Father and daughter speak out after emotional reunion at graduation
A Louisiana high school senior received an epic surprise at her graduation, all coordinated by her father and school.
"This is about the most effort I've ever put in my life," Brannavon Ardoin, a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, told ABC News about planning the big reveal for his daughter.
Ardoin coordinated with his 17-year-old daughter Jazlyn's school -- Ville Platte High School in Ville Platte -- and the military to take an early leave and to not just attend his daughter's commencement ceremony but present her with her diploma.
"We actually had a solid three months of planning this whole thing as far as getting approved to leave through the military," said Ardoin.
Once Ardoin arrived back in the U.S., he stayed in a neighboring town because he was so worried he might be spotted and ruin the surprise, he noted.
On the big day, when Jazlyn's name was called at the ceremony, the announcer revealed she would receive her diploma from her father.
In a Facebook video from the event shared by the high school, a surprised Jazlyn can be seen running toward her father and even losing her shoes in excitement in the process, before the father and daughter shared a long, heartfelt hug.
"It was a lot to process at first, like I was just shocked, I was happy," Jazlyn told ABC News.
The high school graduate said sharing her big day with her father, who had been stationed in Kosovo for more than a year, was the best gift she could have received.
"His whole life just basically inspired me," Jazlyn said. "And like all the things that my dad went through, he still pushed through."
Ardoin also noted that he couldn't be more proud to be there for his daughter on her graduation day
"This was my greatest accomplishment," said Ardoin. "I got my daughter through school and now, she gets to start life."
When asked if he had any advice for graduates, Ardoin said they should "always strive to be better today than the day before."
