WEAVERVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A spring chorus concert at North Buncombe High School featured a few more voices than usual during the last song of the night.

NBHS Chorus Director Jeannie Graeme conducted her retirement concert at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 20 after 27 years of teaching at the school.

Dozens of community members, former students and appreciative peers of all ages came to sing “An Irish Blessing” for Graeme, gathering around the bottom of the stage in their black concert attire.

Watch the video of the song and clips from the show:

“That was a song that we used to sing at graduation with Jeannie,” explained Amanda Fields, a 4th grade teacher at Weaverville Elementary School and an NBHS chorus alum. “I thought it would bring it full circle to sing it to her.”

Fields organized the surprise on Facebook, signing over a dozen singers to the cause and inviting over two hundred more. According to the former chorus student, that was only a fraction of the people Graeme had impacted during her time at NBHS.

“Everyone loves Jeannie,” Fields said. “Some words to describe her that I keep seeing over and over again are impact, unforgettable, dedication and incredible memories.”

More than a few members of the audience were wiping away tears during the show, even before “An Irish Blessing” was presented below the stage.

“It’s just really sweet that even though you were her four years, her impact just goes on for such a long time,” Fields said. “Even though it’s on a Tuesday night, everyone wants to be there to rally around Jeannie one final time.”

Fields also invited attendees to bring a flower to collect into an eclectic bouquet for Graeme. The flowers were as varied as the stories and accolades Fields could attribute to her former teacher.

“She’s so professional, but she also knows how to have fun and be personal. She even hosted a baby shower for a student who was expecting and celebrated her and made her feel valued,” Fields recalled. “She’s just an amazing person and there’s so many memories. It’s hard to say just one.”

Graeme gave a brief interview after the concert.

“It feels amazing right now and a little surreal,” Graeme said. “I had such a wonderful last concert and I had so much fun.”

As far as what comes next?

“We have a few more school things,” Graeme smiled. “Then I’m taking a month-long trip to Italy.”