When longtime Hays CISD director Leroy Gerdes first saw more than 130 students and alumni set up for a surprise Dec. 21 concert in his backyard, he stumbled upon what was the best kept secret in Buda.

After all, keeping such a large production under wraps was a gargantuan effort. Music had to be quickly rehearsed and the right ambience had to be set up, all without Gerdes’ knowledge.

With the help of volunteers and parents, the performance, meant to honor Gerdes’ years of service to ...