Newington middle student got a birthday surprise this year thanks to his school community.
Ryan Alexander is a special needs student at Kellogg Middle School in Newington and Tuesday was his 14th birthday.
"The school wanted to give back and find a special way to celebrate his two favorite things-- Marty the Lion and anything to do with security and police-- and we gave him both of those things," Principal Jason Lambert said.
To celebrate, the school’s security officer drove Ryan to school.
"Ryan has been asking me for a long time for a ride in my cruiser so I asked for his parents’ permission," Security Officer Wayne Corriveau said. "They said absolutely. I thought what better day than today on his birthday."
Ryan was thrilled.
"He was totally surprised," Ryan’s mom, Amy Alexander, said. "He didn’t know anything was happening. I told him there was a surprise, but when Mr. Corriveau pulled in he was like, 'Guard!' He went right out, jumped in the car and basically didn’t say goodbye to us he was so excited."
The school’s mascot, Marty the Lion, and dozens of students greeted Ryan when he arrived at the school and sang "Happy Birthday" to the teen.
"If you’re having a bad day, all you have to do is run past Ryan," Corriveau said. "Your bad day will turn into an awesome day."
