Soldier Surprises Daughter at Her High School Graduation, and it's So Sweet

A Louisiana high school senior thought she was going to have a good graduation day after years of studying, but it became great when her father, a soldier, surprised her with her diploma. He had been stationed in Kosovo for 1 year, and the 17-year-old had no idea he would be there. When she saw him, she was over-the-moon excited. 

The Sweetest Gift: Soldier Surprises Daughter at High School Graduation

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"This is about the most effort I've ever put in my life," said the girl’s father, Brannavon Ardoin, a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army. 

Brannavon had been planning the surprise for three months. He got special permission from his superiors to leave and even stayed in a nearby town before the graduation to avoid his daughter, Jazlyn Ardoin, seeing him and ruining the surprise. The school was very much in on the surprise. Staff formed a shield in front of him as he walked up to give Jazlyn her diploma. 

He got to be there not only for the ceremony but also to hand her the diploma.

She Was So Excited, She Lost her Shoes

When Jazlyn saw her father in uniform, she ran into his arms and lost her shoes in the process as he lifted her off the ground in a long hug.  

"It was a lot to process at first, like I was just shocked, I was happy," Jazlyn said. "His whole life just basically inspired me. And like all the things that my dad went through, he still pushed through."

She’s Her Dad’s ‘Greatest Accomplishment’

Brannavon says Jazlyn is the greatest thing he has ever accomplished. He’s proud to see her graduate from high school and start her life as an adult. 

What a tremendously touching story! It’s wonderful to see a dad and daughter share a special bond like this one. This is a gift that Jazlyn will never forget. 

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h/t: ABC

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Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.