Dad keeps promise, surprises daughter at 5th grade graduation

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - One student got a big surprise at Heartland Elementary School, in Hardin County, WLKY reports.

Grace Reyes was one of the students celebrating at a graduation ceremony for fifth-graders.

Maj. Julian Reyes promised his daughter he would be back in time for her graduation no matter what.

His command released him early from Korea so he could fulfill that promise Wednesday, and for his daughter, it meant the world.

"It's hard to be without him and it's hard to go through school," she said. As certificates of completion were passed out, Grace was called last.

Unaware of her father's presence, there was a bit of confusion for Grace as the surprise played out.

"I was like, 'What?' I didn't know what they were doing," she said.

Grace also received awards to recognize her attendance and good academic standing.

Reyes will be home for the summer. He is scheduled to deploy to Afghanistan in November.