Army dad returns home to Round Rock to surprise son for kindergarten graduation

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) -- More than 80 young students in Round Rock celebrated a milestone on Wednesday morning: kindergarten graduation.

But for one boy, Ryder, the day was extra special.

When his name was called during Union Hill Elementary's Kindergarten Graduation, Ryder walked onto the stage and came face-to-face with his dad, whom he hadn't seen since last fall.

Ryder's dad, Andrew, has been on deployment with the Army since October. He said he was given a pass to return home for a few days to mark the occasion with his family.

"I'm excited that my command actually let me come home for his graduation," Andrew said, adding that he'd be home just for a few days then "go right back."

Ryder's mom said "it meant the world" to the family.

"This really meant a lot, for him to be able to come home," she said. "Kindergarten graduation is a really big milestone for a kid, so for him to be able to actually be here present for it and not be on FaceTime, really meant the world to Ryder."

Ryder's teacher, Jennifer Harris, helped plan the surprise. She said it took coordination with school administration and staff, and the family, but that it was worth it, and she was "thrilled to see how excited he was."

"He didn't have a clue," Harris said.

"When his dad was going to have to leave to be gone for a little while, it was difficult for Ryder, but he's overcome great things and excelled this year," she said.